Phase 1 Habitat Surveys

If there is the potential for more than one type of protected species or habitat on-site a Phase 1 Habitat Survey is required, rather than a survey for a single species. An Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey is sometimes called a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA).

A Phase 1 Habitat Survey is an industry-standard method of identifying and classifying broad habitat types. They are often required as a result of an NI Biodiversity Checklist.

Any Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey submitted to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) or NIEA will have to meet these standards. Often, a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) or an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey is all that is required. However, some sites will require further surveys to fully understand the potential impacts the proposal may have. An extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey can be conducted at any time of year, although the optimal period is April-September.