Ecology and environment
Ecological and environmental surveys that support planning, design and construction across rail, energy, waste, water and land development. We establish the ecological baseline early, alongside our engineering and site surveys, so constraints are designed around rather than discovered.
Our surveyors are trained through the Ecological Consultancy and hold certificated training in Japanese knotweed identification and surveying. All work follows wildlife legislation and recognised industry guidance, and where a scheme needs licensed protected species surveys, we identify that early and build it into the survey strategy.
Ecological survey services
From first site walkover to planning-ready report, delivered by trained surveyors alongside our wider site survey capability.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
Desktop study and site walkover to set the ecological baseline, and a clear view of what further survey a scheme needs, and when.
Scope
- Desktop study of statutory datasets, aerial imagery and historic land use
- Site walkover with habitat classification
- Potential protected species constraints identified
- Planning-ready report with clear recommendations
Habitat surveys and mapping
Phase 1 habitat surveys with mapped outputs that feed design and planning, combined with 360 degree site imaging.
Scope
- Phase 1 habitat survey and classification
- Mapped habitat outputs for design and planning
- 360 degree baseline imaging of the site
- Records suitable for planning and regulatory submissions
Protected species scoping
Bats, great crested newts, reptiles, nesting birds and mammals, with a survey strategy that fits the seasonal windows and the programme.
Scope
- Site assessment of protected species potential
- Further survey recommendations, scoped to the scheme
- Seasonal survey windows planned around the programme
- Licensed survey needs identified early
Invasive and non-native species
Invasive species carry legal obligations and real cost if found late. We identify and survey them, with certificated Japanese knotweed capability.
Scope
- Invasive species identification and survey
- Certificated Japanese knotweed identification and surveying
- Mapped extent of infestation
- Practical management recommendations
Environmental reports for planning
Desktop research, field survey and risk assessment in one clear report, written for the planning authorities that will read it.
Scope
- Consolidated planning-stage environmental reports
- Risk identification and mitigation proposals
- Support for regulatory submissions and discharge of conditions
- Advice on remediation and protective management
Need an ecological survey?
The best time to involve an ecologist is before design is fixed and before the survey season closes. If you have a site or scheme in development, we can advise quickly on the ecological information you are likely to need, and when.