RenKap

The 6 Best Ecology Surveyors in the UK for 2024

Ecology Survey: black redstart, bird, avian

Introduction

Ecology surveyors are indispensable in most types of property developments, from building homes and schools to constructing railways and office spaces.


Such developments can significantly impact the natural environment, making ecology surveys a crucial requirement by local planning authorities for your planning application.


But with so many options available, which surveyors should you trust to deliver both swift and professional services? This article, brought to you by RenKap, showcases some of the best surveyors we have partnered with across the UK.


To learn more about Ecology Surveys (also referred to as Preliminary Ecology Appraisals), including what they entail and when they are necessary, check out our detailed guide here.


Join us as we explore the credentials and contributions of the best surveyors who are delivering ecology reports in 2024.

Ecological Surveys via RenKap

RenKap is the first-of-its-kind Site Survey Marketplace.

 

For property professionals, our platform transforms the traditional and laborious approach to securing site surveys.

 

With RenKap, you can instantly receive multiple comparable quotes from vetted surveyors, choose your preferred expert, schedule site visits, track progress, and consolidate the findings—all with a few clicks.

 

But our offerings extend beyond ecology. RenKap is your one-stop shop for all surveying needs, including Asbestos Surveys, Utility Surveys, Tree Surveys, Land Contamination Surveys, and many more.

 

Experience the efficiency of RenKap firsthand and explore our comprehensive range of surveys through our Live Demo.

How RenKap Pre-Qualifies Ecology Surveyors

RenKap pre-qualification of surveyors

The timing of preliminary ecological surveys is critical, as delays can push specific required surveys to the next available window—potentially derailing a project’s timeline. That’s why having a competent and professional ecology surveyor is indispensable.

 

At RenKap, we take the vetting of surveyors seriously.

 

Every surveyor on our platform is pre-qualified using the rigorous PAS91 Pre-Qualification Process (PQQ), a standard best practice typically reserved for large contractors on major projects.

 

Although this might seem like an overreach for surveyors, it ensures that only the most reliable professionals handle your projects.

 

By requiring surveyors to complete their PQQ only once a year, RenKap significantly cuts down the time they spend on paperwork per project. This not only streamlines the process but also continuously opens doors for our surveyors to work with prestigious clients who expect the highest standards of ecological surveying.

The Vital Role of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)

The PEA is step one. This is also commonly called an Ecology Survey or Phase 1 Habitat Survey.

 

A accredited ecology surveyor will walk around the site and make not of any protected or invasive flora and fauna.

 

If they identify any key findings then more surveys would be likely for the specific flora or fauna identified.

 

Therefore ensuring you allow enough time in your programme for potential follow on surveys is essential in order to progress your scheme and secure your planning application successfully.

Selection Criteria for Top Surveyors

The surveyors who have made our list mainly include surveyors who have successfully delivered many ecology surveys via the RenKap platform.

 

We have also included some additional surveyors who are prominent in the industry.

Best Ecology Surveyors in the UK

1. Arbtech

Arbtech

Year of Incorporation

Arbtech was founded in 2005

RenKap Approved Surveyor?

Yes – approved and available on the RenKap platform

Range of Surveys they Offer

  • Ecology Survey (PEA)

  • Tree Survey

  • Preliminary Roost Assessment

  • Protected Species Surveys (this can include bird surveys, bat surveys, water vole surveys and so on)

  • Biodiversity Net Gain

  • Topographical Surveys

Website

2. Wharton Environmental Consultancy

Wharton

Year of Incorporation

Wharton was founded in 2008

RenKap Approved Surveyor?

Yes – approved and available on the RenKap platform

Range of Surveys they Offer

  • Ecology Survey (PEA)

  • Treee Survey

  • Preliminary Roost Assessment (this can include bird surveys, bat surveys, water vole surveys and so on)

  • Protected Species Survey

  • Biodiversity Net Gain

Website

3. Roavr

Roavr

Year of Incorporation

Roavr was founded in 2008

RenKap Approved Surveyor?

Yes – approved and available on the RenKap platform

Range of Surveys they Offer

  • Ecology Survey (PEA)

  • Tree Survey

  • Preliminary Roost Assessment

  • Protected Species Survey

  • Biodiversity Net Gain

  • Topographical Surveys

  • Drone Surveys

Website

4. Thomson Environmental Consultants

Thomson

Year of Incorporation

Thomson was founded in 2004

RenKap Approved Surveyor?

Yes – approved and available on the RenKap platform

Range of Surveys they Offer

  • Ecology Survey (PEA)

  • Tree Survey

  • Preliminary Roost Assessment

  • Protected Species Survey

  • Biodiversity Net Gain

  • Topographical Surveys

  • Drone Surveys

Website

5. Ecology By Design

Ecology By Design

Year of Incorporation

Ecology by Design was founded in 2014

RenKap Approved Surveyor?

Not on the RenKap platform yet

Range of Surveys they Offer

  • Ecology Survey (PEA)

  • Preliminary Roost Assessment

  • Protected Species Surveys

  • Biodiversity Net Gain

Website

6. Indigo Surveys

Indigo Surveys

Year of Incorporation

Indigo Surveys was founded in 2009

RenKap Approved Surveyor?

Not on the RenKap platform yet

Range of Surveys they Offer

  • Ecology Survey (PEA)

  • Preliminary Roost Assessment

  • Protected Species Surveys

  • Biodiversity Net Gain

  • Measured Building Survey

  • Utility Surveys

Website

How Much Does an Ecology Survey Cost?

The initial survey can costs as little as £400.

 

The price will however depend on your specific site.

 

Key factors that affect the price can include the size of the site, the ease of access around the site, location and the amount of ecological features present.

Do You Need a Ecology Survey Quote?

Traditionally, obtaining quotes for a Preliminary Ecological Survey involves a time-consuming process: you must contact each surveyor individually, provide them with your site details by email, and then wait for them to return a quote.

 

If you seek multiple comparative quotes to ensure you’re getting the best deal—a recommended practice—you’ll need to repeat this process with several surveyors.

 

Furthermore, verifying that these surveyors have the necessary certifications, insurance, and a proven track record to successfully deliver your project can add additional layers of complexity.

 

Fortunately, RenKap simplifies this entire process. Here’s how:

 

  1. Upload Your Site: Easily upload your site details to our platform for FREE. It takes less than 10 minutes. You can login an upload a site via this link.

  2. Receive Instant Quotes: Once your site is uploaded, our platform does its magic and gives you multiple instant quotes for each our surveyors. They have populated their pricing data on our platform so we can automatically calculate these for you – no more waiting.

  3. Engage and Manage: After selecting your preferred surveyor, you can pay directly through RenKap. You’ll be able to track the surveyor’s progress and manage the project directly via our platform.

Get Multiple Quotes for FREE

Uploading your site and receiving instant quotes is completely FREE. You only pay once you choose a surveyor to carry out your survey.

Simplify your site surveys –

 

Watch our video