Conservation and Ecology Resources

We work hard to find and share relevant and useful information for upcoming ecologists and conservation managers – if you find a resource that you think is useful, please let us know by emailing us at hello@wild-ideas.org.uk

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Guidance on carrying out ecological surveys
Species Specific Surveys and Mitigation
Advice for working with planners and developers
Survey Training support

Guidance on carrying out ecological surveys:
ECOLOGY SURVEYS CALENDAR

Because no ecology guidance page is complete without one. This document lays out the optimum periods for species surveys.

Guidance on carrying out ecological surveys:

ECOLOGY SURVEYS CALENDAR

Because no ecology guidance page is complete without one. Download and enjoy.


GUIDE TO ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS AND THEIR PURPOSE – CIEEM

The CIEEM Guide to Ecological Surveys and their Purpose describes different types of survey reports that you may be asked for by a planning authority.

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Guidance on carrying out ecological surveys:ECOLOGY SURVEYS CALENDAR

Because no ecology guidance page is complete without one. Download and enjoy.


GUIDE TO ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS AND THEIR PURPOSE – CIEEM

The CIEEM Guide to Ecological Surveys and their Purpose describes different types of survey reports that you may be asked for by a planning authority.

Local link (back-up)


HANDBOOK FOR PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY – A TECHNIQUE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT (2010) 2016 – JNCC

The Phase 1 Handbook presents a standardised system for classifying and mapping wildlife habitats in all parts of Great Britain, including urban areas. The Phase 1 habitat classification and associated field survey technique provides a relatively rapid system to record semi-natural vegetation and other wildlife habitats. Each habitat type/feature is defined by way of a brief description and is allocated a specific name, an alpha-numeric code, and unique mapping colour. The system has been widely used and continues to act as the standard ‘Phase 1’ technique for habitat survey across the UK.

Direct link:

Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey (revised 2016) PDF 7.8 MB 

Local links (back-up):

Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey – Habitat List and Dominant Species codes XLS 99.0 KB
Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey – ArcGIS colour mapping palette ZIP
101.9 KB 


PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL APPRAISAL GUIDELINES – CIEEM

These have been produced by CIEEM with the intention of providing best practice guidance for those undertaking preliminary ecological surveys and appraisals.

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GUIDELINES FOR ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ECIA) – CIEEM

These provide practical advice from CIEEM for all professionals involved with ecological evaluation and assessment for proposed developments in terrestrial, freshwater, marine and coastal environments.

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Species specific survey and mitigation resources:

OTTERS: SURVEYS AND MITIGATION FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS– NATURAL ENGLAND

Last updated 5 April 2019
Guidance for planning authorities on assessing the impacts of development on otters…


INTERPRETING ECHOLOCATION – BEDFORDSHIRE BAT GROUP

A useful key based on the typical echolocation calls as heard on a heterodyne bat detector. Some additional points relating to sonograms are included, but these are of use only with a frequency division or time expansion detector which is used to produce a recording subsequently downloaded to a computer with suitable sound analysis software. 

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BAT SURVEYS FOR PROFESSIONAL ECOLOGISTS: GOOD PRACTICE GUIDELINES 3RD EDITION– BAT CONSERVATION TRUST

Following extensive feedback from different user groups, the Bat Conservation Trust has produced Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (3rd edition). The guidelines were revised, updated and reviewed by experts and feature new chapters and content. This is the essential reference guide for professional ecologists working with bats.

Direct download link (non-printable)


GREAT CRESTED NEWT CONSERVATION HANDBOOK (PAGE) – FROGLIFE

The Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook is a comprehensive guide to habitat management, pond creation and restoration.

Direct link: Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook.


REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN HABITAT MANAGEMENT HANDBOOKS (PAGE) – ARC TRUST

The entire handbooks are downloadable from the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust website.  Hard copies are also available from their  online shop.

Local links  (back up):

Amphibian Habitat Management Handbook – Download PDF (3.31Mb)

Reptile Habitat Management Handbook – Download PDF (3.79Mb)


DORMOUSE CONSERVATION HANDBOOK – PTES

This considerably expanded second edition of the Dormouse Conservation Handbook draws together much information on the species that has been gathered since the first edition was published in 1996.

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Advice for working with planners and developers:
Senior Urban Planner — MKSK
WHEN TO CARRY OUT ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT  – SHROPSHIRE COUNCIL

This document explains the approach and procedures to be followed in order to ensure sufficient survey, protection, mitigation and enhancement where biodiversity may be affected by proposed development.
In particular this document aims to give clear and concise advice to developers and members of the public on when a planning application should be accompanied by an ecological assessment.

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PROTECTED SPECIES: HOW TO REVIEW PLANNING APPLICATIONS  – NATURAL ENGLAND

This information is aimed at planning departments, but will provide information on how planning applications are reviewed with a view to EPS.


GUIDANCE ON ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS & PLANNING APPLICATIONS  – CHICHESTER DISTRICT COUNCIL

This document provides guidance on biodiversity or ecological issues in the planning application process.

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Survey Training support:
DORMOUSE TRAINING INFORMATION FOR TRAINEES (PAGE) – PTES

Contains:

Survey guidelines
Dormouse training log
Training videos

Species Identification:
Plants:

National Plant MonitoringScheme Identification Guide
local back-up (pdf, 10.7mb)


GRASSES
Species recovery Trust resources:

Grasses quiz on Buzzfeed

Sedges and Rushes quiz on Buzzfeed

Grass Training Film

The SRT channel – lots of short films (and one long one of grass ID)

Common Grasses crib sheet

The Field Guide to Grasses, Sedges and Rushes – link to purchase book

Index for early edition of Grasses Field Guide

Grasses – Magic 5 – a beginners guide to grasses, sedges and rushes

Grasses Course Test Video

Sedges Course Test Video

HABITATS

Grasses of neutral grassland; species list and flowchart

Grasses of acid grassland and heath; species list and flowchart

Grasses of calcareous and chalk grassland; species list and flowchart

Grasses of wet heaths and mires; species list and flowchart

Grasses of woodlands; species list and flowchart

Habitat Indicators Course Test Video