EcIA is a process of identifying and evaluating the potential effects of development-related activities on habitats, species and ecosystems.

 

Two particular uses of EcIA are:

• providing the ecological component of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) required under EIA Regulations; and

• demonstrating how a project accords with relevant planning policy and legislation where an EIA is not required.

 

EIA is carried out before consent is granted for projects that are likely to have significant environmental effects. EIA is a mandatory requirement for certain projects.

 

Cherry Tree Ecology Ltd. can assist with EcIA Scoping, and liaise with competent authorities and key consultees to determine the issues to be covered by the EcIA.

 

Cherry Tree Ecology Ltd. have a proven track record of writing impact assessment reports following CIEEM 2016 EcIA Guidelines. The assessment process considers the legal and policy background, methods, the ecological baseline, and effects associated with the construction and operation of development, the impact avoidance, mitigation, compensation and opportunities for biodiversity gain, and likelihood of residual effects.

 

Projects affecting designated sites protected by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) i.e. Special Protection Areas (SPA), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Ramsar sites, will require specific assessments. These are called Habitats Regulations Assessments. This is undertaken in two Stages, Stage 1: Screening and Stage 2:Appropriate Assessment. Cherry Tree Ecology Ltd. are experienced with writing reports to enable the competent authority to undertake a Habitats Regulations Assessment.