Ecological Impact Assessment (ECIA)

An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) is a detailed process used to identify, evaluate and manage the potential effects of a development on habitats and species.

It goes beyond an initial screening or Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) and provides a more in-depth assessment of how a proposed scheme might impact biodiversity during both construction and operation.

An EcIA draws together baseline survey information, relevant legislation and policy, predicted impacts, mitigation and enhancement measures, and a final evaluation of the overall residual effects on ecology.

The outcome is a robust, planning-ready report that sits comfortably within a wider Environmental Impact Assessment where required, or as a standalone ecology chapter for significant but non-EIA developments.

An EcIA is typically required where a project has the potential to cause more than minor ecological effects. This may include larger residential developments, strategic land allocations, infrastructure schemes, or sites that support particularly valuable habitats or protected species.

EcIA is often requested by local planning authorities when a PEA and follow-on surveys show a likelihood of notable impacts on designated sites, priority habitats, or populations of protected species, or where Biodiversity Net Gain and wider policy requirements need to be addressed in detail.

It is also used where ecology forms a defined technical chapter within a formal Environmental Statement. If you are unsure whether your project needs an EcIA, we can review your proposals, existing survey data and planning feedback and advise on the most proportionate level of assessment.

Our EcIA service starts with a thorough review of all available ecological information for the site and surrounding area. This includes existing PEAs, protected species surveys, desk studies, historic data and any previous planning documents. Where necessary, we design and commission additional surveys to provide a complete and up-to-date baseline for habitats and species.

Using recognised assessment methodologies, we then evaluate the importance of ecological receptors, predict the likely impacts of the proposed development at different stages, and assess their significance in a transparent, structured way.

From there, we develop practical mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures that are realistic for your scheme, as well as any necessary monitoring proposals. These measures might include retaining and buffering key habitats, creating new habitats, timing works to avoid sensitive periods, or providing specific features for protected species such as bats and birds.

All of this is presented in a clear EcIA report or ecology chapter that sets out methods, baseline conditions, impact assessment, mitigation and enhancement strategy, and residual effects once mitigation has been taken into account. Where relevant, the EcIA also ties into Biodiversity Net Gain calculations, management plans and other technical disciplines such as landscape, drainage and arboriculture.

Our approach to EcIA is firmly planning-focused and solution-led. We understand that ecology is one of several technical constraints and that your priority is to secure permission while delivering a viable scheme.

We therefore work to recognised professional standards and legislation, but always with a practical mindset. We explain clearly how and why impacts arise, which features are genuinely sensitive and which are of more limited importance, and what can be done to avoid, reduce or compensate for those impacts.

Throughout the process we communicate in plain English, keep design teams and project managers informed, and aim to influence the scheme positively rather than simply reacting at the end.

By bringing ecology into the design and decision-making process at the right time, an EcIA can help reduce risk, support a smoother planning negotiation and demonstrate clear ecological benefits alongside unavoidable impacts.

If you have been asked for a ECIA, we can help.

When you contact us, please include the site address and postcode, a brief description of your proposal, any planning reference or ecology-related comments from your local authority and an idea of your timescales or key deadlines.

We will review the information and provide clear advice and a fixed-fee quote for your ECIA ecology survey.