Ecology Surveys and Ecological Consultant Services
At Tyler Grange, our ecological consultants are on hand to provide commercially minded advice and to make sure your development projects are doing the best for all living creatures, big and small.
Ecology support is offered throughout your project’s lifecycle, from initial pre-acquisition advice, feasibility studies and ecological surveys right through to protected species licensing and negotiation with statutory consultees. We can also provide expert witnesses when necessary.
The list of ecology surveys and services we offer is long, so let’s get started.
Ecological Consultant services we offer:
Preliminary Opportunities and Constraints
This is carried out by ecological consultants to inform the early project stage bidding process. See blog post on feasibility and due diligence.
Ecological Surveys
(Flora and Fauna, including Protected Species) – These are carried out to assess the baseline importance of a site to inform impact assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) advice and assessments
BNG is a legal requirement that came into effect in 2024. Our ecological consultants will conduct assessments and offer advice at all project stages to ensure the delivery of ecological enhancements in line with the requirements of legislation and policy.
Ecological Impact Assessment
EIA is an important step for getting approval for any proposed development project. We use the results of this to inform planning applications of multiple scales and types.
Ecological Design, Restoration and Management Plans
These guide the protection, enhancement, and restoration of ecosystems and are used to inform all types of projects both within and outside of the planning process.
Interpretation and Critique of Ecological Legislation and Planning Policy
Our experienced ecological consultants are well-versed in this, allowing for collaboration with the project team and stakeholders to deliver the best outcomes for people and wildlife.
Protected Species Licensing
If you are doing any activity that affects a protected species not covered by a general or class licence, you must apply for an individual site licence. This enables developments where triggering of the Habitats Regulations cannot be avoided, including the development of robust mitigation solutions.
Negotiation with Statutory Consultees and NGOs
This is carried out by our ecological consultants to scope survey work, get feedback on project progress, approach, and develop appropriate and proportionate mitigation solutions to aid the planning approval process.
Habitat Regulation Assessments (HRA)
These are to assess impacts and develop mitigation solutions in relation to internationally important sites, including inter alia, HEP metrics, SANG design and management and bespoke strategies in collaboration with other disciplines such as lighting & transport.
Ecological Clerk of Works
One of our ecological consultants will work on-site overseeing project implementation, ensuring works are conducted in line with agreed methods, and providing on-the-ground advice where innovative and pragmatic solutions may be needed.
BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes
(Ecology Credits) These are industry standards that assess the environmental performance of buildings, contributing to the overall sustainability measure of new projects.
Ecological Research and Training
To support fellow ecological consultants, our peers, collaborators, and clients in promoting cross-discipline work and achieving the best solutions for people and wildlife.
Expert Witness at EiP and public inquiries
Our ecology team are highly skilled in their discipline and the planning process. They can support you through the duration of your development project and will always prioritise client satisfaction, the environment, and project success.
Ecology surveys
Protected species ecology surveys are conducted to determine the presence or likely absence of a species or group on a site. Our ecological consultants will then assess their importance and review the constraints and opportunities for the species as part of planned land use change in the context of the relevant legislation and planning policy.
Habitat surveys and condition assessments determine the ecological importance of habitats present, and here, we use the information to assess the opportunities and constraints in the context of relevant legislation, planning policy, and the delivery of biodiversity net gain.
You can find out about our ecology surveys that take place throughout the year. Once your site has been assessed for what species could be present, the project team will discuss the potential seasonal constraints relating to optimal and non-viable survey timings. The team will talk through the timings in relation to your specific project delivery schedule to ensure things stay on track.
Take a sneak peek inside our Ecology Survey Planner to see just how we do it!
If you would like to find out more about our ecological surveys and ecological consultancy, please get in touch with our team today