Services

Our experienced ecologists offer clear and pragmatic advice.

All surveys are undertaken according to published best practice guidelines alongside expert critical thinking, ensuring your planning application has the best potential for approval.

Species Surveys

A protected species survey is legally required for any site where initial surveys have suggested that the site is home to any species considered to be protected or endangered.

Our Ecologists' experience allows us to design efficient surveys pragmatically, depending on the habitats at the site, their potential to support protected species and the probable impact of your proposals.

Our Ecologists are adept in:

· Preliminary Bat & Bird Assessment, in structures

· Ground Level Tree Assessment (bat roosts in trees)

· Bat Surveys (presence/absence & roost characterisation)

· Protected Species Surveys (Otter, Beaver, Dormouse)

· Badger Surveys

· Reptile Surveys

· Bird Surveys

· Invertebrate Surveys (NERC Section 41)

· Invasive Species Surveys (Schedule 9 plants and animals)

Protected species surveys, with well-designed mitigation, ensure that your planning application has the best potential for approval.

Habitat Surveys

The team have significant botanical experience and expertise in habitat surveying using suitable scientific methods. Our accomplished surveyors are well prepared for surveying development sites across the southwest. We use UKHabs with condition assessment as standard, easily translatable into BNG and post-development reporting.

Our expertise includes:

· UK Habitat Surveys

· Phase 1 Habitat Surveys

· NVC Surveys

Surveys will make recommendations on how to proceed with your development without impacting protected species and habitats.

Mitigation & Management

National Planning Policy Frameworks now include a minimum 10% BNG requirement to all major planning applications. This means changes in biodiversity values must be measured using a Defra metric based on habitat type, condition and area. Our Ecologists are highly skilled in preparing biodiversity calculations using both the Statutory and Small Sites Metrics. Staff are also fully accredited to use MoRPH River Condition Assessment for BNG.

We provide experienced Ecological Clerk of Works (ECOW) who can advise in the field on best practice for ecological concerns, deliver professional toolbox talks and provide on-site advice on precautionary methods of working, so work proceeds efficiently and within the law.

Ecological Site Enhancement

Our friendly and plain-speaking Ecologists have a wealth of knowledge of UK wildlife, ecosystem services and local habitat distinctiveness.

We are able to design a bespoke and long-lasting vision statement for your site, working with you to create meaningful and sustainable prescriptions to manage your site with wildlife and landscape in mind.

Bat Surveys

Our fully licenced and experienced staff undertake all aspects of work to support your planning application.

We can provide rapid bat and breeding bird surveys, and all your planning needs from bat emergence surveys through to roost characterisation and mitigation design.

Surveys start from as little as £250 and can be undertaken with rapid turnaround of a professional report.

Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)

Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)

A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) consists of a desktop study and a site visit to map the habitats present and identify potential for protected species. It includes an assessment of UK Habitats present and their condition, inputted to BNG. Subject to any further protected species surveys, the final report is ready for your planning application.

Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) combine the results of several surveys such as PEA Habitat surveys with bat, dormouse or reptile surveys. Reports include in-depth analysis of the potential impacts of works upon valued habitats and species. Ecologists assess any potential impacts and design suitable mitigation or enhancements. This is used by planners and other consultees to assess whether the project should be given planning permission.

All reports are produced according to BS42020:2013 (required for ecological reports accompanying planning applications), and all relevant CIEEM guidance.