Protected Species Surveys

Targeted protected species surveys provide the legally required baseline data to inform planning applications and support development delivery. ALX Ecology conducts the full suite of UK protected species assessments, underpinned by Natural England Class Licences and specialist field capability across all major taxonomic groups.

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)The PEA is the standard first-stage baseline assessment for any development site. ALX Ecology conducts detailed desk studies and field walkover surveys, mapping habitats using the UK Habitat Classification (UKHab) system. The resulting report identifies immediate ecological constraints, highlights protected species potential, and defines the requirement for any further targeted survey work.Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA)Where built structures, infrastructure, or trees are present, a PRA evaluates their suitability to support roosting bats. The assessment determines whether further nocturnal presence/absence monitoring is required and informs the scope of any subsequent bat survey programme.

Target Species SurveysALX Ecology conducts presence/absence and population size class assessments for the full range of UK protected fauna, including:

Bats (all UK species)
Great Crested Newts (GCN)
Badgers
Native Reptiles
Water Voles and Otters
Hazel Dormice
Breeding and Wintering Birds
White-clawed CrayfishMitigation, Licensing, and Operational CapacityWhere ecological constraints are identified, ALX Ecology formulates proportionate mitigation strategies to facilitate development progression. Fieldwork and mitigation implementation are supported by in-house Natural England Class Licences, ensuring all monitoring and works are conducted with strict statutory compliance.

Survey and mitigation programmes are further supported by an established network of specialist ecological subcontractors, providing the technical capacity to resource projects of any scale or complexity.

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Habitat Surveys & Site Assessments

ALX Ecology provides comprehensive habitat assessment and site supervision services to support planning applications, ensure legislative compliance, and facilitate active construction phases. All surveys are conducted to current industry standards and deliver the factual baseline data required by local planning authorities.Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)From April 2024, all major planning applications in England must demonstrate a mandatory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain. ALX Ecology conducts statutory baseline habitat condition assessments using the Defra metric to quantify pre-intervention values and calculate post-development outcomes. Deliverables include factual enhancement strategies and the production of long-term Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMP) to discharge planning conditions.

Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)ALX Ecology provides on-site supervision to ensure active development operations maintain strict compliance with wildlife legislation and agreed mitigation strategies. ECoW provisions include the delivery of technical toolbox talks to site contractors, direct supervision of sensitive vegetation clearance, and ongoing compliance monitoring throughout the construction lifecycle.Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS)The presence of Schedule 9 invasive plants — including Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, and Himalayan Balsam — represents a significant developmental and legal constraint. ALX Ecology integrates INNS identification into baseline surveys, providing accurate site mapping and objective biosecurity protocols to prevent off-site contamination and manage the eradication process during earthworks.

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Oliver Amy – Principal Ecologist & Director

Oliver holds an MSc and operates as a principal technical ecologist and project manager with extensive commercial experience across the sector. He previously co-founded, directed, and successfully exited a major regional ecological consultancy, building the practice to a consistent seven-figure annual turnover and managing a core internal team alongside a wide network of specialist subcontractors.

His core field capabilities encompass Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRA), and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments. Field operations are supported by Natural England Class Licences for Bats (Level 2) and Great Crested Newts (Level 1), alongside certification in aerial tree climbing. He has direct experience as a named ecologist on European Protected Species (EPS) mitigation licences for bats.

Drawing on this dual commercial and technical background, Oliver provides strategic B2B support to established environmental practices and direct senior oversight on all ALX Ecology projects.

Emma Grubb – Principal Ecologist & Director

Emma holds an MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation and operates as a principal technical ecologist with a proven commercial background as a successful business owner. She has previously established and directed an ecological consultancy, alongside founding and operating a successful independent retail business — providing a robust understanding of operational management, commercial viability, and client delivery within the development sector.

As a highly experienced field ecologist, Emma oversees and executes a comprehensive suite of baseline and targeted ecological assessments. Her field operations are supported by a Natural England Class Licence for Great Crested Newts (Level 1) and certification in aerial tree climbing and rescue.

Emma's primary technical discipline is bat ecology, with expertise extending into academic and international research. She holds a Natural England Level 4 Class Licence and has conducted extensive bat population studies across Europe and delivered specialist lectures on bat ecology at the University of Leeds.