Expert Ecological Surveys Across Essex

Ecological Surveys

At Crown Tree Services, our arborists work closely with a trusted ecologist who has been part of our extended team for many years. Together, we carry out ecological surveys that are vital for any large projects potentially impacting the local landscape. This collaboration ensures that all environmental considerations are thoroughly addressed, protecting local habitats and wildlife throughout the project.

We can navigate all the complexities for you, providing peace of mind and ensuring your project — whether it’s a new housing estate or a garden renovation near a sensitive habitat — meets regulations and obtains planning permission.

Our team can conduct comprehensive ecological surveys in Essex, helping you create and enjoy a flourishing space that enhances biodiversity.

What is an ecological survey?

If you’re planning a major development, working on a site near a protected habitat, or carrying out a substantial change to land and vegetation, you’ll need an ecological survey.

In a nutshell, an ecological survey assesses your site to identify and evaluate how your proposed project might impact local habitats, wildlife, and plant life. The survey provides detailed recommendations to mitigate ecological risks and ensures your project complies with both local and national environmental guidelines.

Key species we look for include:

Bats

Protected species that often roost in trees and buildings. Surveys may involve dusk and dawn activity monitoring and use of bat detectors to identify species and roost locations.

Great Crested Newts

A European protected amphibian that requires specific pond and terrestrial habitat surveys during breeding season to assess presence and numbers.

Doormouse

A rare, nocturnal mammal found in hedgerows and woodlands. Survey techniques include nest tube checks and habitat assessments to confirm their presence.

A person holds two dark, shiny newts in their palm; one is larger and the other is significantly smaller, both with visible tails and limbs. The background is outdoors, with grass and soil visible.

Our ecological surveys employ a combination of field surveys, habitat assessments, and specialised monitoring methods tailored to the species and site conditions.

Ecological surveys undertaken by the Crown Tree Services team, take Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) into consideration in modern development projects. BNG refers to the requirement that new developments leave biodiversity in a better state than before, through habitat creation, enhancement, or protection. Our team works to ensure your project achieves BNG targets, balancing development needs with positive environmental outcomes.

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Desk study

We start by researching any existing records about animals, birds, plant life and other wildlife present on the site. A desk study will highlight any known details about rare or protected species.

Habitat and species survey

Our experienced team of experts will then visit your site in person. We’ll conduct an on-site survey to identify and map out the present plants, trees, and wildlife species, including seasonal visitors.

Impact assessment

The next part of the ecological survey looks at how your proposed plans could affect wildlife and the biodiversity of the site. For example, will tree felling be required to make space for construction work? If so, how will this affect habitats and wildlife levels?

Recommendations

Here’s where our specialists will suggest ways to mitigate damage to the site’s habitats and ecosystem. We’ll recommend solutions that enable you to continue your project without harming the environment or disrupting wildlife.

Compliance

We’ll draw up a report of our findings and recommendations, which can support your planning applications. It will show that you’ve had an ecological survey and that, with the suggestions in place, your work should not harm the area’s biodiversity.

A person wearing a protective suit, gloves, and face shield carries a yellow backpack sprayer in a grassy outdoor area with hills and houses in the background.

A person wearing thick brown gloves holds a small bat by its wings outdoors. The bat's wings are spread wide, and trees and a blue sky are visible in the background.

To get the go-ahead, you may need to arrange additional surveys and apply for specific licences, such as:

Protected species licenses (for bats, great crested newts, badgers, dormice, or certain reptiles).
Mitigation licences — these show that you have put measures in place to reduce your project’s impact (for example, by installing bat boxes or creating new ponds).
Translocation licences, to legally move wildlife to another site.

We can help you apply for these licenses and make sure you have all the permissions you need for altering the landscape, felling trees, and any other actions.

Learn more about what we can do

Who can an ecological survey help?

Our tree services are here to help residents and businesses in the South East get the most out of their outdoor space while encouraging biodiversity.

Residents

If you’re a homeowner, you might need to arrange an ecological survey if you plan to extend your property or overhaul your garden. If you suspect you have protected wildlife on your land or your space includes trees or ponds, getting this type of survey will help you get the permissions you need for your renovation.

We can also help residents and homeowners with a whole host of domestic tree services, so get in touch if you have any questions.

A person in bright orange and yellow high-visibility clothing gently holds a small, slender brown snake in their hands outdoors on grassy ground.

Businesses

An ecological survey can also be vital for commercial projects, helping you get the planning permission you need, minimising delays, and ensuring you meet biodiversity and habitat protection obligations. Our team is on hand to help:

Property developers

Architects and planning consultants

Estate managers

Schools, councils, and public bodies

In short, we can carry out ecological surveys for anyone who needs to understand the biodiversity of their site for planning approval, compliance, or conservation measures.

Learn more about our full range of commercial services.

Steve and his team are highly recommended for a friendly, fast, efficient and tidy service. Had a 100ft overgrown garden totally cleared and now maintained to a high standard for my elderly bed-bound mum, who feels confident to leave her treasured garden in their hands. I also have had my garden cleared of bushes and trees and redesigned exactly to the way I wanted so that I can manage it on my own. Nothing is a problem for these guys, highly recommended. You get what you pay for!

Belinda L

Used Crown Tree Services to pollard the London Plane tree in our front garden. Crown Tree Services arrived on time and did an excellent job with the pollarding and thoroughly cleaning up before leaving. Very pleased with their work and will definitely use them next time we need any tree services.

Simon P, Your Content Goes Here

We used Crown Tree Services to remove a tree from our back garden. The team arrived on time, were polite, very efficient, removed all debris and completed the job within the estimated time and quote. Would highly recommend Steve and team, and would use again!

Gerry M

Reliable, trustworthy and hard working. Would use in any future works.

Robert A

We’ve used Steve and his team at Crown Tree Services for many years both for gardening and tree work. They are always reliable, punctual and friendly and with the tree work they did for us were very knowledgeable about the laws around trees, and also what exactly needed to be done to best serve our garden at the right time of year. I would highly recommend them!

Debbie C

Great job as always. Used Crown Tree for many years for various jobs. Just completed another great job on the pruning of our oak tree. Did the council application for us as it has a TPO, very professional and no mess left behind. Perfect.

Guy C, Your Content Goes Here

Crown services cut a large fir tree down in our garden as it was very overgrown. The service was seamless from start to finish, with the start of the estimate down to the clearance of the debris. The lads worked hard and were very polite and respectful. Very clean and tidy service and completed the job in time estimated. Would thoroughly recommended this service to others.

Sheila W

Competitive quote, work was done quickly, and efficiently workmen were very knowledgeable and respectful would definitely use again

Jackie Butler, Your Content Goes Here

The service from Crown Trees was excellent, from the first appointment through to the work being completed the team were thoroughly professional and the quality of their work was 1st class – will definitely be using them again.

Ian Moore, Your Content Goes Here

Had this company in for a tree removal. Great service and left the garden really clean. Well recommended.

Steve O

“Very pleased. Crown reduction on our eucalyptus went very well. Guys were polite and helpful. We had plenty of time to talk about what we wanted so we love the result. They arrived on time, worked efficiently and left everything all tidy, no fuss, no mess. We highly recommend them!”

Catherine McCormick, Essex

Very reasonable price. Very polite cleaned up afterwards and finished on time. Would highly recommend.

Daniel S

I have been using Steve and his team for a number of years now and have always been truly satisfied with the standard of work they produce, whether it be from a simple trimming of conifers or large scale removal of established trees, their service is fantastic. Steve’s knowledge and experience is extremely broad and the advice he has given myself has always been of great benefit. His entire team are always polite, courteous and prompt. I would not hesitate to recommend them.

Toby C

Very friendly excellent standard of work. Highly recommended,will use again when trees need more work.
Very reasonable rates.

Colin B

“They have done a fabulous job and I am so very pleased with their work. They are a very knowledgeable, hard working team, who cleared up after themselves. I throughly recommend this firm.”

Brenda, Location

Had Crown Tree Services carry out some work which Im more than happy with. They were very professional, tidy, good workers and would happily use them again. Highly recommended.

Chris C

Great friendly service. Arrived on time and left my garden clean and tidy. Thank you.

Laura B

Used several times for tree services. All carried out very professionally and for a fair price.

Amanda W

Excellent service. Just nice people who are very good at their job. Removed a tree which was pretty big without a fuss. Tidied up afterwards no problem. No hesitation in recommending this firm. Well done.

Will G, Your Content Goes Here

Been using Crown for years! Very reliable, good advice but more importantly a legitimate professional company. Totally recommended.

Warren T

Ecological survey services in Essex

Understanding your local environment is vital for accurate and informative ecological surveys. Our specialists are based in Ongar and conduct surveys across Essex, from tree services in Billericay and Epping to Hornchurch and Upminster.

We have a deep understanding of the region’s habitats and wildlife and will always aim to get you the permissions you need while respecting and protecting the local environment.

GET A FREE QUOTE

Book an ecological survey with Crown Tree Services

Our team of arborists and specialists always put the well-being of your trees and the local environment first. We’ll do what we can to keep your space thriving, all while helping you reach your project goals

To have a chat and arrange an ecological survey in Essex, please feel free to contact us. Call 01277 525150 or fill out our request form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Four people wearing safety gear and helmets stand outdoors in front of a large tree, smiling for the photo. Cut logs are stacked on the ground in front of them, and leafy branches are visible in the background.

FAQs

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Tree Services

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Commercial Tree Services & Surveys

Areas Covered

Essex