Ecological Clerk of Work (ECoW)

Toolbox Talks & Site Inductions

We deliver clear, practical briefings to contractors and site teams to ensure ecological risks are understood and managed effectively. These sessions help embed mitigation measures into daily site operations and promote compliance with ecological protocols. Clear, practical briefings for contractors on ecological risks, mitigation measures and site protocols are essential to safeguarding protected species and habitats during construction.
 

Our services include:

 
• Tailored toolbox talks for specific ecological risks and site activities
• Site inductions covering protected species, sensitive habitats and legal obligations
• Guidance on mitigation measures and working methods
• Distribution of site-specific ecological protocols and do/don’t guidance
• Ongoing engagement with site teams to reinforce best practice
• Support for compliance with licence conditions and planning requirements

Protected Species Compliance

We provide on-site supervision and guidance to ensure construction activities comply with protected species legislation and licensing requirements. Our ecologists help manage ecological risks in real time, safeguarding habitats and species while keeping projects on track. Supervision of exclusion zones, translocation, timing controls, managing nesting bird constraints and licence conditions is central to our role in maintaining legal compliance and ecological integrity.
 

Our services include:

 
• Monitoring and enforcement of exclusion zones and buffer areas
• Supervised translocation of protected species under licence
• Implementation of seasonal timing controls to avoid sensitive periods
• Management of nesting bird constraints during breeding seasons
• On-site advice to ensure compliance with licence conditions
• Liaison with contractors and regulators to resolve ecological issues

Scheme Constraint Management

We identify and manage ecological constraints throughout the construction phase to ensure legal compliance and protect biodiversity. Our ecologists work closely with site teams to implement mitigation measures and adapt working methods as needed. Identification and management of ecological constraints during construction, including habitat protection and mitigation implementation helps keep projects on track while safeguarding sensitive species and habitats.
 

Our services include:

 
• Early identification of ecological risks and constraints
• Protection of sensitive habitats and features during works
• Implementation of mitigation measures in line with licences and planning conditions
• Real-time advice to adapt construction activities as needed
• Coordination with contractors and project managers to minimise delays
• Ongoing monitoring and reporting to demonstrate compliance

Client & Regulator Liaison

We act as a key point of contact between clients, contractors, and regulators to ensure ecological requirements are clearly communicated and effectively managed on site. Our team provides timely updates, resolves issues proactively, and supports transparent dialogue throughout the construction process. This collaborative approach helps maintain compliance, build trust, and keep projects moving smoothly.

Site Auditing & Data Capture

We carry out regular site audits and ecological data capture to monitor compliance and track the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Our ecologists record key observations, update constraint maps, and provide clear, actionable feedback to site teams. This ensures that ecological risks are managed proactively and that reporting is accurate, consistent, and aligned with licensing and planning requirements.

Works Programme Advice

We provide clear, practical guidance on how to structure and sequence works to minimise ecological risk and ensure compliance with environmental legislation. By reviewing construction timelines and identifying ecologically sensitive activities, we help clients avoid delays, reduce costs, and maintain biodiversity commitments. Our advice is tailored to the specific site and project scope, ensuring that ecological considerations are embedded from the outset and integrated smoothly into the overall programme.

Ecological Watching Briefs

Our Ecological Clerks of Works carry out watching briefs to ensure that construction activities proceed in line with ecological commitments and legal requirements. We provide on-site supervision during sensitive works such as vegetation clearance, demolition, watercourse works, working around invasive weeds, and habitat reinstatement. By monitoring works in real time, we identify and respond to unforeseen ecological risks, helping safeguard protected species and habitats. This proactive presence supports compliance with planning conditions and licences, and provides reassurance to clients, contractors, and regulators alike.