Ecology & Biodiversity

Pre-Planning Support & Assessments

Pre-Planning Support & Assessments are essential for identifying ecological constraints and opportunities early in the development process. These services typically include Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Phase 1 habitat surveys, and constraints mapping, all of which help assess the ecological value of a site and its potential sensitivities.
 

The findings inform site feasibility, layout, and design, ensuring that biodiversity considerations are integrated from the outset. This proactive approach supports planning applications, reduces the risk of delays, and helps developers meet their legal and environmental obligations while promoting sustainable land use.

Protected Species Surveys, Licensing & Mitigation

Protected Species Surveys, Licensing & Mitigation are essential for ensuring that development projects comply with wildlife legislation and safeguard biodiversity. Ecological surveys are carried out by qualified specialists to identify the presence of protected species such as bats, great crested newts, badgers, reptiles, birds, and others.
 

These surveys are subject to seasonal timing constraints, which are critical for accurate results and legal compliance. Where protected species are identified, appropriate mitigation strategies are developed to avoid, reduce, or compensate for impacts, and may include habitat enhancement, exclusion techniques, or translocation. Where necessary, licences are obtained from statutory bodies to permit works, ensuring that development can proceed responsibly and in line with conservation objectives.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) ensures that development projects leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before. In line with the Environment Act 2021, BNG assessments involve metric calculation to quantify habitat losses and gains, followed by the development of a BNG strategy that outlines how biodiversity improvements will be achieved.
 

This includes detailed habitat creation and enhancement plans, which may be delivered on-site or through off-site compensation. These strategies support planning applications, demonstrate compliance with legal requirements, and contribute to wider ecological resilience and landscape connectivity.

Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)

Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) services provide essential ecological oversight during the construction phase of development projects. Acting as an on-site specialist, the ECoW ensures that ecological commitments and mitigation measures are implemented correctly and in line with planning conditions and wildlife legislation.
 

This includes construction-phase ecological supervision, delivery of toolbox talks to raise awareness among site personnel, and active monitoring of works to safeguard habitats and protected species. The ECoW plays a key role in guiding the practical application of mitigation strategies, helping to avoid ecological harm and maintain compliance throughout the build.

Post-Planning Support

Post-Planning Support ensures that ecological commitments made during the planning process are effectively delivered and monitored throughout the lifecycle of a development. This includes the preparation and implementation of Habitat Management & Monitoring Plans (HMMP), which set out long-term strategies for maintaining and enhancing biodiversity on site.
 

Ongoing ecological monitoring helps track habitat condition and species presence, ensuring compliance with planning conditions and conservation objectives. These activities support the discharge of planning conditions, providing clear evidence to regulators that ecological mitigation and enhancement measures are being upheld over time.

BREEAM Ecology Assessments

BREEAM Ecology Assessments support sustainable development by evaluating and enhancing the ecological value of sites in line with the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM).
Our specialists provide targeted input to help secure LE01–LE05 credits, including baseline ecological surveys, ecological value calculations, and the development of Landscape and Habitat Management Plans. These assessments ensure that biodiversity is protected and improved throughout the design, construction, and operational phases of a project. By aligning with BREEAM criteria, we help clients achieve higher sustainability ratings and demonstrate a clear commitment to environmental stewardship.

Specialist Support for Infrastructure Projects

Specialist Support for Infrastructure Projects ensures that ecological and environmental considerations are fully integrated into large-scale developments from the outset.
 

Our services include route corridor surveys to identify ecological constraints early in the design process, alongside detailed constraints mapping to inform planning and minimise impacts. We provide expert input on protected species mitigation, ensuring legal compliance and biodiversity protection throughout the project lifecycle. During construction, our Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) delivers on-site supervision and toolbox talks to guide ecological best practice. Post-construction, we support habitat reinstatement to restore ecological value and meet long-term environmental commitments.