Innovation & Monitoring

We develop and help apply innovative ecological protection and mitigation approaches, to achieve workable commercial solutions and biodiversity improvements as an integrated part of a project. With increasing requirements for post-construction monitoring and management of projects and sites, we provide a complete aftercare package that can run alongside site ownership and responsibility transfers, ensuring long-term continuity during this process.

The valuable lessons learned through our applied experience help to inform and improve our clients’ future projects and make the most of ecological opportunities. Furthermore, we are aware of budget constraints and always offer a cost-effective service designed to ensure compliance without excessive costs.

Monitoring

Many schemes require monitoring support. We have experience in designing and delivering ornithological, botanical and protected species monitoring programmes, including data analysis and detailed GIS mapping. We are able to manage and implement these over a number of years, allowing clients the reassurance of having these extra responsibilities fully met. We have provided monitoring for private and public sectors on habitats, birds and protected species such as bats and great crested newts.

Innovation

With our accumulated years of site experience and professional scientific knowledge, we develop and help apply new ecological protection and mitigation approaches, and imaginative ways to achieve biodiversity improvements as an integrated part of a project. For example we have successfully adapted methods used in archaeology for the protection of badger setts, gaining approval from statutory regulators. We work with client teams to identify new ways to integrate ecological protection and enhancement into the overall design. We help our clients achieve effective and coherent projects and avoid programme risk or costly retro-fitting to meet regulatory or planning requirements.

Training

We help others manage their own projects and sites by providing training packages, workshops and briefings. These range from simple Tool Box Talks to bespoke team training and guidance documents. Our team has provided training and information packages to energy, infrastructure and commercial development teams.

Research

Our project portfolio includes research projects for statutory bodies, such as those used to inform designated sites. We design our research with clear targets, using bespoke or standardised methodologies to provide cost effective and robust data to improve decision making whilst minimising costs.

Student Placements

We provide short-term placement opportunities for undergraduates studying ecology and planning related degrees. During a placement with us, students are able to gain experience in both office and field work, which enables the development of skills including data collection, collation and analysis. The theory and practical experience gained within an ecological consultancy provides real-life scenarios that build on academic studies.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

We understand how vital it is to present information clearly and accurately. Our specialist GIS personnel use industry leading software and standardised techniques to interrogate data and represent ecology survey results on plans. Our field surveyors use precision equipment to locate and map ecological features so that it can be accurately represented. Data presentation includes detailed habitats mapping and specialised applications, such as ornithology flight-line mapping or bat surveys. All our reports include professional, easy to understand graphics and data for clients and regulators.