ecological planning & development

Our in-house team of ecologists specialise in planning and development-lead ecological work from initial scoping and site survey through to design and implementation of appropriate mitigation works and site supervision.

We routinely undertake consultation with local planning authorities and nature conservation organisations on behalf of our clients to facilitate identification and management of ecological issues within development activities.

Our typical areas of work include Environmental Impact Assessment, production of Environmental Statements, ecological survey, site supervision, management planning, engineering scheme assessment and mitigation design and public enquiry and expert witness.

We frequently undertake ecological surveys and assessments for projects registered under BREEAM, EcoHomes, EcoHomes (Bespoke) and Code for Sustainable Homes schemes closely working with project teams to maximize their credit gain.

Our breadth of experience is reflected in our client list which includes private and corporate customers, statutory agencies, local authorities and private industry. ECUS provides a major resource for a wide range of ecological consultancy works and is able to tailor projects to fit clients requirements.

Key areas of work include:

• Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Statements
• Public inquiry and expert witness
• Phase I and Phase II habitat surveys
• BREEAM, EcoHomes and Code for Sustainable Homes
• Protected species surveys including great-crested newt, bat, badger, otter, water-vole and reptile survey.
• Survey of specialist groups including:
• aquatic invertebrates
• aquatic plants
• breeding birds
• fisheries and
• freshwater crayfish.
• Ecological assessment for development schemes and mitigation design
• Site supervision and management
• Ecological and environmental survey and monitoring
• Ecological planning and policy
• Habitat design, restoration and creation
• Strategic policy development and review
• Aquatic ecology and hydro-ecology
• Research and development
• Environmental databases and digital mapping