Vegetation & Hedgerow Surveys

Classifying habitats and vegetation

In some cases it may be appropriate to conduct a more detailed vegetation survey, classifying habitats on a smaller spatial scale and to a greater level of detail. This is done to the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) system, which is the core British standard. Similarly on sites where hedgerows are present Hedgerow Assessments are undertaken to establish the type, quality and importance of the hedgerows on site.

The information gathered will then be used to inform the report for submission to the relevant planning authority. Details of any recommendations for further surveys and mitigation measures will be included. Ecosupport have competent botanists and can carry out both NVC surveys and hedgerow assessments to the highest possible standard.

NVC vegetation survey


The NVC method classifies the full suite of vascular, bryophyte and macro-lichen species within a vegetation type. There are 12 major types of vegetation, which are then subdivided into 286 community groups. The habitat communities on site are coded and mapped out. Any communities of biological interest are identified.

Hedgerow assessment


Hedgerows are of great importance to conservation within the UK and a hedgerow assessment may be required to assess what works are required. A hedgerow assessment will establish the distribution, type, condition and importance of the hedgerows on site.

Survey timing

A vegetation survey needs to be undertaken during the appropriate season, when species are in bloom. Sometimes, multiple surveys may also need to be done in order to get a detailed species list, as many plants may only be present at certain times of the year. It is best to contact us and plan your surveys as early as possible.

Our experience

Ecosupport has a history of completing accurate surveys to inform ecological assessments for planning applications. We can classify the habitats down to NVC level to identify any important species or habitats on site. Speak to one of our experienced ecologists to discuss your site with them.

About us

Providing quality ecology services across southern England and beyond since 1999.

At Ecosupport we complete comprehensive ecological reports for Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Phase I Surveys, BREEAM, NVC Vegetation and Hedgerows and Phase II Surveys for protected species such as bats, reptiles, dormice, GCN, birds and badgers. We work directly with our clients to deliver pragmatic results and can implement any required mitigation or habitat restoration to see through your ecological needs from start to finish. Our large network of ecologists enables us to offer all our services all across the UK.

Ecosupport is SSIP-certified through SMAS Ltd.

Address

Ecosupport - Head Office
K4 Keppel, Daedalus Park
Daedalus Drive, Lee-on-the-Solent
PO13 9FX
Hampshire

Telephone

01329 832 841

Telephone (International)

+44 1329 832 841

Email

info@ecosupport.co.uk