Trees, Planning and Development

With extensive experience in planning and development, we specialise in compiling comprehensive tree reports to support developers in securing planning permission. Our work spans large-scale renewable energy projects to residential developments ensuring tailored solutions for diverse project needs.

We prioritise a quick turnaround, delivering all plans in AutoCAD format to meet industry standards for precision and compatibility. This approach enables developers to progress efficiently through the planning process with the high-quality, compliant documentation required by local authorities.

Trees, Planning and Development Services

• Tree Constraints Plans
• Arboricultural Impact Assessment
• Arboricultural Method Statements
• Arboricultural Clerk of Works (ArbCoW)

Bat surveys are critical for assessing the presence and activity of bats when planning development projects, and ensuring compliance with legislation. These surveys fall into two primary categories: Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) and Activity Surveys. The PRA involves a detailed inspection of buildings, trees, or other structures for potential bat roosting sites and evidence such as droppings, feeding remains, or grease marks.

If roosting potential is identified, further Activity Surveys are conducted, including emergence/re-entry surveys, which observe bats leaving or returning to their roosts at dusk or dawn. These are complemented by transect surveys and static detector surveys, which record bat activity across a wider area to understand commuting and foraging patterns. The combination of these methods provides a comprehensive understanding of how bats use the site, informing mitigation and conservation measures in the planning process.

• Bat Preliminary Roost Assessments
• Bat Transect Surveys
• Bat Emergence Survey
• Tree Roost Assessment Surveys
• Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)

Abbey Environmental specialises in comprehensive tree condition and risk assessment surveys, offering both full inventory and negative reporting surveys tailored to client needs. We have extensive experience working with landed estates, schools, and local authorities.

Using mobile GIS data capture technology we gather accurate, real-time data that can be delivered in any format, allowing seamless integration with your existing GIS database management systems. Our approach ensures precise reporting and effective data management, supporting informed decision-making for the ongoing care and management of your green spaces.

• Tree Condition Surveys
• Quantified Tree Risk Assessment Surveys
• Decay Detection
• Tree Risk Management Strategies
• Full Inventory Surveys and Mobile Data Capture

Ancient and veteran trees are often hundreds or even thousands of years old and hold immense ecological, historical, and cultural value. Surveying ancient and veteran trees is an important process which helps identify, document, and protect these remarkable natural assets. Data from these surveys is often used to build inventories that inform land management and conservation policies.

• Ancient & Veteran Tree Surveys
• Management Plans
• GIS Surveys
• Ancient Woodland Surveys
• NVC Surveys

Effective woodland management enhances the health and biodiversity of woodlands while ensuring their sustainability for future generations. Our expert team provides tailored solutions, from tree planting and thinning to habitat creation and invasive species control. Promoting ecological balance, we help you maintain and improve woodlands that support wildlife, recreational use, and timber production. If you are looking to maximise woodland productivity, we are here to help you achieve your goals.

• Roadside Tree Safety Inspections
• Felling License Applications
• Woodland Grant Applications
• Woodland Condition Assessments
• Tree Planting Plans
• Invasive Plant Surveys and Management Plans