Ecological Surveys
Our team of over 25 permanent professional ecologists conducts all types of ecological survey. Our extensive team and network of trusted regional sub-consultants enables us to survey large landscape-scale sites, provide you with a cost-efficient service with maximum flexibility, and helps us to resource surveys at short notice.
High-quality, robust survey data forms the bedrock of our advice
A selection of the surveys we most commonly undertake for our clients are listed below, although our experience extends to other less commonly encountered features.
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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
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Phase 1 Habitat Surveys and UK Habitats Surveys
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National Vegetation Classification (NVC)
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Botanical and habitat surveys, including hedgerows, grasslands, woodland and wetland
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River Corridor Surveys
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Lower Plants, lichens and bryophytes.
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Bats including building inspections, tree inspection (ground level and climbed), emergence, re-entry and transect surveys, and trapping / radio tracking surveys
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Badgers including bait marking studies
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Birds including breeding and wintering birds and Barn Owl
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Great Crested Newts, including eDNA and waterbody surveys
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Hazel Dormouse including nest tube surveys and Hazel nut searches
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Invertebrates including aquatic invertebrates, terrestrial invertebrates and White-clawed Crayfish
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Otter
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Reptiles, including Smooth Snake and Sand Lizard
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Water Vole
Mitigation strategies
Where survey results indicate that development proposals are likely to impact important ecological features, our specialist ecologists routinely design and implement bespoke mitigation strategies.
Our close working relationships with Local Authorities and regulators like Natural England will ensure mitigation solution receive a fair hearing.
We routinely consult with both statutory and non-statutory consultees to help build consensus. Our evidence-based, pragmatic solutions will helps to ensure that your consent is successfully obtained and that important ecological features are maintained and enhanced.
European Protected Species Licensing
We routinely prepare European Protected Species (EPS) licence applications, and we have an excellent track record in successfully obtaining licences.
If required, we can supply you with multiple licensed ecologists to supervise the implementation of your EPS licence. This can speed up delivery of large or long-term projects and will help you meet deadlines at short notice.
Contact us to discuss your survey requirements further and find out how we can help
‘It is good to see a well thought out survey and mitigation strategy for a change’
Comment from a local bat group after reviewing our EcIA report