Protected species surveys
Protected species are mainly protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. Penalties for breach of legislation can potentially be severe. Local authorities often request specific surveys for certain protected species or species groups. For instance if rough grass or scrub is present on site it is highly likely that a request for a reptile survey would be made. Similarly, if old or disused buildings or mature trees are present a request for bat surveying is likely. Ecological Sustainability are able to carry out the following surveys for protected species: