Ecology and Arboricultural

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Service Overview

At The Syntegra Group, our ecological consultants provide an extensive range of ecology assessments, arboricultural surveys and habitat survey reports to provide you with all the tools and information needed to optimise ecological value and meet the planning requirements of your development.

Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)

A PEA incorporates a desk-top study, a Phase 1 Habitat Survey and previously described as ‘baseline survey’, ‘walkover survey’, or ‘ecological scoping survey’ techniques.

As part of the PEA it is recommended that a data search is requested from the local records centre to inform of any known records of protected species and known statutory and non-statutory sites within a radius of the site. The records help inform the survey and recommendations. The walkover survey notes all habitats and ecological features of interest, which are categorised using the Phase 1 habitat survey method (JNCC, 2010).

Depending on the site, the PEA report can also identify mitigation and enhancement measures, although these often require the results of further, species-specific surveys. A number of native species are protected by law, making it illegal to kill or disturb a protected species or damage its habitat.

Ecological Surveys for BREEAM assessments

The Syntegra Group’s Ecological consultants provide everything you need to earn BREEAM LE4-6 credits for your development with simple, practical actions for ecological enhancement. From initial scoping and site visits, to demonstrate how to maximise the ecological value of your development.

Protected Species Surveys

The need for further protected species surveys is normally highlighted during the PEA survey. Phase 2 surveys enable appropriate mitigation to be designed, licences to be applied for, and the implementation of works. Phase 2 surveys are time sensitive, therefore please refer to our ‘Survey Calendar’ for further information.

Bat Surveys
Great Crested Newts
Nesting Birds
Barn Owl
Reptile
Badgers
Water vole/ otter

We are also able to undertake specialist Entomology & Botanical surveys

Arboricultural services

Any planning application that may affect tree(s) is required to include a tree report that assesses the impact of the proposed development on the local tree cover. Reports for this purpose must be carried out in accordance with BS5837:2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations. Syntegra provides a comprehensive BS5837 (trees in relation to design, demolition and construction) advice service to developers, planners, architects, engineers, designers, landscape architects, and land agents.

Services we offer to assist with planning applications:

Tree Surveys- BS5837
Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)
Tree Protection Plans
Arboricultural Method Statement

Invasive Weed assessment

Invasive weeds such as Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed are found during PEA Surveys and identified as a potential constraint.

It is illegal to plant or allow the spread of plant species listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).

Services we offer:

Invasive Weed assessment Surveys and Reports
Invasive Weed Treatment

Landscape Design & Mitigation

Syntegra’s ecologists work closely with our clients to help guide them through the planning process in line with the requirements of The National Planning Policy Framework. We offer bespoke mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures for each project.