Biodiversity Baseline Surveys

Biodiversity Baseline Surveys for Irish Developments

Understand your site’s natural value before you build.

Before any development takes place, it’s essential to understand the existing biodiversity of your site. A Biodiversity Baseline Survey provides a clear, science-based snapshot of the habitats, species, and ecological features present, helping you make informed decisions and meet planning and environmental obligations in Ireland.

At Ground Control Ireland, we support developers, planners, and facilities managers by delivering baseline surveys that lay the groundwork for biodiversity-sensitive development and effective long-term management.

What is a Biodiversity Baseline Survey?

A Biodiversity Baseline Survey is a pre-development ecological assessment that:

• Establishes the current biodiversity value of your site
• Identifies important habitats, species, and ecological functions
• Serves as a benchmark for future biodiversity enhancement or mitigation
• Supports planning applications, EIAs, and biodiversity reporting

Our surveys help meet requirements under Irish planning regulations, the National Biodiversity Action Plan, and international commitments like the EU Biodiversity Strategy.

What We Measure

Our ecological consultants conduct comprehensive site assessments, capturing:

Species identification
– Richness, abundance, diversity, and presence of protected or invasive species

Habitat classification
– Description and mapping of habitats (e.g., grasslands, woodlands, wetlands) using Fossitt or EUNIS classification systems

Environmental conditions
– Soil type, hydrology, water quality, and site climate, to understand ecosystem health and resilience

Habitat condition and connectivity
– Assessing ecological quality, fragmentation, and how your site fits within wider green infrastructure networks

Planning-Ready Biodiversity Reports

Our reports are tailored to meet the needs of Irish planning authorities and can be used to:

• Support Part 8 or full planning applications
• Contribute to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) or Appropriate Assessments (AAs)
• Inform Habitat Management Plans or Biodiversity Action Plans
• Guide responsible landscaping and maintenance decisions post-construction

Where appropriate, we can also apply biodiversity metrics (such as those based on the DEFRA model) to quantify biodiversity value and support future enhancement planning.

Why Choose Ground Control Ireland?

• Ecological expertise backed by practical land management experience
• Familiar with Irish planning standards and biodiversity legislation
• Nationwide service – urban and rural sites across all counties
• Clear, actionable reporting to guide planning and compliance

Start Your Project the Right Way

Whether you're developing a new site or managing an existing facility, a biodiversity baseline survey from Ground Control Ireland is the first step to ensuring your project is both compliant and environmentally responsible.