ecological survey & impact assessment

ECUS routinely undertake a wide range of ecological survey and impact assessment including stand-alone ecological impact assessments (EcIA) and individual ecology chapters for full Environmental Statements.

We maintain a broad range of ecological survey skills in house including expertise in most commonly encountered UK habitats and species. ECUS staff hold licences for a range of UK protected species including great-crested newts, badgers, white-clawed crayfish, dormouse and floating water plantain.

Our wide skills base enables us to offer a comprehensive survey and impact assessment service in-house. ECUS Ecology is linked to one of the UK's largest University Biological Science Departments and our full-time team of professional ecologists, researchers and technicians are able to call upon the specialist expertise of a large number of nationally and internationally recognised ecologists, both within and outside the University. This broad range of expertise enables us to provide teams tailored to the individual requirements of specific projects in a highly cost-effective manner.

Our track record is reflected in our broad client base which includes statutory agencies, local authorities and private industry. ECUS provides a major resource for a wide range of ecological research and consultancy.

Key areas of skill and experience include:

• Botanical and NVC survey
• Protected species ecology and survey
• Breeding and winter bird survey
• Aquatic ecology and hydro-ecology
• Environmental databases and digital mapping
• Ecological impact assessment for development schemes and mitigation design
• Environmental impact assessment and environmental statements
• Public inquiry and expert witness
• Assessment and management of biodiversity resources
• Site supervision and management
• Habitat management, restoration and creation
• Strategic policy development and review
• Research and development
• Ecological planning and policy