Problematic Species Audit

Audit for Invasive Species

On new development sites or ones that haven’t been intervened with for a long period of time, it can be particularly difficult to know what ecological constraints may be present within the local area. Even with past reports, an understanding of the site’s local biodiversity and evidence that points towards the current ecological value, a developer can’t always completely grasp all potential issues. And without that, time or money could be wasted later in the process.

It is possible to see an overview of the present plants and animals across a plot of land and the likely effect of development plans by arranging a preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA), ecological impact assessment (EcIA) or ecological walkover survey. If, however, the concern is more about the potential damage that plant pest species could have on the natural environment, a problematic species audit would be more suitable.

The Problematic Species Audit’s Role in Modern Planning

Also sometimes known as an invasive species audit, a problematic species audit is an extensive inspection of a site that aims to identify and evaluate any and all plant species that are capable of causing harm. Including both native and non-native species, the audit is an opportunity to reduce or eliminate the impact that challenging elements could have on the ecosystem, agriculture and even human health.

Although many different types of ecological features can appear on a development site, invasive non-native species are major threats. For instance, depending on the category of invasive species, the potential results could include disrupting the balance of ecosystems, destroying infrastructure, overwhelming native species, and spreading diseases and pathogens.

Invasive non-native species include:

Clients that Audits are Relevant to

• Conservation Organisations
• Government Agencies for Agriculture, the Environment, Forestry and Wildlife
• Industries Affected by Problematic Species such as Agriculture and Tourism
• Landowners and Land Managers
• Universities and Research Institutions

Steps in Running a Problematic Species Audit

Various steps and considerations are involved in a problematic species audit, such as:

Identification and Classification of Present Species

• Listing all species that are considered problematic
• Referencing common and scientific names
• Highlighting whether they are invasive, overabundant native or pest species

Impact Assessment

• Gauging the ecological impact on biodiversity, habitats, ecosystems and native species
• Predicting the economic impact on agriculture, fisheries, forestry and infrastructure
• Evaluating the social impact on culture and public health

Density and Distribution of Population

• Mapping out the location of each species
• Setting out priority high-risk areas that need immediate attention
• Working with population trends

Pathways and Vectors of Spread

• Investigating the causes of the species arrival and spread
• Outlining sources of the species’ journey to the site

Review of Policies and Regulations

• Demonstrating adherence to relevant local, national and international laws
• Showing compliance with conservation policies and environmental regulations

Analysis of Existing Management Strategies

• Researching past and present control efforts
• Comparing what methods were successful and unsuccessful
• Detecting gaps and issues that should be addressed

Risk Assessment and Future Projects

• Anticipating likely future impact and spread
• Weighing up the predicted effects of climate change

Recommended Next Steps

• Prioritising problematic species in terms of threat levels
• Suggesting suitable control measures

Following an audit, additional steps that may be needed could include instructing our team to create an invasive species management plan or undertaking further surveys such as other ecology surveys or an invasive species survey for each present species.

Requirement for an Invasive Species Audit

In legislation such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, it is made clear how dangerous invasive non-native species can be to infrastructure, human health, native species and even ecological and social concerns. As such, if any are involved in a planning project or on a development site, a problematic species audit could be the difference between the local planning authorities granting or refusing planning consent.

Our team works on the basis of the latest standards and best practice guidelines in Great Britain, such as the most recent EAC report released by the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) and input from DEFRA, CIEEM and all other relevant organisations and local authorities. An audit can be conducted at any time in the year, but for the best results, we would always recommend aiming for somewhere between April and September, as that’s when plant species are typically at their most visible.

Ask for a Free Quote from Our Team

Invasive species may be occupying your development site, and if they are and go undetected, you could eventually see issues in your planning project much further down the line that prompt unanticipated delays and costs. Our ecologists are advanced when it comes to invasive non-native species and can help by providing a problematic species audit. Then, if ongoing measures are needed, we can use a similar approach to create problematic species management plans.

Between an audit, plan or other additional surveys, our team can remain within the assessment process from start to finish. For a free quote from our team, please visit our contact page, call us or email us, and one of our administrators will be more than happy to help. We can then schedule a date for an ecologist to attend your site, monitor for problematic species in the vicinity, and support your planning application to the corresponding local authority.