Southern ecological surveys serve as the foundation for site design and impact assessment. Most ecological surveys are specifically designed for achieving results which are quite effective and intelligently balanced in proportionate to regulations, guidelines and impact. A good ecological survey offers a complete outline view of an area while it was being surveyed. Main purpose of ecological surveys is:
- Documenting the differences between vegetation of sections of an area which are managed differently.
- Observing the changes that have taken place in each section year after year. The changes generally take place due to the result of management regimes used in the project area. Changes are also likely to occur due to environmental conditions prevalent in the preceding years.
Items Included in an Ecological Survey
The basic purpose of southern ecological surveys is ascertaining whether development will have an impact on the biodiversity value and the habitat of a particular area. In case the proposals have a certain impact, mitigation strategies are included in the planning proposal. The failure to compensate or mitigate as and when required, can pose detrimental effects on the planning application. Ecological surveys carried out in the southern parts of the world focus on some of the most important areas that have been detailed below:
- Mapping of the broad habitats that have been subdivided as suitable for highlighting important habitat changes on the site.
- Identifying the dominant and the native species of plants which are observable during the survey.
- Assessment of protected species habitat.
- Assessment of biodiversity action plan species habitat.
- Survey of building and trees that can be affected
- Assessment of invertebrate habitat
Are there Other Ecological Surveys Required?
Depending on planned development and site location, several desk studies might be required. Potential impacts on the locally protected sites are also considered and they are noted in the report for southern ecological surveys. If the development site proposed in the survey possesses ecological value and protected species are suspected or indicated, desk studies will normally be undertaken for checking the local records of species that occur in close proximity.
Why is an Ecological Survey required for a Development Site?
Most development projects have the potential of impacting local biodiversity in some way or the other with some small household applications being an exception. This might be through habitat loss or through reduction in habitat value and their ability of supporting species which are dependent on them. The main purpose of an ecological survey is examining the species and the habitats existing at a particular site prior to the submission of planning application. This ensures that the LPA or the local planning authority possesses adequate information for making the right decision in regards to the fact that wildlife can easily be protected from disturbance or injury during the development phase. The authority also makes sure that there will be no adverse effect on local biodiversity because of development plans and their implementation. Carrying out the most effective ecological survey of an area ensures that both the applicant and the developer are made aware of ecological constraints of a site at a very early stage.