Download Box 3.1: Guidance for timings of survey work.

Box 3.1: Guidance for timings of survey work.
Based in part on information contained within Working With Wildlife. Compliance and beyond in construction. CIRIA. 2004.
Shading indicates when survey may be carried out. This information is provided for guidance only. Actual survey timings will depend on site
circumstances as well as current and historical environmental conditions, and advice should always be sought from a professional ecologist.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
Habitats
Phase 1 Habitat Survey
Nat. Veg. Classification
Woodland
Acid grassland
Neutral grassland
Chalk grassland
Heathland
Fresh water
Species
Vascular plants
Fungi
Mosses and liverworts
Lichens
Birds
Badgers
Bats (hib = hibernation)
Dormice
Otters
Water voles
Reptiles
Great crested newts and
other amphibian species
Fish
White-clawed crayfish
Aquatic invertebrates
Terrestrial invertebrates
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Optimum survey period normally May – July.
See below for optimum time period for the specific habitats
Optimum survey period.
Optimum survey period
Optimum survey period
Optimum survey period June – July
Optimum survey period
Optimum survey period
Optimum survey period normally May – July, but repeat visits usually required
Optimum time for surveys unless dry
Survey work may be undertaken throughout the year, but only in dry weather
Breeding birds.
Wintering birds.
Grazing marsh/intertidal waterfowl
(wintering/passage birds)
Optimum time spring and early autumn / winter.
Maternity roosts
Tree roosts
Activity surveys
Hib roosts
Nest searches
All search methods
Nut and nest searches
Dense vegetation growth may constrain surveys
Optimum time March – June. Dense vegetation growth may constrain surveys
Optimum time is April and May
Optimum time Sept
Pond and terrestrial habitat surveys
Larvae and terrestrial
Terrestrial habitat
habitat surveys
surveys
Timing depends on type of waterbody and species concerned
Wintering birds
Grazing marsh/intertidal waterfowl
(wintering/passage birds)
Tree roosts
Hibernation roosts
Nut searches
Repeat visit in Sept
Requires several visits spread throughout the survey season