Ecology Surveys in Glasgow: Overview of Natural Assets

Glasgow’s Local Environment

Located in the county of Lanarkshire, the city of Glasgow has the country’s highest population density, classes as the largest city in all of Scotland and as the UK’s friendliest city. It is also an undeniable hive of cultural offerings, known as the birthplace of whisky, the origin of countless musicians, comedians, actors, authors and public figures, and due to the presence of both Celtic and Rangers, the home of two iconic football teams.

With more than a fifth of Glasgow’s total land area considered green space, the city has an adequate balance of urban and rural features. A recent study into the current level of biodiversity in Glasgow found that over 6,000 species of animals and plants reside in various parts of the city. Even with numerous natural sections, the local authorities insist on particular consideration to the environment and native animals and plants, such as Glasgow’s populations of badgers, bats, common frogs and toads, otters, palmate newts, tree sparrows and water voles.

Protocol for Protecting Rare and Valuable Species

Listed animals and plants will appear in all locations, but the species in question will be determined by a number of factors, including the suitability of local habitats, whether appropriate prey resides in the area, and if the climate matches their specifications. For instance, frequently spotted creatures like bats can form viable habitats, source prey and adapt to the climate in almost any location, whereas lesser seen animals possess a far larger list of important requirements.

Organisations and regulators such as the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) and Natural England operate in a way that promotes legislation created to support protected species. Such legislation includes the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and in Glasgow specifically, the Glasgow department of the Scottish Wildlife Trust offers relevant coverage. In a land or property development project, protected species may be in the local vicinity, and due to this, an ecology survey would be needed before you can move forward.

Ecological Assessments for Planning

Without the necessary insights, even the most experienced ecology consultants will struggle with knowing how best to mitigate or compensate for the presence of invasive species of plants or rare species of animals. An ecological impact assessment (EcIA) would be a viable option, but more often than not, an ecological consultancy such as ours would opt for a preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) / extended phase 1 habitat survey instead, as it offers an overview of the development site and all present species.

Following a thorough inspection of the site, the ecological surveyors involved in the assessment can then confirm that no protected species are present, or if they are, either produce sufficient mitigation measures that will enable the development plans to move forward, or if needed, suggest further ecology surveys. A full range of protected species surveys and habitat surveys are available, with the surveys including a Himalayan balsam survey, injurious weed survey or Japanese knotweed survey for plants, or a bat survey, bird survey or great crested newt survey for animals.

As soon as the ecologist has finished with each applicable ecological assessment, their priority changes to creating an ecology survey report. Information retrieved from the inspections will be explained at length in the ecology report, including maps and images of the site, measures provided by the ecological consultant, and any other targets and results that will assist the developer and the local council. Assuming all boxes have been ticked, it can then be passed on to the local planning authority to bolster planning applications.

Refer to Our Ecology Team

After years of providing clients up and down the British Isles with different ecological surveys and acting as an ecological clerk of works (ECoW) for countless private and professional clients, Arbtech has created a name as the UK’s number one ecological consultancy. Situating ecological consultants in every location allows us to cater to the needs of clients in Glasgow and other parts of Scotland, as well as in all parts of England and a multitude of towns, cities and villages across Wales.

For a free consultation of the cost effective service we offer, give us information about your project and needs by calling us, emailing us or filling out a quote form on our contact page, and we can speak to you about the best time to conduct ecological surveys on your site. From a preliminary ecological appraisal to a different type of broad ecology survey or any number of protected species surveys, we can help and ensure that you have everything you need to successfully come away with planning consent.