Ecologists in the UK

Browse 536 verified ecologists across the UK. Get quotes for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, Biodiversity Gain Plan, BNG Assessment and more.

536 verified ecologists across the UK on The Planning Review.

What does a ecologist do?

An ecologist assesses the ecological value of a development site and ensures that proposals comply with wildlife legislation and planning policy. In the context of UK planning applications, ecologists carry out habitat surveys, search for protected species, evaluate the impact of development on biodiversity, and design mitigation and compensation measures where harm is unavoidable. Their reports are a validation requirement for most applications where ecological impacts are possible.

The role has expanded significantly since the Environment Act 2021 made Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) mandatory for most developments in England from February 2024. Ecologists now routinely carry out baseline habitat assessments using the statutory biodiversity metric, prepare biodiversity gain plans, and advise on how developments can deliver a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity units. This requirement applies to almost all planning applications under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, with limited exemptions for small sites, self-build, and householder applications.

Beyond BNG, ecologists are essential when a site may support protected species such as bats, great crested newts, badgers, nesting birds, or reptiles. If protected species are confirmed, the ecologist designs mitigation strategies and, where necessary, applies for European Protected Species (EPS) licences from Natural England. Their work is governed by strict seasonal survey windows — bat activity surveys, for example, can only be carried out between May and September — which makes early instruction critical to avoiding costly project delays.

When do you need a ecologist?

  • The development site contains or is adjacent to trees, hedgerows, buildings, ponds, watercourses, or other habitats that could support protected species
  • The LPA has requested an ecological survey as a validation requirement or pre-commencement condition
  • The site is within or adjacent to a designated site — Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Local Wildlife Site (LWS), or ancient woodland
  • You are demolishing or converting a building that could support roosting bats
  • The development will result in the loss or disturbance of any semi-natural habitat
  • Biodiversity Net Gain requirements apply to the development (most applications since February 2024)
  • The site has ponds within 500 metres and great crested newts may be present
  • Trees or hedgerows on or adjacent to the site may be used by nesting birds or bats
  • You are applying for planning permission on a greenfield site
  • The local authority ecologist has objected or requested further information on a current application

Services you can get local quotes for

  • Bat Mitigation
  • Bat Supervision
  • Bat Surveys
  • Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessment
  • Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)
  • Ecological Survey
  • Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)
  • Invasive Species Management
  • Invasive Species Survey
  • Protected Species Survey

Frequently asked questions

How much does an ecological survey cost?

A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) for a typical development site costs between £500 and £1,500 depending on site size and complexity. Phase 2 protected species surveys are additional: bat emergence/re-entry surveys cost around £400 to £800 per survey visit (with a minimum of two visits required), and a full suite of bat surveys for a building or tree can cost £1,500 to £3,500. Great crested newt eDNA testing costs approximately £350 to £700 per pond. A biodiversity net gain assessment and gain plan typically costs between £1,000 and £3,000 for a standard site. For major developments requiring a full Ecological Impact Assessment, fees of £5,000 to £15,000 or more are common.

How long does the process take?

The timeline is heavily influenced by seasonal survey windows. A PEA can be carried out at any time of year and is typically completed within 2 to 3 weeks. However, if Phase 2 surveys are required, the timeline extends significantly. Bat surveys can only be conducted between May and September; great crested newt surveys between mid-April and June; reptile surveys between April and September. If you instruct an ecologist in autumn or winter and bat surveys are needed, the project may be delayed until the following spring. For this reason, it is strongly advisable to commission ecological work as early as possible — ideally before the planning application is designed in detail.

What is Biodiversity Net Gain and does it apply to my project?

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a requirement under the Environment Act 2021 for developments in England to deliver a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity value compared to the pre-development baseline. It has been mandatory for most major applications since February 2024 and for small sites since April 2024. Exemptions include householder applications, self-build developments, and developments affecting a de minimis area of habitat. The biodiversity value is calculated using the statutory biodiversity metric, and the gain must be maintained for at least 30 years through a habitat management and monitoring plan.

Can I do the ecological survey at any time of year?

A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal can be carried out at any time of year, although spring and summer visits provide the most information about habitats. However, Phase 2 protected species surveys are constrained by seasonal windows. Bat activity surveys are valid between May and September. Great crested newt eDNA surveys must be conducted between mid-April and the end of June. Reptile surveys require suitable weather conditions between April and September. Dormouse surveys using nest tubes typically require a full season (May to November). Planning your ecological work around these windows is essential to avoid delays of up to 12 months.

What happens if protected species are found on my site?

Finding protected species does not necessarily prevent development, but it does trigger additional requirements. The ecologist will design a mitigation strategy to avoid, minimise, and compensate for any impact on the species. Where impacts on European Protected Species (such as bats or great crested newts) are unavoidable, a derogation licence from Natural England is required before works can proceed. The licence application must demonstrate that there is no satisfactory alternative, that the development is in the overriding public interest, and that the species' conservation status will be maintained. The licensing process typically takes 6 to 8 weeks.

Legal and regulatory framework

  • Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
  • Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
  • Environment Act 2021
  • NPPF Chapter 15
  • NERC Act 2006 (Section 41)
  • Protection of Badgers Act 1992
  • CIEEM Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment

Professional accreditations

  • Bat Conservation Trust
  • Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
  • Natural England
  • Society for the Environment

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