Elite Ecology Services Glossary

Elite Ecology provides a comprehensive range of ecological, arboricultural, environmental, and land-based surveys to support planning applications, development projects, land management, and conservation across the UK.

This glossary explains the specialist services and survey types referenced throughout our website, helping clients, developers, architects, and local authorities understand what each assessment involves and when it may be required.

A

Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)

A detailed assessment that evaluates how proposed development may affect existing trees. It identifies constraints, protection measures, and design recommendations in line with BS5837.

Arboricultural Supervision

On-site monitoring by a qualified arboriculturist during construction works to ensure trees are protected and works comply with approved tree protection plans.

B

Badger Surveys

Surveys undertaken to identify badger setts, foraging areas, and commuting routes. Required where development could impact badgers, which are protected under UK legislation.

Bat Surveys

Specialist surveys to assess the presence, activity, and roosting potential of bats. These can include preliminary roost assessments, activity surveys, and emergence/re-entry surveys.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments

Assessments that measure biodiversity value before and after development to ensure a minimum 10% net gain is achieved, as required under UK planning legislation.

Bird Surveys

Surveys for breeding birds, wintering birds, and Schedule 1 species to assess impacts from development and ensure compliance with wildlife protection laws.

BREEAM Ecology Assessments

Ecological assessments are carried out by a Suitably Qualified Ecologist (SQE) to support developments in achieving BREEAM ecology credits through protection and enhancement of biodiversity.

BS5837 Tree Surveys

Tree surveys undertaken in accordance with BS5837:2012 to assess tree quality, root protection areas, and development constraints.

E

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) – Ecology

Ecological assessments that form part of an Environmental Impact Assessment, identifying significant effects of large-scale developments and proposing mitigation and enhancement measures.

F

Field Surveys

On-site surveys carried out by qualified professionals to collect ecological, arboricultural, or environmental data to support planning and land management decisions.

Flood Risk Assessments (FRA)

Assessments that evaluate flood risk from rivers, surface water, groundwater, and drainage systems to ensure developments are safe and compliant with planning policy.

G

Garden Design

The design of outdoor spaces that balance aesthetics, functionality, and biodiversity, often incorporating wildlife-friendly planting and sustainable practices.

Garden Wildlife Plan

A tailored plan providing guidance on how gardens can be managed and enhanced to support wildlife, biodiversity, and ecological connectivity.

Gardening Services

Professional land and garden maintenance services that support healthy habitats, sustainable planting, and biodiversity enhancement.

Great Crested Newt Surveys

Surveys to assess the presence or likely absence of great crested newts, including habitat suitability assessments, eDNA testing, and population surveys.

H

Hazel Dormouse Surveys

Specialist surveys to identify the presence of hazel dormice using methods such as nest tube surveys. Required where suitable habitat is present.

Hedgerow Surveys (Important Hedgerows)

Assessments to determine whether hedgerows qualify as ‘important’ under the Hedgerow Regulations, influencing whether they can be legally removed or impacted.

I

Invasive Non-Native Species Surveys

Surveys to identify invasive species such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, or giant hogweed, and assess risks to development and land use.

Invertebrate Surveys

Surveys that assess invertebrate populations, including pollinators and specialist species, often required for ecologically sensitive or designated sites.

J

Japanese Knotweed Survey

A specialist survey to identify the presence, extent, and risk of Japanese knotweed, often required for development, mortgage lending, or land transactions.

L

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)

An assessment of how a proposed development will affect the character of the landscape and visual views, commonly required for large or sensitive developments.

Land/Wildlife Management Plans

Long-term plans that set out how land will be managed to protect, enhance, and monitor habitats and species over time.

Landscaping Services

Implementation of soft and hard landscaping schemes that support planning conditions, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable land use.

Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP)

A document detailing how habitats and landscape features will be managed and maintained post-development to ensure long-term ecological success.

M

Management Plans (Ecological)

These are structured plans that outline habitat management, monitoring, and maintenance measures, with the aim of supporting biodiversity and ensuring compliance with planning regulations.

Measured Building Surveys

Accurate surveys of existing buildings showing layout, dimensions, and structural features, used to inform design and planning decisions.

Mortgage Tree Report

A tree risk assessment prepared for mortgage lenders to identify any tree-related risks to buildings or structures.

O

Otter Surveys

Surveys to identify otter presence, resting places, and commuting routes along watercourses are required where developments may affect aquatic habitats.

P

Phase 2 Habitat Survey / National Vegetation Classification (NVC) Survey

Detailed habitat surveys that classify plant communities and assess ecological value are often required for designated or high-value sites.

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)

An initial ecological assessment identifying habitats, potential protected species, and ecological constraints, used to inform planning applications.

R

Red Squirrel Surveys

Surveys undertaken to assess the presence of red squirrels in suitable woodland habitats, particularly in known stronghold areas.

Reptile Surveys

We conduct surveys to determine the presence or likely absence of various reptile species, including slow worms, grass snakes, and common lizards.

S

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)

Design and assessment of drainage solutions that manage surface water sustainably, reduce flood risk, and enhance water quality.

T

Topographic Surveys

Detailed land surveys mapping ground levels, features, and boundaries to support planning, engineering, and development design.

Tree Surgery

Professional tree maintenance services, including pruning, removal, and safety works, are carried out in accordance with best practice and legislation.

W

Water Vole Surveys

Surveys to identify water vole presence along watercourses are required where works may impact banks or riparian habitats.

Wildlife Mitigation

Measures designed to avoid, reduce, or compensate for impacts on wildlife caused by development, ensuring legal compliance and biodiversity protection.