Ecological Services and Support
Ecological Services and Support
I have well over 15 years of professional work experience of ecological consultancy and wildlife survey, from working with a number of international multi-disciplinary consultancies in the UK and Australia and from working as an ecologist with a local planning authority. My aim is to provide cost effective and pragmatic solutions to ecological constraints. I have expertise in a range of ecological support and survey experience, previous project work has been undertaken for a diverse range of clients including public sector such as local planning on road schemes, as well as for a number of private clients with a wide range of disciplines such as mining and infrastructure schemes including roads and pipelines, to housing and renewable energy projects such as wind turbines and solar farms. If you would like to make an inquiry regarding the provision of ecological surveys or advice please use the Contact Us link at the top of the page.
Ardea Ecology is a Registered Practice with CIEEM.
Ecological Surveys and Advice
The majority of the following surveys are seasonally dependent and therefore, in order to avoid lengthy delays on project timings, these survey timing constraints should be factored in to your project planning. Following initial surveys further more detailed surveys may need to be undertaken; failure to submit the results of these surveys can have an impact upon planning approvals as the LPA re unlikley to condition protected species surveys except in exceptional circumstances. Ardea Ecology can provide advice on timings of these ecological surveys in order to meet any planning requirements. Survey seasons for each type of survey are listed in the attached pdf calendar.
For any enquiries in regards ecological survey or advice please email info@ardeaecology.co.uk or use the Contact Us link.
I have well over 15 years of professional work experience of ecological consultancy and wildlife survey, from working with a number of international multi-disciplinary consultancies in the UK and Australia and from working as an ecologist with a local planning authority. My aim is to provide cost effective and pragmatic solutions to ecological constraints. I have expertise in a range of ecological support and survey experience, previous project work has been undertaken for a diverse range of clients including public sector such as local planning on road schemes, as well as for a number of private clients with a wide range of disciplines such as mining and infrastructure schemes including roads and pipelines, to housing and renewable energy projects such as wind turbines and solar farms. If you would like to make an inquiry regarding the provision of ecological surveys or advice please use the Contact Us link at the top of the page.
Ardea Ecology is a Registered Practice with CIEEM.
Ecological Surveys and Advice
The majority of the following surveys are seasonally dependent and therefore, in order to avoid lengthy delays on project timings, these survey timing constraints should be factored in to your project planning. Following initial surveys further more detailed surveys may need to be undertaken; failure to submit the results of these surveys can have an impact upon planning approvals as the LPA re unlikley to condition protected species surveys except in exceptional circumstances. Ardea Ecology can provide advice on timings of these ecological surveys in order to meet any planning requirements. Survey seasons for each type of survey are listed in the attached pdf calendar.
For any enquiries in regards ecological survey or advice please email info@ardeaecology.co.uk or use the Contact Us link.
| Survey Calendar |
Ecological Support and Protected Species Surveys
Bat Roost Potential and Bat Activity Surveys - all bat species and their roosts are protected in full under UK legislation, bats can use a variety of structures at different times of the year and will often move between roosts, many building owners are not aware that bats may be using their buildings. Due to the level of protection afforded to this species surveys must be undertaken before planning consent can be granted and therefore surveys should be undertaken at an early stage to avoid lengthy delays. All Ardea ecologists are fully licensed to undertake bat surveys across the UK, including preliminary roost assessment and activity surveys. Jonathan has also held a number of bat mitigation licences with Natural England.
UKHABS and Biodiversity Net Gain - As a requirement ofthe governments Environment Bill many councils are now requiring all developments to achieve no net-loss of biodiversity on site as an LPA ecologist and consultant I have gained significant experience in this emerging area and can provide advice and surveys in relation BNG and how this may affect you development.
PEA, Phase 1 and Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys - The Phase 1 habitat classification and associated field survey technique provides a relatively rapid system to record semi-natural vegetation and other wildlife habitats. Each habitat type/feature is defined by way of a brief description and is allocated a specific name, an alpha-numeric code, and unique mapping colour. The system has been widely used and continues to act as the standard ‘phase 1’ technique for habitat survey across the UK. Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys follow the same methodology but incorporate further detail on the presence or likely absence of protected species such as badger, bats and great crested newts and the legal implications and recommendations for further survey if required. These surveys can be undertaken at any time of the year however vegetation is more readily identifiable during the spring and summer months.
ECIA for non-EIA - on sites where it has been determined that a full EcIA is not required a survey can be undertaken to establish the baseline ecological conditions and to determine the ecological importance of those important species or habitats likely to be present, to determine whether any of these may present a constraint to the development of a site. The results of these surveys will inform whether or not further surveys may be required. These surveys can be carried out throughout the year however vegetation is more readily identified during spring and summer.
Initial Site Walkover and Scoping Surveys - as part of any pre-planning or due diligence works, site walkovers can be undertaken throughout the year to determine the likely presence of protected species or habitats and any invasive species which may require further costly or time critical surveys to be undertaken, many development projects are held up whilst surveys are delayed due to seasonal requirements. Initial walkover surveys in combination with desktop surveys can be used to rapidly determine if further surveys are likely to be required, this allows decisions to be made on timing of planning submissions or commencement of works and may help to reduce costly delays.
Desk-based Review and Analysis of Ecological Information - desk-based studies are undertaken to review existing baseline ecological information, the results of these studies can help to inform the proposed survey requirements and to determine the presence of protected species or habitats within the site area. Data may be available online; however consultation with the local record centre and other parties may be necessary in order to obtain the most up to date information. These surveys can be undertaken at any time of the year.
BREEAM and CFSH Survey and Reporting - BREEAM UK New Construction is an assessment method that is used to improve, measure and certify the social, environmental and economic sustainability of new buildings. One of the key aspects of the assessment is the use of land and the ecological value of the site, both pre-commencement and post construction. Our ecologists are able to give advice and ecological support as part of the assessment. Our ecologists are all deemed Suitably Qualified Ecologists (SQE) under the BREEAM guidelines.
Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) - The role of an ECoW is often a requirement of planning consent and is often required on site full time or on call, as an when required. An ECoW can provide on-site assistance with any pre-construction works that may affect habitats or species. These works may involve production of site management plans, protected species advice such as toolbox talks or pre-start meetings, ECoW's may also set up exclusion zones, monitor bird nesting activity and relocate species such as reptiles or more common amphibians.
Invasive Species Survey - as part of pre-planning advice or in support of development works our ecologists are able to undertake invasive species surveys for plants such as Japanese knotweed and others listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Hedgerow Survey - Many hedgerows may be classed as important under the Hedgerow Regulations, and therefore, in support of planning works, surveys will need to be undertaken to determine the value of any hedgerows that may be impacted by development. Our ecologists have vast experience of undertaking hedgerow surveys and have undertaken surveys for both public and private sector clients.
Bird surveys – Ardea Ecology has significant experience of bird surveys, these include breeding and wintering bird surveys as well as nest checks on development sites in advance of vegetation clearance, as well as providing advice and guidance on the impacts of development on bird species and mitigation and enhancement measures to enable planning permission to be granted. All birds, eggs, nest and nestlings are protected during the bird nesting season and therefore any demolition or vegetation clearance works have the potential to impact upon bird species, we can provide on site ecological support during works and surveys for a range of bird species.
Great Crested Newt Surveys including Habitat Suitability Index Assessments - Great crested newts and their habitats are fully protected under UK legislation. The majority of planning authorities in the UK will require surveys for this species to be undertaken if works are proposed within 500 metres of suitable aquatic habitats. All Ardea ecologists are fully licensed to undertake GCN surveys across the UK and have worked on numerous projects involving this species and provided ECoW support on licensed sites. It is crucial that surveys are undertaken between March and June as this is the peak activity season for the species and failure to undertake surveys during this time may lead to lengthy delays to planning and development works. Environmental DNA or EDNA analysis for GCN in waterbodies, can be used to determine presence or absence of the species, Ardea Ecology can provide these surveys alone or as part of traditional surveys, the timing of these surveys is between mid April and late June and therefore it is critical to ensure this is factored in to avoid delays.
Reptile Survey - Reptiles occur in a number of habitats across the UK. Jonathan has vast experience of surveying for reptile species and undertaking large scale trans-location and habitat management works for reptile species as part of development works.
Badger Survey - Badgers and their setts are fully protected under the Badgers Act 1992. The badger is a common species in the UK and is often found on development sites, undertaking surveys for this species at an early stage in the works means that mitigation measures and site design can take into account the locations of active setts and foraging areas.
Otter Survey - Otters are becoming increasingly common on inland waterways across the UK. Ardea ecologists have undertaken surveys across the UK and can advise on surveys and mitigation measures to avoid impacts upon the species.
Water Vole Survey - Water voles in the UK have been decreasing in number for the last few years and many planning authorities will now require surveys for this species when development may affect watercourses, Ardea ecologists can undertake surveys and provide advice on mitigation for this species.
Biodiversity net gain and offsetting - Many local planning authorities are now looking for development to achieve no net loss of biodiversity in accordance with the NPPF and many local policies, Ardea has wide experience of working with LPA's in producing offset strategies and mitigation measures on and off site.
Bat Roost Potential and Bat Activity Surveys - all bat species and their roosts are protected in full under UK legislation, bats can use a variety of structures at different times of the year and will often move between roosts, many building owners are not aware that bats may be using their buildings. Due to the level of protection afforded to this species surveys must be undertaken before planning consent can be granted and therefore surveys should be undertaken at an early stage to avoid lengthy delays. All Ardea ecologists are fully licensed to undertake bat surveys across the UK, including preliminary roost assessment and activity surveys. Jonathan has also held a number of bat mitigation licences with Natural England.
UKHABS and Biodiversity Net Gain - As a requirement ofthe governments Environment Bill many councils are now requiring all developments to achieve no net-loss of biodiversity on site as an LPA ecologist and consultant I have gained significant experience in this emerging area and can provide advice and surveys in relation BNG and how this may affect you development.
PEA, Phase 1 and Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys - The Phase 1 habitat classification and associated field survey technique provides a relatively rapid system to record semi-natural vegetation and other wildlife habitats. Each habitat type/feature is defined by way of a brief description and is allocated a specific name, an alpha-numeric code, and unique mapping colour. The system has been widely used and continues to act as the standard ‘phase 1’ technique for habitat survey across the UK. Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys follow the same methodology but incorporate further detail on the presence or likely absence of protected species such as badger, bats and great crested newts and the legal implications and recommendations for further survey if required. These surveys can be undertaken at any time of the year however vegetation is more readily identifiable during the spring and summer months.
ECIA for non-EIA - on sites where it has been determined that a full EcIA is not required a survey can be undertaken to establish the baseline ecological conditions and to determine the ecological importance of those important species or habitats likely to be present, to determine whether any of these may present a constraint to the development of a site. The results of these surveys will inform whether or not further surveys may be required. These surveys can be carried out throughout the year however vegetation is more readily identified during spring and summer.
Initial Site Walkover and Scoping Surveys - as part of any pre-planning or due diligence works, site walkovers can be undertaken throughout the year to determine the likely presence of protected species or habitats and any invasive species which may require further costly or time critical surveys to be undertaken, many development projects are held up whilst surveys are delayed due to seasonal requirements. Initial walkover surveys in combination with desktop surveys can be used to rapidly determine if further surveys are likely to be required, this allows decisions to be made on timing of planning submissions or commencement of works and may help to reduce costly delays.
Desk-based Review and Analysis of Ecological Information - desk-based studies are undertaken to review existing baseline ecological information, the results of these studies can help to inform the proposed survey requirements and to determine the presence of protected species or habitats within the site area. Data may be available online; however consultation with the local record centre and other parties may be necessary in order to obtain the most up to date information. These surveys can be undertaken at any time of the year.
BREEAM and CFSH Survey and Reporting - BREEAM UK New Construction is an assessment method that is used to improve, measure and certify the social, environmental and economic sustainability of new buildings. One of the key aspects of the assessment is the use of land and the ecological value of the site, both pre-commencement and post construction. Our ecologists are able to give advice and ecological support as part of the assessment. Our ecologists are all deemed Suitably Qualified Ecologists (SQE) under the BREEAM guidelines.
Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) - The role of an ECoW is often a requirement of planning consent and is often required on site full time or on call, as an when required. An ECoW can provide on-site assistance with any pre-construction works that may affect habitats or species. These works may involve production of site management plans, protected species advice such as toolbox talks or pre-start meetings, ECoW's may also set up exclusion zones, monitor bird nesting activity and relocate species such as reptiles or more common amphibians.
Invasive Species Survey - as part of pre-planning advice or in support of development works our ecologists are able to undertake invasive species surveys for plants such as Japanese knotweed and others listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Hedgerow Survey - Many hedgerows may be classed as important under the Hedgerow Regulations, and therefore, in support of planning works, surveys will need to be undertaken to determine the value of any hedgerows that may be impacted by development. Our ecologists have vast experience of undertaking hedgerow surveys and have undertaken surveys for both public and private sector clients.
Bird surveys – Ardea Ecology has significant experience of bird surveys, these include breeding and wintering bird surveys as well as nest checks on development sites in advance of vegetation clearance, as well as providing advice and guidance on the impacts of development on bird species and mitigation and enhancement measures to enable planning permission to be granted. All birds, eggs, nest and nestlings are protected during the bird nesting season and therefore any demolition or vegetation clearance works have the potential to impact upon bird species, we can provide on site ecological support during works and surveys for a range of bird species.
Great Crested Newt Surveys including Habitat Suitability Index Assessments - Great crested newts and their habitats are fully protected under UK legislation. The majority of planning authorities in the UK will require surveys for this species to be undertaken if works are proposed within 500 metres of suitable aquatic habitats. All Ardea ecologists are fully licensed to undertake GCN surveys across the UK and have worked on numerous projects involving this species and provided ECoW support on licensed sites. It is crucial that surveys are undertaken between March and June as this is the peak activity season for the species and failure to undertake surveys during this time may lead to lengthy delays to planning and development works. Environmental DNA or EDNA analysis for GCN in waterbodies, can be used to determine presence or absence of the species, Ardea Ecology can provide these surveys alone or as part of traditional surveys, the timing of these surveys is between mid April and late June and therefore it is critical to ensure this is factored in to avoid delays.
Reptile Survey - Reptiles occur in a number of habitats across the UK. Jonathan has vast experience of surveying for reptile species and undertaking large scale trans-location and habitat management works for reptile species as part of development works.
Badger Survey - Badgers and their setts are fully protected under the Badgers Act 1992. The badger is a common species in the UK and is often found on development sites, undertaking surveys for this species at an early stage in the works means that mitigation measures and site design can take into account the locations of active setts and foraging areas.
Otter Survey - Otters are becoming increasingly common on inland waterways across the UK. Ardea ecologists have undertaken surveys across the UK and can advise on surveys and mitigation measures to avoid impacts upon the species.
Water Vole Survey - Water voles in the UK have been decreasing in number for the last few years and many planning authorities will now require surveys for this species when development may affect watercourses, Ardea ecologists can undertake surveys and provide advice on mitigation for this species.
Biodiversity net gain and offsetting - Many local planning authorities are now looking for development to achieve no net loss of biodiversity in accordance with the NPPF and many local policies, Ardea has wide experience of working with LPA's in producing offset strategies and mitigation measures on and off site.