UK Habitat Classification
The UK Habitat Classification (also known as UKHab) survey is a relatively new survey method being adopted into industry practice in place of the Phase 1 habitat survey, for more detailed classification of all terrestrial and freshwater habitats in the UK.
The UK Habitat Classification is a survey method used to categorise habitats within a defined survey area and record their condition and distinctiveness against set criteria.
The survey can be undertaken at any time of year. However, the optimum period to undertake the survey is between April –October
Using the UK Habitat Classification Survey to support your planning application
Biodiversity Net Gain
UK Habitat Classification is the industry standard survey method used when determining baseline conditions for Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments using the Defra Biodiversity Metric 3.0. As such, this is likely to be mandatory on most development projects requiring planning consent, following the recent passing of the Environmental Act, 2021.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals
The survey method can be used as the field element of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, to record any habitats within a site and assess their potential to support protected species and species of conservation concern.
The main benefits of the UK Habitat Classification are:
- More accurate interpretation of the habitat types on-site
- Continuity between the habitats listed in the classification and those that are afforded protection or are a material planning consideration
- Has an in-built hierarchy that enables application at more appropriate scales to development sites
- Is designed for use with GIS platforms, making it ideal to overlay site plans
See our dedicated pages on Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, Ecological Impact Assessment and Biodiversity Net Gain to find out more about the application of the UK Habitat Classification Survey.
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