Habitat & vegetation survey
We believe that accurate habitat surveys are the fundamental basis of ecological work.
We offer:
- Phase 1 habitat surveys
- Hedgerow surveys
- Phase 2 NVC surveys
- River Corridor and River Habitat surveys
- Invasive plant surveys, including Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, New Zealand pigmy weed, parrot's feather and other invasive aquatic species
- Aquatic macrophyte surveys
- Lower plant surveys, including bryophytes
We require all of our ecologists who carry out habitat assessments to demonstrate a high standard of botanical skills. We provide a programme of in-house botanical training for all our staff.
Protected species & fauna surveys
Our ecologists hold a range of licences for protected species work.
We offer:
- bat, badger, dormouse, red squirrel, otter and water vole surveys
- reptile and amphibian surveys, including great crested newt
- breeding and wintering bird surveys
- terrestrial invertebrate surveys
- aquatic surveys, including white-clawed crayfish, meiofauna and fish
Ecological impact assessment
We conduct baseline surveys and produce Ecology Chapters for Environmental Impact Assessments, detailed ecological analysis for Appropriate Assessments and supporting services which include:
- Identifying, quantifying and evaluating the potential impacts of defined actions on ecosystems or their components
- Providing a defensible approach to evaluation of ecological effects
- Providing advice on how project decision making may be affected by significant ecological issues
- Designing and negotiating mitigation measures for any identified impacts
- Working on development schemes to provide a variety of clients including developers, planners, engineers and architects with practical and innovative solutions to potential ecological impacts
Management plans
- Preparing conservation management plans for all UK habitat types, identifying measurable key features to monitor success and developing site specific management objectives
Mitigation schemes
- Working with landscape architects and other design professionals to develop ecological mitigation as an integral part of development design
- Ensuring that delivery of mitigation for any scheme is adequately addressed. In our experience, this aspect of scheme design is often overlooked, resulting in expensive planning process delays
Habitat creation & enhancement
- Advising on the restoration of neglected habitats and creation of new habitats for masterplanning, development and translocation schemes
- Producing management plans and monitoring schemes to ensure long-term success of species translocation, and habitat creation and enhancement schemes
GIS Mapping
- Detailed GIS mapping by in-house experts using a variety of software including ArcView and Map Info.
View case study here
Biodiversity research & training
- Preparing information and guidance materials, such as the Working With Wildlife resource and training pack and Working With Wildlife Site Guide published by CIRIA
- Providing bespoke in-house ecological training, such as protected species compliance workshops for construction contractors and environmental managers
BREEAM, Code for Sustainable Homes and CEEQUAL assessment
- Assessing sites to maintain, protect or enhance their ecological value within developments
- Ensuring that wildlife conservation is an integral element of the overall environmental performance and sustainability of buildings and civil engineering projects
Green roofs & biodiversity design
- Advising on the design and development of green and brown roofs, and the integration of wildlife features within the built environment - work carried out in association with the Green Roof Consultancy
Expert witness role at public inquiries
Preparing ecological evidence and providing expert witnesses for Public Inquiries, such as Honor Oak Local Plan - presenting evidence on behalf of LB Lewisham and Kingsland Basin - presenting evidence on behalf of developer