Our ecologists will help you understand the biodiversity potential of your site. We will get to know your site and build a consultancy relationship that you can depend on.
Our ecological site surveys and assessments will identify your project’s ecological baseline and potential, and help you prepare for any planning and licensing approvals.
We have a reputation for thorough but pragmatic work combined with an appreciation of the commercial drivers of each project.
Our practical experience, scientific knowledge, and understanding of the relevant policy and legislation provide a foundation for ecological design solutions which maximise biodiversity net gain.
We have a passion for both nature and projects. We will work together with you to combine these and deliver successful outcomes for you and the environment.
We will help your project to create healthier ecosystems for the future.
When it comes to ecology, timing is everything!
You can depend on us to advise you on actions needed at the right time. Our Ecology Survey Calendar provides a handy guide but is no substitute for the bespoke expert advice that we can provide at any stage in a project.
As a registered practice with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), we adhere to the most up-to-date professional standards to provide you with a trustworthy service.
We are here to help you with Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Surveys, Biodiversity Net Gain, Protected Species Licencing, and Ecological Monitoring.
Our ecological expertise is a foundational element of our Environmental Design approach.
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Whether you are a private individual, a public authority or a major developer,
we will support you through each step of the process.
We will use our ecological expertise to assist you with:
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is the first stage of a site assessment. It is aimed at identifying the ecological constraints and opportunities associated with a proposed development. A PEA can be undertaken at any time of year, and is best undertaken as early as possible within the project lifespan, especially where further seasonally-constrained detailed surveys need to be undertaken.
The appraisal involves a desk study and a site visit to assess the habitats present, and their potential to support protected or priority species. We can then advise you of any ecological implications for your proposal and what, if any, further surveys are required.
We can tailor the output of the PEA to your needs.
PEAs are often used to inform initial masterplanning discussions and are generally not considered appropriate for a planning submission. They can also be undertaken as a pre-acquisition survey or to collate the relevant data for a BREEAM assessment.
A PEA may be supplemented with further surveys, such as those for protected species. These will inform an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA), either as a standalone report or as a chapter of an Environmental Statement (ES).
Contact usWe can support you by identifying the ecological surveys required for your project. Our team will design and undertake surveys in accordance with best practice guidelines utilising the latest techniques and technology.
Obtaining the correct baseline data early within the process is essential for identifying constraints and opportunities and for preparing a robust planning application.
Our survey experience and competence covers a range of protected species. We also undertake UKHab habitat surveys and National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys.
Find out moreWe are experienced in undertaking Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) in accordance with CIEEM guidelines.
We tailor our approach according to the nature and scale of the development proposed and the sensitivity of the location.
Find out moreWe have extensive experience of working on developments with the potential to affect internationally designated sites, including Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation and Ramsar sites.
Find out moreWe can advise on UK protected species. Our team can work with you to help your project navigate the process of preparing mitigation strategies and securing mitigation licences in relation to a wide range of protected species, including badgers, bats, crayfish, great crested newts and dormice.
We have an in-house Registered Consultant who can administer Natural England’s Bat Mitigation Class Licence (formally known as the BLICL) to accelerate the process, where circumstances permit.
Contact usBiodiversity Net Gain marks a fundamental shift in the planning process.
We will explain your project’s BNG requirements as early as possible in the design process to minimise the risk of delays, and ensure potential constraints and opportunities are clearly understood.
We can test options to maximise your site’s biodiversity potential and will work proactively with you to deliver pragmatic, sustainable BNG solutions.
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We can support you by undertaking ecological monitoring and management to ensure that measures are being implemented as anticipated and achieving the desired outcomes. Ecological monitoring is often a key requirement of a protected species licence. The preparation of robust ecological or habitat management plans can often unlock complex sites for planning progress, or are required to discharge planning conditions.
Contact usWe can work with you at a strategic level, providing ecological advice, input, review and assessment of strategic plans and programmes.
We have experience in the very early stages of project planning, providing strategic ecological advice and Green Infrastructure planning, assessment of alternatives and feasibility studies.
Find out moreWe can work with you to identify existing and potential green and blue infrastructure assets which have the capacity to enhance the character, amenity and biodiversity value of your site as well as delivering essential cost-effective infrastructure. We can provide strategies to either enhance existing, or establish new, green infrastructure and nature recovery networks as part of high-quality proposals that deliver added value to projects.
Find out moreWe can provide advice through all stages of the development process to help you maximise sustainable outcomes. We have experience in helping secure and evidence the award of credits through the BREEAM assessment process, including BREEAM Infrastructure (formerly CEEQUAL).
Contact usWe can work with you to create the management plans required for your project, including Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP), Landscape and Ecological Management Plans (LEMP) and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMP).
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Please call us on 01225 876990 or complete the contact form to discuss the ecological services we can provide for your project.
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