Ecology that keeps your project moving.
A full range of ecological services, from protected species surveys to biodiversity net gain. Our team supports you at every stage: early advice, the planning application, discharging conditions and work on site.
Everything your planning application needs.
From a quick desk-based check to full protected species licensing, we scale the work to the site. No more survey effort than your project needs.
When can my survey happen?
Many ecology surveys can only be done at certain times of year. Miss the window and a planning application can slip by months. Pick a month to see what's in season.
These are examples of common surveys, not a full list. Timings are indicative, based on standard UK survey guidance. Weather, location and species all affect exact windows, so talk to us early and we'll plan your surveys around your planning deadline.
See the survey calendar as a table
| Survey | Optimal | Possible, with limits |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat survey / PEA | April to September | January to March, October to December |
| Bat roost assessment | All year | None |
| Bat emergence and re-entry | May to August | September |
| Great crested newt eDNA | May to June | April |
| Great crested newt presence | April to May | March, June |
| Badgers | February to April, October to November | January, May to September, December |
| Water voles | May to September | April |
In season in October
- OptimalBat roost assessment
- OptimalBadgers
- Possible, with limitsHabitat survey / PEA
Independent advice you can build on.
Ostara provides practical ecological solutions across the United Kingdom. Our work follows CIEEM guidelines and BS 42020:2013, and we keep up to date with changes in wildlife law, policy and guidance, so our advice stands up with planners and on site.
- Independent
- Impartial advice focused on your site and your project, not on selling extra surveys.
- Professional
- Surveys and reports to CIEEM guidelines and British Standards, ready for planning scrutiny.
- Pragmatic
- Proportionate recommendations that protect wildlife and keep your programme on track.
What our clients say.
Developers and planning consultants come back to us site after site.
Their advice is clear and direct, allowing us to implement key strategies on site.
“We have worked with Ostara Ecological Services for a number of years and have always found their advice and support invaluable. They have helped us navigate the difficult and ever-changing planning regulations around BNG, bats and ecology. Across numerous sites they have made what can often be a complicated process much easier for us. Their advice is clear and direct, allowing us to implement key strategies on site.”
Efficient and pragmatic ecological advice.
“Ostara always provides efficient and pragmatic ecological advice, which assists us in preparing and negotiating applications for planning permission for a wide range of clients.”
Their knowledge, professionalism and practical advice have been invaluable.
“Ostara Ecological Services has been a pleasure to work with. Their knowledge, professionalism and practical advice have been invaluable in supporting our work at Trentham Monkey Forest. We would happily recommend Ostara to anyone seeking expert ecological advice.”
Tell us about your site.
Have a particular ecological challenge you're trying to deal with? Send us a few details and we'll come back with a clear quote and timings.