This guidance document – which replaces version 1 (published 7 May 2020), version 2 (9 June 2020) and version 3 (29 June 2020) – has been drafted by experienced ecologists as a tool to help CIEEM members continue to undertake ecological survey and assessment during the restrictions necessitated by the COVID-19 outbreak, where they can do so safely. As with previous versions, we continue to welcome feedback and suggested improvements.

This document provides guidance on temporary alternative approaches to ecological survey and assessment in scenarios where field surveys cannot be undertaken for a given site or area, or only limited survey effort is achievable, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. It is not intended to replace existing guidance and best practice.

This guidance is aimed at parties:

• undertaking ecological surveys and assessments, particularly in relation to planning applications (ecological consultants in most cases);
• tasked with reviewing the adequacy of the ecological information provided in relation to a planning application (such as Local Planning Authorities and Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies);
• compiling and reviewing species licence applications; and
• undertaking or relying on pre-construction surveys.

This guidance is a response to COVID-19 circumstances and is not a template for future ecological survey and assessment methodology.

This guidance applies to the UK only. We have also published a similar document for ecologists working on the island of Ireland.

See further information on our COVID-19 webpages.