Protected species surveys

If the PEA flags potential, targeted surveys follow. The species we most commonly assess for Leicestershire developments are:

• Bats — roost assessments and emergence surveys (see our dedicated bat surveys page)
• Great crested newts — pond and terrestrial habitat assessment, eDNA and, where needed, population surveys
• Badgers — setts and foraging habitat
• Nesting birds — including timing works to avoid the nesting season
• Reptiles — slow-worms, grass snakes and common lizards in suitable habitat

Great crested newts & your development

Great crested newts are strictly protected, and their presence is one of the most common ecological issues that catches developers out. If there is a pond within roughly 250–500 m of your site, the planning authority may ask for a newt assessment — increasingly using eDNA water testing in spring, which is a fast, cost-effective first step. Finding newts doesn’t necessarily stop a scheme; it changes the timing and may require a District Level Licensing approach or mitigation, which we can advise on.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Since 2024, most new development in England must deliver a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain, measured with the statutory biodiversity metric. In practice that means surveying the site’s existing habitats early (a baseline), then designing in enough new or enhanced habitat to clear the 10% threshold. Getting the baseline done at the right time of year keeps your options open and your costs down.

Ecology FAQs