Ecology & Biodiversity

Planning-Led Ecological Support for Projects of All Scales

At Arthian, our ecology consultants provide pragmatic, regulator-aligned support across the full development lifecycle – from early feasibility studies through planning applications to construction delivery, licensing and long-term habitat management.

We work with developers, planners, contractors and design teams across the UK and Ireland, helping projects navigate ecological constraints, satisfy planning conditions and deliver biodiversity outcomes with confidence.

Our experience spans residential, commercial and mixed-use development, infrastructure, utilities and energy projects, construction corridors for roads, rail and utilities, minerals, waste and industrial sites, and sensitive landscapes and designated habitats. Whether you’re scoping a new site, preparing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), or managing construction-phase risks, we tailor our ecology services to your planning context, programme and regulatory obligations.

Ecology Services Aligned with Planning Workflows

We structure our ecology offering around the key stages of planning and development. We also support Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA), Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and Expert Witness input for complex or contested sites.

Pre-Planning Support & Assessments

Protected Species Surveys, Licensing & Mitigation

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)

Post-Planning Support

BREEAM Ecology Assessments

Specialist Support for Infrastructure Projects

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.

Pre-Planning Support & Assessments

Protected Species Surveys, Licensing & Mitigation

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)

Post-Planning Support

BREEAM Ecology Assessments

Specialist Support for Infrastructure Projects

Focused Ecology & Biodiversity Services

Below are our specialised Ecology & Biodiversity services. For more detailed support, visit our focused service pages.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Planning-Ready BNG Support for Development & Infrastructure

Ecological Clerk of Work (ECoW)

On-Site Ecological Supervision for Planning Compliance & Risk Management

Habitat Management Plans

Ecological Delivery, Compliance & Monitoring After Consent

Licensing & Mitigation

Expert Ecological Support for Planning, Compliance & Conservation

Why Choose Arthian for Ecology & Biodiversity?

Our Understanding

Deep understanding of planning, infrastructure, and environmental interfaces.

Our Experience

National experience with regional insight and regulatory familiarity.

Integration

Fully integrated with geotechnical, hydrological, and ecological disciplines.

Results Driven

Commitment to technical rigour, clear communication, and long-term outcomes.

Our Latest Projects

View All Projects

Energy Engineering

Rushcliffe Borough Council Heat Decarbonisation Plans

Development of heat decarbonisation plan to support the Council's aim to make services carbon neutral by 2030

Energy Engineering

London Borough of Islington Heat Decarbonisation Plans

Development of 31 comprehensive Site Heat Decarbonisation Plans via Low Carbon Skills Fund (LCSF) Phase 5 funding

Civil Engineering Civil Engineering Design Temporary Works

MORAY WEST CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN

Onshore Civil Engineering Design for Transmission & Distribution

Get in Touch

We’d love to hear from you – whether you have a question, a project in mind, want to explore job opportunities, or just want to say hello.

Services

Services

Environment

Engineering

Planning

Safety

Net Zero & Decarbonisation

Sustainability Consulting

Ecology & Biodiversity

Planning-Led Ecological Support for Projects of All Scales

Ecology Services Aligned with Planning Workflows

Pre-Planning Support & Assessments

Protected Species Surveys, Licensing & Mitigation

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)

Post-Planning Support

BREEAM Ecology Assessments

Specialist Support for Infrastructure Projects

Pre-Planning Support & Assessments

Protected Species Surveys, Licensing & Mitigation

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)

Post-Planning Support

BREEAM Ecology Assessments

Specialist Support for Infrastructure Projects

Focused Ecology & Biodiversity Services

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Ecological Clerk of Work (ECoW)

Habitat Management Plans

Licensing & Mitigation

Why Choose Arthian for Ecology & Biodiversity?

Our Understanding

Our Experience

Integration

Results Driven

Our Latest Projects

Rushcliffe Borough Council Heat Decarbonisation Plans

London Borough of Islington Heat Decarbonisation Plans

MORAY WEST CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN

Get in Touch