When you visit a site you should take note of any evidence of droppings, and of course make a note if you see anything flying around. Most wildlife is more active at dusk and dawn, of course bats and badgers are nocturnal. You should also check whether your site is included within a surveyed wildlife protection corridor.
Ecological impact surveys have to be undertaken by registered eco consultants. The process can be expensive as multiple surveys are often required over several visits.
Reports need to be prepared by the specialist surveyors and submitted as part of any planning application in order to obtain a license from Natural England for mitigation measures. Biodiversity Impact Assessments together with Biodiversity Net Gain calculations are required to accompany most planning applications, bar a few exceptions such as householder applications.
It is a criminal act to disturb or harm protected species of wildlife. Depending on the nature of the species and habitats found, you might also require a series of annual assessments after the licensed works have taken place.
The aim is to protect and make allowance for the wildlife. If necessary measures can be proposed by the registered specialists to mitigate and safely migrate protected wildlife to a new site.
The timing of mitigation measures and construction works near a habitat may be impacted by the life cycle of the particular species. Works might have to be undertaken around breeding seasons in order to minimise disturbances. Plan ahead, as far as possible.
Typical mitigation measures include bat and bird boxes together with dedicated breeding and roost sites, allowing wildlife to breed and roost undisturbed.
Consideration of biodiversity within developments is becoming an increasingly important aspect of the construction process.
