Need a Protected Species Survey?

UK Protected Species

Protected species surveys are a critical part of the planning and development process across the UK. Whether you are proposing a small residential extension, converting an agricultural building, or delivering a large-scale development, the presence (or potential presence) of legally protected species can significantly influence whether planning permission is granted and how works must be carried out.

This page provides a complete guide to protected species surveys, from what protected species are and why they matter, to when surveys are required, how they are undertaken, and how they support planning applications.

With development projects anywhere in the UK, it is highly likely that protected species will need to be considered. Local planning authorities are legally required to take the natural environment into account when assessing planning applications and this includes the potential impact on protected animals and plants.

If there is no clear evidence that ecological considerations have been addressed, planning applications can be delayed or refused outright. In many cases, the absence of protected species surveys leads to additional costs, delays and avoidable redesigns.

Seeking professional advice from experienced ecological consultants at an early stage ensures that your proposed development aligns with relevant legislation, satisfies planning requirements and progresses smoothly through the planning process.

What Are Protected Species?

Protected species are animals and plants that are safeguarded by law due to their ecological importance, declining populations, or vulnerability to disturbance and habitat loss.

In the UK, species protection is primarily governed by:

• Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
• Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017

These laws originate from the Habitats Directive and define which species are classed as European Protected Species (EPS), as well as those protected at a national level.

Protected species legislation makes it an offence to kill, injure, capture, disturb, or damage the breeding or resting places of certain species without appropriate mitigation measures or licensing.

What Species Are Protected Under UK Environmental Law?

UK environmental law covers a wide range of species, from mammals and birds to plants, aquatic species, invertebrates, fungi, and lichens. While all wild birds are protected, the most critical species in planning terms are those listed under:

• The Wildlife and Countryside Act
• European Protected Species (EPS) legislation

Species listed under these frameworks are considered to be of principal importance, often due to small, fragmented, or declining populations.

Examples of Protected Species

Protected species in the UK fall into several broad categories:

Amphibians and Reptiles

• Adders
• Great crested newts
• Natterjack toads

Birds

• All wild birds
• Barn owls

Invertebrates

• Freshwater pearl mussel
• Stag beetle
• White-clawed crayfish

Mammals

• All bat species
• Hazel dormouse
• Red squirrel
• Water vole

Marine Species

• Basking sharks
• Common sturgeon
• Vendace

Plants, Fungi, and Lichens

• Bluebell
• Fen orchid
• Lady’s slipper orchid

This is not an exhaustive list, and many other species receive legal protection. Where there is any uncertainty, professional ecological advice should always be sought.

Why Is It Important to Protect Endangered Species?

Protecting endangered and threatened species is essential to maintaining a healthy, resilient natural environment across the UK.

From an ecological perspective, protecting species helps achieve favourable conservation status, ensuring that populations can survive and thrive in the long term. From a planning perspective, developers have a biodiversity duty to ensure that their projects do not cause unlawful harm to wildlife.

Benefits of Protecting Endangered Species

The special protection afforded to ecosystems and species provides benefits far beyond wildlife conservation alone. These include:

• Cleaner air and water
• Healthier ecosystems that support agriculture and forestry
• Improved flood management and climate resilience
• Enhanced quality of life for communities

Ecological work can also deliver positive change by:

• Creating alternative habitats for displaced wildlife
• Enhancing damaged or degraded habitats
• Preserving aquatic habitat
• Supporting the survival of veteran and ancient trees

How Are Endangered Species Protected?

All protected species services should be delivered by suitably qualified and licensed ecologists who work in accordance with statutory and industry best practice guidance. This involves strict adherence to legislation, regulatory frameworks, and instructions from statutory bodies.

Key Laws Protecting Endangered Species

• Protection of Badgers Act 1992
• Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
• The Habitats Regulations
• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)

Organisations Responsible for Species Protection

• Natural England
• Natural Resources Wales
• NatureScot
• Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)
• Local Planning Authorities
• Relevant statutory bodies (such as the Environment Agency)

What Is a Protected Species Survey?

Also known as a habitat or species-specific survey, a protected species survey is a structured ecological assessment carried out to determine whether a particular protected species is present, likely to be present, or its likely absence from a site.

The process typically begins with an assessment of habitat suitability. Habitat surveys are followed by targeted survey work where appropriate. Surveys may be required due to:

• Evidence of wildlife on-site
• Advice or requirements from the local planning authority
• Historical records of species presence
• Findings from an earlier ecology survey, such as a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)

Examples of Protected Species Surveys

A wide range of protected species surveys can be undertaken, including:

• Badger surveys
• Barn owl surveys
• Bat surveys (Preliminary Roost Assessments and Bat Emergence and Re-entry Surveys)
• Bird surveys (breeding bird surveys, nesting bird checks, wintering bird surveys)
• Dormouse surveys
• Invertebrate surveys (aquatic and terrestrial)
• Great crested newt surveys
• Otter surveys
• Red squirrel surveys
• Reptile surveys
• Water vole surveys
• White-clawed crayfish surveys

Each survey type follows species-specific guidance and methodologies.

When Are Protected Species Surveys Required?

Local planning authorities will usually request protected species surveys before determining a planning application for proposed development works if there is a reasonable likelihood that protected species are present.

Surveys are commonly triggered where development may affect:

• Older buildings and structures
• Woodland, hedgerows and dense vegetation
• Ponds, rivers, streams and wetlands

Site Features That Often Trigger Surveys

• Agricultural buildings
• Pre-1914 or pre-1960 buildings
• Derelict structures with weatherboarding or hanging tiles
• Barns, cellars, tunnels, underground ducts and other structures that could support a bat roost
• Caves, mines and ice houses
• Lines of trees or hedgerows connected to woodland or water
• Military fortifications and air raid shelters

Surveying Protected Species

Protected species surveys must be carried out in line with best practice guidelines and during appropriate seasonal windows.

Key considerations include:

• Undertaking surveys at the correct time of year
• Using appropriate survey methods
• Designing proportionate mitigation strategies
• Producing compliant ecological reports
• Meeting licence conditions where required

Protected Species Survey Process

1. Desk Study

A review of existing ecological data, records and mapping to identify known or historical presence of protected species in the survey area.

2. Field Work

A site visit to carry out a habitat assessment and identify the likely presence of protected species. Experienced ecologists may carry out species-specific assessments such as Habitat Suitability Index calculations.

3. Targeted Survey Methods

Specific techniques are used for a particular species where appropriate, such as:

• Preliminary roost assessments for bats and barn owls
• Bottle trapping, water samples and environmental DNA testing for newts
• Artificial refugia for reptiles
• Feeding station checks for water voles
• Nest tubes for dormice
• Bait marking surveys for badgers

Protected Species Survey Reports

All protected species surveys conclude with the production of a detailed ecological report.

These reports are considered a material planning consideration and typically include:

• Survey methods and timing
• Results and interpretation
• Assessment of potential impacts
• Mitigation measures: a mitigation plan will contain compensation measures
• Recommendations for protected species mitigation licences or further surveys

The purpose of the report is to support planning approval for a development proposal and provide the local authority with clear, professional ecological advice.

European Protected Species Licences

Where development is likely to impact a European Protected Species, a mitigation licence may be required.

Formally known as a European Protected Species Licence (EPSL), this allows otherwise unlawful activities to proceed under strict conditions where a project is in the public interest and no satisfactory alternatives exist.

Licensing authorities include Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, NatureScot, and the NIEA, depending on location. In some cases, district-level licensing schemes may offer a streamlined alternative, particularly for great crested newts.

Timing your Survey: the Protected Species Calendar

Seasonal constraints are a key consideration for protected species surveys. While some surveys can be carried out year round, many surveys can only be undertaken during specific times of year, depending on breeding season constraints, species behaviour and weather conditions.

For example:

• Breeding birds bird surveys typically run from spring to summer
• Bat activity surveys take place from May to September
• Reptile and amphibian surveys are restricted to warmer months

Planning ahead and booking surveys early is essential to avoid delays. Survey costs will depend on site size, development scale, the number of surveyors required and survey duration and complexity.

Engage Experienced Ecological Consultants for your Protected Species Survey

Identify an experienced consultancy that offers a full range of protected species services and employs ecologists who hold the required qualifications and licences and have the practical expertise to deliver high-quality protected species surveys.

All work must be carried out in accordance with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, ensuring consistency, compliance with industry standards and professional integrity.

It’s helpful if consultants can remain involved throughout the process, offering further information and expert advice, from initial assessment to mitigation, licensing and post-development monitoring.

With expert guidance, you can meet your planning obligations, support protected species and obtain a development licence if necessary. This will ensure compliance with protected species law before works begin, allowing you to progress your development with confidence.