Phase 1 Surveys

An important first step to any planning, development and conservation project, the Phase 1 Survey (Ph1S)* is used to inform decisions as to whether a project has potential to effect important and protected wildlife and habitats and what this may mean for the project.

Phase 1 Surveys should be the first step, with regard to ecology, when undertaking any planning or development project and should be undertaken as close to the start of a project as possible.

Phase 1 Surveys use historic ecological records, habitat maps and site visits to evaluate the importance of any ecological features present (or those that could be present), identify presence or likely absence of protected species and habitats, provide guidance on legal obligations and advice on further ecological actions to progress developments and projects.

When commissioned at an early stage Phase 1 Surveys are key to informing if there are any potential ecological constraints or opportunities for a project and can be used to agree the appropriate scope of any subsequent ecological assessments with regulators, such as local planning authorities.

All Phase 1 Surveys should be conducted in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, unless there is a suitably reason for not doing so, and this combines a desk based study and field survey of the project by an experience and qualified ecologist.

As well as being the first stage of an ecological assessment, the Phase 1 Survey can form the baseline upon which further detailed species and habitat surveys, site management plans and ecological and environmental impact assessments are based. Phase 1 Surveys can also be adapted to maximise the ecological credits under BREEAM or Code for Sustainable Homes accreditation, used as a supporting document to a Parkland Management Plan under the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme and used selection process for preferred options in developments and land allocation in local development plans.

The experienced team at HalpinRobbins undertake Phase 1 Surveys on a regular basis and can help you develop and progress your projects. For an better idea about our projects and work involving Phase 1 Surveys see our case studies or contact us to discuss your project.