Betts Ecology and Estates

It can be frustrating when you’re told that you require bat surveys to progress your planning application. As expert ecologists, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Legally protected in the UK, bats can live in buildings, trees and underground. We’ll help to establish if your development or project is at risk of disturbing bats. If need be, we’ll form a mitigation plan that the planning authority is likely to accept.

As specialist ecologists, we regularly carry out professional badger surveys. Need one for your land development project? Let us guide you through the process with our expertise.
Widespread across the UK, badgers and badger setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. You’ll need a plan to accommodate any badger habitat if you’re applying for planning permission.

The 1990 Town and Country Planning Act requires Local Planning Authorities to ensure that adequate provision is made for the protection of trees, both through the use of planning conditions and of Tree Protection Orders (TPOs). Local Plans can also include policies relating to trees and may include requirements to protect existing trees and secure the planting of new ones.
The most widely recognized method of tree survey follows BS 5837 which provides guidelines for assessing likely effects of a proposed development and advises on reasonable measures for safeguarding valuable trees. Using these guidelines, a Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) is undertaken of all trees within a site boundary. Data are collected regarding physical characteristics of each species and whether the tree is the subject of a TPO or lies within a Conservation Area. Each tree is mapped and classified depending on how desirable its retention is, and an arboricultural method statement is produced describing measures to be taken to ensure protection of all trees to be retained.
Betts’ arborist staff are registered members of the Arboriculture Association and are also able to assist with bat surveys in trees, enabling us to provide comprehensive tree, woodland and protected species surveying services.

Great crested newt surveys can be necessary if you’re looking to develop a piece of land. We’re experienced in identifying when you need this survey and guiding you through the process for a productive outcome.
Great Crested Newts are a European Protected Species. That means it’s illegal to kill or harm them or their habitats. When land is changing use, you need a skilled ecologist to find the right path. And that’s what we do!

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm