Ecological Impact Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment

Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) assesses the potential effects of a development on habitats and species, particularly those protected by national and international legislation or considered to be of particular nature conservation importance. EcIA is an integral part of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

We also carry out assessments of plans and policies under the Habitats Regulations Act 2010 to ensure the integrity of internationally important wildlife sites is not compromised. Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) is also sometimes known as Appropriate Assessment (AA). Our ecologists and planners work together closely in the delivery of HRAs for both development plan documents and projects.

These types of assessment are often underpinned by habitat and vegetation surveys and protected species surveys, and require effective consultation with statutory nature conservation bodies and other stakeholders.