Aardvark project

Ecology/Habitat Surveys

Location: Somerset, Devon and Dorset.	Client: Housing Association, Developers, Private
Date: Ongoing	Sector: Environment

Green field and houses

An assessment of the existing flora and fauna and identifying conservational importance
Identifying any evidence of protected species and species of ecological value
Identifying any environmental designations of the site
Assessment for compliance with BREEAM and EcoHomes criteria.

Aardvark have undertaken ecological surveys of several development sites in Somerset, Devon and Dorset (residential and commercial)
Phase 1 Habitat Surveying is used as it is a standardised system for classifying and mapping wildlife habitats in all parts of Great Britain, including urban areas. Phase 1 surveys provide a record of the seminatural vegetation and wildlife habitat based principally on the vegetation of the sites
Phase 1 Habitat Surveys comprise a site investigation, the boundaries and immediate surrounding area are also surveyed
In addition a desk top survey of each site is carried out using historic data from the local environment records centre to identify any other relevant ecological or environmental factors for each site
Where an initial survey of the site shows evidence of any protected species, specific further surveys are also carried out to ensure that all obligations set out in The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 have been fulfilled
Aardvark EM Ltd. are registered Ecological Surveyors for the purposes of compliance with BREEAM and EcoHomes ratings.