Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)
What is a PEA?
You may be asked by your planning authority to assess the ecological or biodiversity value of your site. The first stage of this process will usually involve a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA). A PEA is made up of three main elements – a desk study, a habitat survey and a written assessment.
The PEA has several aims:
To identify any likely ecological constraints, and features of biodiversity value, present both in and around the development site.
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To inform the design of the development such that impacts on important biodiversity features can be avoided or minimised.
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To inform the scope of any necessary further ecological surveys and assessments that are likely to be required as part of the planning application process.
What to Expect from a PEA?
​​A desk study is usually the first part of the PEA process. This includes biological records data which is obtained from the local records centre. The results from this research will identify protected or important plant and animal species within the local area of the site being surveyed, past and present.
The survey will then involve a walkover of the development site with all habitats present being mapped (including a species list of trees and plants) according to the UK Habitat (UKHAB) classification colour and mapping code. Whilst mapping the habitats, the site is also surveyed for actual presence, evidence of, or likelihood of supporting protected, priority and invasive non-native species. The following species or species groups are considered as part of the PEA:​
Bats (including potential roost sites, foraging and commuting habitats / features)​
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Badgers
Amphibians, with special consideration for Great crested newts (including both breeding and terrestrial habitat)
Reptiles
Birds - breeding, wintering and migratory
Plants
Fungi
Terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates
Fish (where relevant, based on an assessment of any watercourses and water bodies present)
Other protected or priority mammal species, as relevant
The results of the survey are written into a report with an accompanying map and, if necessary, any precautionary measures or recommendations of further assessment are highlighted. If any constraints to your project are identified, mitigation works can be considered and managed by Pioneer to allow the development to proceed where possible.
Depending on the scope of your project, the PEA may also support a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessment, or a more detailed Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA). In some scenarios, additional surveys, or an EcIA, will not be needed; this is generally the case for sites where it is unlikely that protected/priority habitats or species are present, or where they are unlikely to be affected by the project.
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Take a look at our survey calendar for more information.
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For more information on what to expect for a PEA, download our fact sheet.
Pioneers Approach
We pride ourselves in working closely with our clients and tailor our approach to suit your needs. We work hard to produce thorough but easy to read reports.
Every Preliminary Ecological Assessment report we produce will include the following elements:
Thorough list of ecological constraints including:
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Protected species present
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Potential to support protected species
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Invasive non-native species present
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Full description and detailed map of on-site habitats
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Full species list
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​Ecological mitigation recommendations (if applicable at this stage)
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Recommendations for ecological enhancement
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Recommendations for any further surveys
Make sure you’re fully informed about the ecological impact your development is going to have to local flora, fauna and wildlife.
Your next steps depend on the findings of your PEA. If there is enough evidence to suggest protected species or other ecological constraints are present, further surveys will be required. These surveys will inform an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) report, see our FAQ section for more information on EcIAs.
In some scenarios, additional surveys will not be needed to allow an EcIA to be undertaken; this is particularly the case for sites where it is unlikely that protected or priority habitats or species are present, or where they are unlikely to be affected by the project.
Confused? Don’t worry, just get in touch with one of our experts today to chat about your needs!