Ecology is the study of the interrelationships between all living organisms and their environment. Ecological science and ecological thinking are therefore cornerstones of environmental assessment. The importance of preserving ecological resources, including flora, fauna, habitats and the processes that link them, is now strongly recognised in law and ever more widely appreciated by the public.

We have a well-established and highly regarded in-house team of ecologists. Individuals have both general ecological knowledge and specialist expertise in particular aspects of ecology, (relating to both the UK and overseas) and have contributed to the development of various ecological assessment methodologies. A number of staff hold all-England English Nature licenses for all species of bats, Great Crested Newts, and Dormice. In addition, we also have staff appropriately licensed to survey for Great Crested Newts and Dormice in all counties of Wales.  For further information regarding our ecology services in Wales click here. 

In addition, over the last twenty years we have established an extensive list of reliable and specialist sub-consultants and can source expertise in relation to any aspect of survey and assessment.

Many of our projects commence with 'extended Phase I Habitat Survey' and detailed desk-based study. We then frequently scope and undertake or commission more detailed surveys on particular ecological receptors. Project work encompasses a range of scales and complexity, from small single-site habitat surveys, to large, multi-disciplinary longterm projects.

The skills we provide currently include:

• Habitat surveys (terrestrial and inter-tidal)
• Botanical surveys (including NVC of all habitats)
• Surveys of European Protected Species (including bats, Great Crested Newts, dormice and Otters)
• Surveys of frequently encountered British Protected Species (including reptiles, Water Voles and Badgers)
• Ecological Impact Assessments
• Negotiation with Regulators and Interest Groups
• GIS data analysis
• Advice on sustainable urban drainage (SUDs) design
• Ecological design (at local and strategic scales)
• Habitat creation and management
• Hedgerow Regulation 1997 surveys
• Preparation of Management Plans
• Protected species legislation advice
• Public Inquiry Expert Witness

Whilst we work primarily in the UK, we have undertaken ecological assessment and design work in a number of countries around the world including: Belgium, Spain, Malta, Austria, Israel, Tunisia, USA, Dominican Republic, Hong Kong and Angola.

Some of the projects with which we are involved in the UK are:

• Greenwich Peninsula; a major urban regeneration project
• Highways Agency South West Design Framework Agreement; a range of road enhancement schemes
• Priory Vale, Swindon; a 250 hectare mixed use development
• Nottingham University; an ecologically informed campus development