The survey includes a mapping exercise, searches for evidence and likelihood of presence/suitability e.g. areas of habitat that a species can use even if no evidence is present, for all UK protected species. If evidence or likely presence/suitability is present further follow-on survey maybe recommended as and when required to comply with national legislation and national planning policy. This survey can be undertaken year round with April to September optimal, outside this timeframe flowering plants maybe missed.

Further surveys are undertaken to investigate a species in more detail e.g. bat evidence is found internally-emergence/re-entry surveys are undertaken to establish species, population and how they use the structure.

If a European protected species is established to be present and the development has an effect on its use of the site a European protected species licence maybe required post planning consent.