white-clawed crayfish survey and translocation
	bat boxes

Ecological Appraisal and Habitat Surveys

Scoping Study

This will outline whether there is likely to be any ecological interest at the site, by carrying out a desktop data search and doing a site walkover to assess the potential for protected species/habitats to be present. This may lead to recommendations for any further and more detailed surveys, including an Extended Phase 1 Survey. A Scoping Study can be carried out at any time of year, although the optimal time would be between April and September.

Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

An Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey is the standard ecological survey for planning application purposes. A desktop survey is carried out to identify records for legally protected species, statutory and non-statutory designated sites, Priority Species and Habitats, and a site visit covers broad habitat types, main botanical species and key site features (under Target Notes).

It will identify nationally notable and Biodiversity Action Plan (Priority) species. Recommendations are made for any further surveys such as protected species. An Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey can be carried out at any time of year, although the optimal time would be between April and September.

This information will lead to the devising of suitable mitigation measures where appropriate. Successful mitigation is only possible if underpinned by good baseline survey data, and appropriate impact assessment. Monitoring is also required to ensure that mitigation measures have been successful.

Vegetation surveys

A more detailed vegetation survey can be provided, e.g. National Vegetation Classification, River Corridor Survey.

Hedgerow surveys

The Hedgerow Regulations (1997) ensure that important hedgerows are not lost or damaged. If a hedge is identified as important, its removal will require a Hedgerow Removal Notice application to the local authority.

bat roost survey	great crested and smooth newts	slow worm	white-clawed crayfish
water vole	damselfly	common toad	surveying for hibernating bats

Protected Species Surveys

AWT Ecological Consultancy's experienced and licensed team of ecologists offer the complete range of ecological surveys, following recognised guidelines:

• bats
• great crested newts
• badgers
• breeding birds
• reptiles
• water voles
• dormice
• white-clawed crayfish
• otter

Each of these species has an optimum survey period, see the Ecological Survey Calendar.

	wildlfower meadow creation

BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes Assessments

AWT Ecological Consultancy's ecologists are 'suitably qualified' (as per BRE guidelines) to carry out BREEAM Assessments. We have a proven track record in assisting clients to maximise their Ecological Credit rating. We also have links with AWT's Community Team which can offer ongoing education partnerships with schools.

	reptile exclusion fence installation

Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) - including mitigation

An Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) considers the natural, social and economic impacts of a proposed project, the purpose of which is to allow an informed evaluation for decision makers. We are able to deliver the work required to complete the 'Ecological Impact Assessment' (EcIA) chapter of an EcIA, addressing potential impacts and necessary mitigation. We provide:

• EcIA scoping studies
• Full evaluation and ecological impact assessment
• EcIA project management
• Advice on legal compliance, planning matters and licensing, including European Protected Species
• Design of ecological impact mitigation measures.

	greater horseshoe bat

Ecological Clerk of Works - watching briefs

Ecological Clerk of Works or watching briefs are required where there is a small risk to wildlife. Ecologists are present on site whilst works are carried out and take appropriate measures if any animals are found during works.

All our ecologists are accredited under the industry standard Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) to allow safe and competent working on construction sites.

	kingfisher - WIldstock

Site Management Plans and Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs)

We provide expert advice for landowners and land managers, written site management plans and Biodiversity Action Plans.

We have prepared such plans for a wide variety of clients, including Local Authorities, statutory agencies, Royal United Hospital and Duchy of Cornwall landholdings.

Habitat and Species Monitoring

Whether as a planning condition or as part of ongoing monitoring of protected sites and nature reserves, we can devise and undertake species and habitat monitoring.

barn owl chicks		dormouse

Landscape services

AWT Ecological Consultancy can advise on habitat design, creation, management, restoration and monitoring, including project management and overseeing of capital works.

• We offer expertise in designing and implementing mitigation measures for species and habitats, including protected species translocations
• We offer invasive species control strategies
• We provide conservation advice for landowners, including preparation of Higher Level Environmental Stewardship applications.
• We offer Landscape Design and Hydrology advice through our associates.

training		digger - IStock

Ecological Training

We have an excellent track record in providing high quality training and continued professional development, including delivering training for statutory organisations. We can deliver courses on species, habitat survey and monitoring methodologies and have delivered training for statutory agencies, including Natural England.

Biodiversity Benchmark

The Wildlife Trusts’ Biodiversity Benchmark is the first award for business to recognise continual biodiversity improvement. It was set up to support the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) in order to help increase the contribution that businesses can make towards enhancing biodiversity.

Developed by the Wildlife Trusts, this is the first recognised scheme to award an organisation for the continual biodiversity protection and enhancement of its land holding.

AWT Ecological Consultancy provides advice in setting up a biodiversity management system to the required standard. As you would expect from the UK’s leading conservation organisation, the Biodiversity Benchmark is independent and rigorous and quite tough to achieve but delivers fantastic outcomes for biodiversity.