What was the background to this ecology assessment?

In Highland Perthshire, we carried out a large-scale Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) for a client who needed a site assessed where they were planning on installing an underground cable. The proposed cable would mostly follow a road for almost 13 miles. EP Ecology was commissioned to assess the ecological value of the proposed route. 

What did the team do?

With a PEA, a buffer is applied to investigate the land adjacent to the site. In this case, we were looking within 50 metres of the site boundary to check for protected or priority species and habitats. Over several days, our team assessed the habitats and species present along the route. 

Image: The EP Ecology team on site for a Preliminary Ecological Assessment.

What did you find?

There was lots of botanical interest, including many ancient woodlands along the boundary of the site, as well as upland mixed ash woodland, an important, priority habitat. Our team was excited to come across some small cow-wheat, a nationally endangered plant. There were also species-rich hedgerows and priority habitats like open moorland and bogs. Some of the land also included rivers, and since Perthshire has one of the most established and largest populations of beavers in Scotland, it wasn’t too surprising to come across signs of recent beaver activity! We saw signs of badger activity in some of the adjacent woods, and kept our eyes peeled for birds of prey, including hen harriers which are known to be in the area. We even spotted a lizard basking on the road verge!

Image: The team looking out for birds of prey during a Preliminary Ecological Assessment.

What was the outcome?

Once we had done our site visit we compiled our report, which the client will be using to progress with their works and ensure that no protected species or priority habitats come to any harm. 

At EP Ecology we can do Preliminary Ecological Appraisals of different scales across Scotland, whether you’re a homeowner looking for an ecology assessment to support a planning application or a business seeking a large scale PEA, such as this one in Perthshire. Get in touch today for a no obligation free quote.