Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) assess a site's ecological value as the initial step in evaluating its ecological significance.
The goal is to document the species and habitat types present, as well as identifying potential for protected or otherwise importance species or habitats to be impacted by works. This assessment informs any necessary avoidance measures, mitigation, compensation or enhancements that may be required ahead of works starting.
Reports are generated through desk studies and field surveys, researching historical data and conducting on-site habitat mapping and documentation of features. If a PEA determines that important species or habitats may be impacted, further survey work may be recommended, which can then be carried out by our technical, licensed experts.
The larger eight-toothed European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) is considered a serious pest on spruce and was first discovered in the UK in Kent, in 2018. If left uncontrolled, it poses a serious threat to Britain's forestry industry.
Following ongoing surveillance further findings of Ips typographus have since been confirmed, resulting in a demarcated area covering much of the south East of England. Within the demarcated area strict restrictions are in place that prevent the felling and movement of spruce wood, bark and branches without authorisation.
Work is now being carried out in an effort to eradicate this beetle by removing spruce from areas at risk of infestation.
We are currently undertaking the proactive removal of spruce from within the demarcated area for private and public landowners, before the trees become infected, or if the landowner has received a Statutory Plant Health Notice (SPHN), which can adversely affect the value and restrict the timing of the operation.
Having well-established relationships with the Forestry Commission, as well as agreements in place with authorised processors, we are able offer a complete service that covers the felling, extraction and marketing of your spruce, ensuring that you receive the best commercial return possible.
We can also help with grant applications to reclaim some of the costs involved in felling and restocking your woodland.
After taking some details in regards to your woodland we will arrange a site visit to appraise the standing timber and site constraints and hazards. We will also notify the Forestry Commision and arrange a Plant Health inspection to determine the presence (or absence of) of the beetle.
We have arrangements in place with a number of authorised processors situated within the demarcated area, allowing us to offer your timber to multiple buyers and outlets.
We will submit a formal valuation offer based on the findings of the site visit, as well as the quantity and quality of timber.
If the offer is accepted then we will prepare the site for temporary or permanent access to allow for efficient harvesting.
We work with the aim of optimising the value of your timber, and will cut a range of products, subject to timber quality, size, volume and any SPHN requirements.
As part of our service, we will handle the dispatch of all harvested material to the authorised processors.
Following harvesting operations we will prepare the site and select suitable species to achieve a thriving healthy woodland that is suited to the landscape, soils and our changing climate.
Our team can assist you in creating, planning, and managing your woodland's future, leaving behind a woodland that is fit for purpose, and for the benefit of future generations.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) assess a site's ecological value as the initial step in evaluating its ecological significance.
The goal is to document the species and habitat types present, as well as identifying potential for protected or otherwise importance species or habitats to be impacted by works. This assessment informs any necessary avoidance measures, mitigation, compensation or enhancements that may be required ahead of works starting.
Reports are generated through desk studies and field surveys, researching historical data and conducting on-site habitat mapping and documentation of features. If a PEA determines that important species or habitats may be impacted, further survey work may be recommended, which can then be carried out by our technical, licensed experts.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) assess a site's ecological value as the initial step in evaluating its ecological significance.
The goal is to document the species and habitat types present, as well as identifying potential for protected or otherwise importance species or habitats to be impacted by works. This assessment informs any necessary avoidance measures, mitigation, compensation or enhancements that may be required ahead of works starting.
Reports are generated through desk studies and field surveys, researching historical data and conducting on-site habitat mapping and documentation of features. If a PEA determines that important species or habitats may be impacted, further survey work may be recommended, which can then be carried out by our technical, licensed experts.
In a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), the desk study is undertaken to provide background data for the appraisal and to inform survey focus. It involves gathering records and data on specific sites, including protected and notable species, as well as information on statutory and non-statutory designated sites from the local biological records centre. An online search is also conducted to gather further background data on internationally and nationally designated sites within the local area. Additionally, the desk study may include a review of records and data from sources such as Local Plans and satellite imagery.
Field surveys are carried out as part of Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) and involve visiting a site to map and identify the habitats present, record plant species, and assess the site's potential for hosting protected and priority species. The botanical side of the field survey is typically conducted using the UK Habitat Classification (UKHab) or the JNCC extended Phase 1 habitat survey method. The field survey may also include initial recommendations regarding measures to avoid and mitigate any impacts a project may have on biodiversity and on particular species or species groups, whether positive or negative.
The data from the desk study and field survey are then used alongside professional judgement and experience to evaluate the likelihood of protected species being present, identify habitats of principal importance within site, and review designated sites within the zone of influence of the site to understand the potential impacts resulting from the proposed project.
The conclusions are then presented in the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) report , which includes an executive summary, introduction, methods, results and interpretation, potential impacts and recommendations.
Further ecological surveys may be required following a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) if it identifies specific issues, such as the likely presence of protected species or priority species or habitats. These surveys provide more detailed information on which species or habitats are present and facilitate a more detailed assessment of the legal issues and the potential impacts of the works on particular species. They also provide the detailed mitigation recommendations needed to complete the project in line with current legislation, and to give the best outcomes for the species and habitats on site.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) assess a site's ecological value as the initial step in evaluating its ecological significance.
The goal is to document the species and habitat types present, as well as identifying potential for protected or otherwise importance species or habitats to be impacted by works. This assessment informs any necessary avoidance measures, mitigation, compensation or enhancements that may be required ahead of works starting.
Reports are generated through desk studies and field surveys, researching historical data and conducting on-site habitat mapping and documentation of features. If a PEA determines that important species or habitats may be impacted, further survey work may be recommended, which can then be carried out by our technical, licensed experts.