Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

---

A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is a rapid assessment of the ecological features present, or potentially present, within a site and its surrounding area (the zone(s) of influence) in relation to a proposed development. 

A PEA will usually be informed by a desk study (which may include data obtained from third parties such as local records centres) and a walkover survey, though some additional surveys such as an extended habitat survey or a Preliminary Roost Assessment may also be included.

Where ecology constraints are minimal and no further surveys are considered necessary, a PEA may be sufficient inform a planning application. However, where further surveys and assessments are required, the PEA will progress to an Ecological Impact Assessment.