Ecological Impact Assessment

At Wildfox Ecological Consulting, we provide Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs) to evaluate the potential effects of developments on biodiversity. Our expert ecologists assess ecological risks, propose mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with planning policies, UK legislation, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements.

What is an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)?

An EcIA is a detailed assessment of a development’s potential impacts on habitats, species, and designated sites. It follows the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) guidelines and is used to support planning applications, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and biodiversity strategies.

When Do You Need an EcIA?

An EcIA is typically required if:

• Your project is likely to affect protected species, priority habitats, or designated sites (e.g., SSSIs, SACs).

• Your development is large-scale or environmentally sensitive and requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

• The local planning authority requests a detailed ecological assessment beyond a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA).

• Your project requires mitigation, compensation, or biodiversity enhancements to meet planning obligations.

What’s Included in Our EcIA Service?

Our comprehensive Ecological Impact Assessment includes:

1. Baseline Ecological Assessment

• Desk study and data review of designated sites, species records, and habitat mapping.

• On-site ecological surveys, including habitat assessments and species-specific surveys.

• Evaluation of ecological features likely to be affected by the development.

2. Impact Assessment & Evaluation

• Identification of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts on biodiversity.

• Assessment of impact significance at local, regional, and national scales.

• Consideration of habitat loss, fragmentation, pollution, disturbance, and climate impacts.

3. Mitigation, Compensation & Enhancement Strategy

• Avoidance measures to prevent ecological harm.

• Mitigation strategies to reduce negative effects on habitats and species.

• Compensation measures, such as habitat creation and biodiversity offsetting, where required.

• Identification of opportunities for biodiversity enhancement in line with BNG requirements.

4. EcIA Report for Planning Applications

• A planning-compliant EcIA report, structured according to CIEEM best practice.

• Clear impact assessment tables and ecological mitigation plans.

• Recommendations for further surveys, licensing, or legal compliance.