Ecology Services

Our experienced and licenced consultants provide expert ecological advice throughout all sectors to clients across the UK.

We provide a full range of ecological surveys and assessments which are undertaken to a high standard in accordance with current guidance. Our licensed team, with their proven experience in negotiating with statutory consultees and deep understanding of planning policy, are able to tailor mitigation to specific project circumstances. This delivers cost effective solutions whilst also securing planning permissions with minimal conditions.

Our wide range of services include:

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

We provide clear and concise Phase I documentation which includes a full assessment of biological data from the Local Records Centre and discussions with the County Ecologist to determine the scope of any further survey work required prior to planning determination. Recommendations made are proportionate to the level of impact and to the nature and scale of the proposed works.

• Phase I Habitat Survey
• Biological Records/Statutory Searches
• Appropriate avoidance/mitigation/compensation measures
• Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Reporting
• Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)

Protected Species Survey

Our licensed ecologists undertake a full suite of protected species surveys including: Bat, Badger, Bird, Dormouse, Great Crested Newt, and Reptile in accordance with current guidance and the governing body CIEEM.

• Bat Activity/Emergence/Preliminary Assessments
• Badger Sett & Territory Mapping
• Dormouse Surveys
• GCN Aquatic & Terrestrial Surveys
• Reptile Surveys

European Protected Species Licence

We successfully produce mitigation strategies for licence applications where these are necessary that meet the need of the protected species concerned, yet are practical and work with the clients proposed programme of works.

• Natural England & Natural Resources Wales
• Bat LICL/EPS Licence
• Badger Licensing
• Dormouse Licensing
• GCN LICL/EPS Licence

Water Framework Directive

Our team can undertake detailed River Corridor Surveys and provide ecological advice in support of WFD assessments in accordance with EA guidelines where works within or alongside tributaries are required.

• River Corridor Surveys
• Otter & Water Vole Surveys
• White-clawed Crayfish Surveys
• EA liaison on biodiversity
• WFD Assessment

Biodiversity Mitigation Design & Implementation

We undertake biodiversity calculations following the latest DEFRA accounting metrics, and successfully consult with the Environment Bank to secure compensation measures. We also design a range of mitigation strategies and implement these across all types of site, for example bat roosts and GCN exclusion fencing.

• DEFRA Accounting Metrics
• Ecological CEMP & LEMP Management Plans
• PWMS & Ecological Clerk Works
• Bat soft strip & roost design
• GCN fencing & translocation