If you’re planning to build a structure or develop some land, then you need to take a few steps before you do so. One of these requires you to ensure the safety of local wildlife – specifically badgers and other protected species. To do this, you should conduct a survey to ensure badgers are not present on the site or nearby before you start any work.
If this is new to you or you are wondering how to proceed, then you may be wondering what is a badger survey? When is it needed? Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about badger surveys as well as the next steps to take.
What is a Badger Survey?
Badgers are currently protected by UK and European Law therefore making them a protected species. If there are signs of badgers in and around your development site, then a survey will be required for planning applications. The survey will then confirm if there are badgers on or nearby the site you want to develop.
When Should You Do a Badger Survey?
The good news is that badger surveys can be carried out throughout the year. However, keep in mind that you’ll get a more accurate reading of the situation between autumn and spring. This is when vegetation is sparse, and it becomes easier to locate them and notice other signs. It’s important to note that badgers colonise quickly, so you should run an updated survey right before any development work or construction is done.
Benefits of a Badger Survey
The entire purpose and goal of conducting a badger survey is to determine if badgers are on your site and how they might be using the space. You must take into consideration the badger sett as well as their commuting routes and foraging habitat. One benefit of a badger survey is that you can confirm if they are present or not. In the case that they are, then you should attempt to change the site design, otherwise, you may need a mitigation strategy.
What Are the Next Steps?
It’s quite clear that a badger survey would benefit you, so you can move forward with your development project and site knowing there are no badgers present. It’s not only about following the law but conducting a survey will give you peace of mind as well.
At Greenlight, we are committed to providing professional advice and required services to steer development and other projects through planning policy and environmental legislation. If you require a badger survey then you should be glad to know this is a service we offer and a project that we can help with.
If you need to book a badger survey or even a bat survey, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team. We’re happy to help and answer any questions you have.
