How our service works
We are a small, free service that helps people who need an ecological survey for a planning application find a qualified ecologist who covers their area, has the right licences and can fit their deadline. We do not survey sites ourselves. Below is each step of what happens to an enquiry, from the form to the ecologist’s written fee.
You describe the site and the project
Where the site is, what you are planning, which survey the council asked for (or that you are not sure), your deadline, and how to reach you.
We look for the right ecologist
Someone who works in your area, holds the survey licences your site may need (bats and great crested newts need named licence holders for some work), and has capacity in the season you need.
We tell you who they are
Normally within one working day, by email or phone. Their name first; your details go to them only when you say yes.
They scope it and quote
The ecologist confirms which surveys the site needs, the earliest dates the season allows, and a written fee. Booking is up to you, and the contract is between you and them.
Who we are
An introduction service and nothing more. We employ no ecologists, hold no survey licences and write no reports, and we are not linked to any consultancy whose name sounds like ours.
Things we will not do
- Charge you, now or later.
- Give your details to anyone before you agree, or to more than the one ecologist we suggest.
- Tell you whether your site has protected species, or whether a council will accept a report. That is the ecologist’s professional judgement, and the council’s decision.
- Give legal or planning advice. What we write about the rules is general information.
- Add you to a mailing list.
How we are paid
The ecologist pays us a fee if the introduction leads to work. Using this site costs you nothing, and that stays true if you decide not to go ahead.
Where our figures come from
Price ranges on this site come from published price lists and official guidance we have read, each named and dated on the page. They help you budget and compare; only an ecologist’s written quote is a price. Notes on the law and planning are general information, not legal advice.
Getting in touch
Email support@grubleads.com. To have an enquiry deleted, follow the steps in our privacy notice.
Tell us about the site
Three short steps: where the site is, what you are planning, and how to reach you. About two minutes. If the council named a survey in a letter or validation checklist, choose that one.
Thank you. We have your enquiry.
- We will email or phone, normally within one working day, with the name of an ecologist who covers your area and the surveys you need.
- If you are happy for them to have your details, we pass them on. If not, nothing is shared.
- The ecologist confirms the scope, the season and the fee in writing. We send no marketing.