Independent ecologists delivering protected species surveys, licensing, Biodiversity Net Gain and great crested newt District Level Licensing applications for development projects across Stoke-on-Trent, the Midlands, the North West and throughout England and Wales.
A complete ecological service, from initial scoping through to survey, reporting, mitigation design and licensing, for planning applications, discharge of conditions and construction projects.
We prepare and submit District Level Licensing applications for great crested newts: no seasonal surveys, fewer delays. Available across Staffordshire (NatureSpace) and in Cheshire, Derbyshire and Shropshire (Natural England). We prepare the PEA/Phase 1 habitat information, the site assessment and the application, and see it through to your licence.
How District Licensing works →
Preliminary roost assessments, emergence/re-entry and activity surveys, bat reports and EPS licences to BCT 2023 guidelines.
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HSI assessments, presence/absence and eDNA surveys, population assessment, mitigation and EPS licence applications.
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Sett surveys, activity surveys and camera trapping, impact assessments, mitigation and Natural England badger licences.
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Extended Phase 1 habitat surveys, desk study and PEA reports: the essential baseline for planning applications.
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Statutory biodiversity metric assessments, BNG strategies, Biodiversity Gain Plans and 30-year habitat management plans.
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Habitat assessments, presence/absence surveys, population assessment, translocation and licensing for UK reptiles.
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Breeding and wintering bird surveys, Schedule 1 species and barn owl surveys to inform impact assessment.
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BS5837 tree surveys for planning, arboricultural impact assessments, tree protection plans and home buyer tree reports.
Enquire →Great crested newt surveys can only be done between mid-March and mid-June. Miss the window and your project can stall for months. District Level Licensing (DLL) is the Natural England-approved alternative: no newt surveys, no seasonal wait, and a cost you know before you apply for planning.
Call, email or use the quote form. A location and a short description of your project is enough to start.
We'll advise which surveys are needed and when, and provide a competitive quote.
Fieldwork by experienced, licensed ecologists in the right seasonal window, to current good-practice guidelines.
Clear, planning-ready reports, plus mitigation design and licence applications where needed.
Many protected species surveys can only be done at certain times of year. Book early to avoid costly delays, or use District Level Licensing for great crested newts, which works all year round.
| Survey | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bat emergence & activity surveys | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible | Limited / weather dependent | Limited / weather dependent | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Limited / weather dependent | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible |
| Great crested newt pond surveys | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible | Limited / weather dependent | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible |
| Great crested newt eDNA | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible | Limited / weather dependent | Optimal | Optimal | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible |
| GCN District Level Licensing | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal |
| Reptile surveys | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible | Optimal | Optimal | Limited / weather dependent | Limited / weather dependent | Limited / weather dependent | Limited / weather dependent | Optimal | Optimal | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible |
| Breeding bird surveys | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible | Limited / weather dependent | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Limited / weather dependent | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible | Sub-optimal or not possible |
| Badger surveys | Limited / weather dependent | Limited / weather dependent | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Limited / weather dependent | Limited / weather dependent |
| Preliminary Ecological Appraisal | Limited / weather dependent | Limited / weather dependent | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Optimal | Limited / weather dependent | Limited / weather dependent | Limited / weather dependent |
"A dedicated, motivated team committed to delivering high quality ecological services throughout the UK."
Absolute Ecology is an independent ecological consultancy based in Staffordshire, ideally located to serve clients throughout England and Wales. We provide a complete ecological service, from initial scoping through to survey, reporting, mitigation design and licensing.
With over 30 years of field experience, we work with architects, planning consultants, land developers, landscape architects and private individuals to deliver ecological solutions that are scientifically rigorous and commercially pragmatic.
We understand ecology often sits on the critical path of a development programme. That's why we combine scientific rigour with commercial awareness, giving you advice that is ecologically sound and deliverable on the ground. We work as principal consultant or sub-contractor to environmental consultancies throughout the UK, adapting to your workflow and timescales.
Solutions that work in the real world, not just on paper.
Responsive service with competitive timescales.
Staffordshire-based, working throughout England and Wales.
Fair, transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
We work with
Answer a few questions about your project and site. We'll suggest which ecological surveys are likely to be required. This is a practical starting point only; site-specific factors can change the advice.
Please select at least one survey type.
We're based in Staffordshire, so most of our survey work is within easy reach. Being local means we can respond quickly in the busy survey season and keep travel costs down for you.
Bat, newt, badger and habitat surveys in and around Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford, Stone, Leek, Cheadle, Uttoxeter, Cannock, Rugeley, Lichfield, Tamworth and Burton upon Trent, and across the Staffordshire Moorlands.
GCN District Licensing: NatureSpace schemeEcological surveys and licensing across Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester, including Crewe, Nantwich, Congleton, Sandbach, Alsager, Macclesfield, Middlewich, Northwich, Winsford and Chester.
GCN District Licensing: Natural England schemeSurveys for planning applications in Derby and across Derbyshire, from Ashbourne, Belper and Matlock to Swadlincote, Ripley, Buxton and Chesterfield.
GCN District Licensing: Natural England schemeWork in north and east Shropshire, including Market Drayton, Whitchurch, Newport and Telford, and throughout England and Wales as principal consultant or sub-contractor.
GCN District Licensing: Natural England scheme (Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin)Most local planning authorities expect ecological information where a project could affect protected species or habitats: for example barn conversions, roof works, demolition, tree removal, sites with ponds nearby, or greenfield land. A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is usually the first step and tells you which, if any, further surveys are needed. Try our free survey guide or call us for a quick scoping chat.
District Level Licensing (DLL) is a Natural England-approved alternative to site-specific newt surveys and mitigation licences. Instead of waiting for the spring survey season, you pay a conservation payment that funds new or restored ponds off site, and your development is covered by a district licence. We prepare and submit the application and the supporting habitat information for you. Read our District Licensing guide.
Yes. In Staffordshire (excluding the Peak District National Park) the scheme is run by NatureSpace Partnership. In Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Derbyshire, Shropshire (including Telford and Wrekin), Warrington, Halton and Greater Manchester the scheme is run by Natural England. Sites in Natural England "red zones" cannot use the scheme. We'll confirm which route applies to your site.
Pond surveys for great crested newts can only take place between mid-March and mid-June, and eDNA water sampling from mid-April to the end of June. If you miss that window you may face a delay of several months, which is why District Level Licensing can be so useful.
A Preliminary Roost Assessment (daytime inspection) can be done at any time of year. Dusk emergence and dawn re-entry surveys must be carried out in the active season, with the optimal period May to September under Bat Conservation Trust guidelines (4th edition, 2023).
If there are badger setts, paths or latrines on or near your site, or works within around 30 metres of a sett, a badger survey is likely to be needed. Badger surveys can be carried out year-round, and works that would interfere with a sett need a licence from Natural England.
Mandatory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain applies to most planning applications in England. Householder applications, developments that affect less than 25m² of habitat (or 5m of hedgerow), and, from 6 August 2026, sites of 0.2 hectares or less are exempt unless they affect on-site priority habitat. We can confirm whether BNG applies and calculate it with the statutory biodiversity metric.
We're based in Staffordshire and regularly work across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford, Cheshire, Derbyshire and Shropshire. We also work throughout England and Wales, both directly for clients and as a sub-contractor to other environmental consultancies.
We respond to enquiries within one working day. Call 01782 444292 or email matthew@absoluteecology.co.uk to discuss your project and timescales.
Tell us where your site is and what you're planning. We'll advise what's needed and when, and send a competitive quote.
We'll respond within one working day.