We provide a wide range of ecological services which can be tailored to large or small scale projects. We have worked for a diverse range of clients, from individual homeowners to large utilities companies, and from conservation bodies to local councils, providing surveys and assessments in a wide range of situations. We have successfully designed and implemented mitigation for a variety of species and habitats in a wide range of circumstances. Our range of services includes those summarised below.
Ecological Surveys
Ecological Impact Assessment
Protected Species Licence Applications
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Survey and Assessment
Ecological Clerk of Works
Specialist GIS (Geographic Information System) Services
We provide a wide range of ecological surveys which we can tailor to meet requirements for a project. These surveys include:
Ornithological surveys
Bat surveys
Protected mammal surveys
Amphibian and reptile surveys
Vegetation and habitat surveys
Invertebrate surveys
An Ecological Impact Assessment may be required to support a planning application. Ecological impact assessment is “the process of identifying, quantifying and evaluating the potential impacts of defined actions on ecosystems or their components’ (Treweek 1999). This is a staged process that is tailored to meet the needs of individual projects. We can undertake the whole ecological impact assessment process, from the early stages of scoping, through to the provision of surveys and submission of the full assessment, including bespoke compensation and mitigation if required.
We can carry out all necessary surveys, assessments and mitigation design in support of licence applications for protected species. Throughout the process we will consult with the relevant authorities, for example to identify options for enabling development to proceed, whilst maintaining conservation objectives.
Often the first step in the assessment of a site for its ecological interest is a preliminary ecological appraisal. This involves a desk study and field-based survey to determine the ecological baseline of a site and gather data on existing conditions of a site. In some instances this type of survey may be all that is required to progress a project. For larger developments or where protected species or notable habitats are identified then the preliminary ecological appraisal will inform the need for more targeted surveys. A report with figures is usually produced to detail results and recommendations.
Specialist ecological services can be provided for works taking place within sensitive habitats. These can be carried out in conjunction with protected species licensing, to fulfil planning conditions or as part of good practice. An ecologist will undertake pre-construction checks and oversee operations potentially damaging or disturbing to protected species or habitats, including toolbox talks and provision of guidance to all on-site contractors.
All report figures are produced using ArcView. GIS is also be used to guide surveys by determining the extent of survey boundaries and production of view-sheds for Vantage Point surveys. This latter tool is a time-saving device to target VP locations prior to undertaking surveys in the field.
Management Planning
We have a wealth of experience in the production of management plans for conservation and enhancement of habitats and species within a site. Baseline data is usually used to plan and establish a program of monitoring and prescriptive management options for a given time period, often 5 or 10 years in length.
