Many ecological surveys can only be undertaken during certain times of the year, which can create costly delays for development activities. The table below lists the most common ecological surveys undertaken and highlights the typically acceptable and optimal survey months.

Survey

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Phase 1 Habitat Survey

BREEAM and EcoHomes

Hedgerows

Flowering plants

White-clawed crayfish

Great crested newts (pond survey)

Great crested newts (terrestrial survey)

Reptiles

Birds (breeding)

Birds (migrating)

Birds (wintering)

Dormice (nest tubes)

Dormice (nut search)

Water vole

Bats (building inspection for roosts)

Bats (tree inspection for roosts)

Bats (roost emergence/re-entry)

Badger

Otter