Protected Species Surveys

Full survey capability for bats, great crested newts, reptiles, badgers, dormice, breeding birds, otters and water voles, with early advice to reduce delays and support informed design.

Protected Species Surveys

Trusted by

Avant Homes

Coreus

Dalcour Maclaren

Devon County Council

Ethical Power

Forestry England

Gilpin Demolition Group

Harron Homes

National Trust

Norse Group

PAFC

Plymouth City Council

South Hams District Council

South Tyneside Council

South West Water

Teinbridge Council

West Devon Borough Council

Westcountry Schools Trust

Early insight, expert surveys, and clear advice to keep your project on track

If your site includes habitats such as trees, hedgerows, ponds, grassland, or watercourses - or if your project involves building demolition - there’s a chance it could impact legally protected species. That’s where we come in.

At Burton Reid, we offer full protected species survey capability, from initial assessments to detailed follow-up surveys, helping you stay compliant, avoid delays, and design with nature in mind.

When Are Protected Species Surveys Needed?

Protected species surveys are usually triggered when:

Your site contains habitats with potential to support protected species
You're working in or near woodland, ponds, rivers, hedgerows, or grassland
Your planning authority or ecologist recommends further survey effort after a PEA
You’re working in known ecological hotspots or statutory designated areas

Surveys are often seasonally constrained, so early advice is essential to avoid bottlenecks later in the planning process.

Our Survey Capability

We carry out protected species surveys in accordance with the latest guidance and licensing standards, including:

Bats

Daytime inspections, nocturnal activity surveys, and roost characterisation surveys.

Great Crested Newts

Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessments, eDNA testing, and population estimate surveys during the spring season.

Reptiles

Presence/absence surveys using artificial refugia, with mitigation and translocation planning where needed.

Badgers

Sett identification, activity monitoring, and mitigation planning in accordance with Natural England licensing guidance, including sett exclusion.

Hazel Dormice

Nest tube surveys and habitat assessments, with full mitigation and licensing support for affected sites.

Breeding Birds

Nesting bird checks and targeted surveys for Schedule 1 species, with mitigation plans to minimise disturbance.

Otters & Water Voles

Surveys for signs of activity and habitat use along watercourses, including mitigation planning where needed.

Why Early Surveys Matter

We understand how frustrating it can be to learn about protected species constraints late in the planning process. That’s why we prioritise early, proportionate advice - so you can:

Avoid seasonal delays by planning survey effort in advance
Reduce risk of unexpected licensing costs
Inform design choices early, saving time and money later
Build credibility with planning authorities through clear, evidence-based reporting