A PEA is an initial assessment of the ecological features present on a site and its surrounding area. This normally comprises a desk study and a site walkover survey. During the survey, an evaluation of the sites suitability to support protected species will be undertaken, to determine any requirements for any protected species surveys.

The key objectives of a PEA are to identify the likely ecological constraints associated with a project and to recommend any additional survey requirements that may be needed to inform an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA).

A PEA site visit should be undertaken between April - September inclusively however, in certain circumstances can be undertaken year-round where vegetated habitats are limited.