Overview

We pride ourselves in being one of the leading badger consultancies in the UK and are frequently requested to assist and advise local councils, badger groups and other consultancies with complex badger projects. The Eurasian badger (Meles meles) is one of the UK’s most iconic animals and is protected by law under the Protection of Badgers Act (1992). A detailed site assessment to search for badger setts and other field signs (such as badger paw prints, badger hair, badger paths and latrines) is undertaken as standard during the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. Where required, we carry out additional monitoring surveys using trail cameras and other methods to establish the exact status and extent of badgers and their setts on site. Using this information, we advise on the appropriate level of mitigation required in order for the project to proceed smoothly and legally. We have a 100% track record for obtaining and implementing badger licenses and carry out artificial sett construction ‘in house’ (as we have done since 1991 when badger licensing first came into force).  

There are 17 species of bats currently breeding in the UK, all of which are European Protected Species (EPS) and protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017). We undertake a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) during the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, as standard, on all sites with the potential to support roosting bats. This involves a detailed internal and external assessment of all natural and manmade structures on site, as well as a search for field signs (such as droppings, feeding remains, urine staining and scratch marks). Should evidence of bats be found, our team can carry out a full suite of further surveys including dusk emergence and dawn re-entry surveys, transect surveys, endoscope checks and aerial tree inspections (by our trained, tree climbing staff). We offer a full range of bat mitigation services which include full and low-impact licensing, habitat enhancement (bat lofts and bat box provision) and post-development monitoring. 

Great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) are the largest of three species of newt native to the UK and are a European Protected Species (EPS), with added protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017). During the initial Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, we carry out Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessments on all water bodies within or in close proximity to the site, whereby the likelihood of a water body supporting great crested newts is quantified. This informs the need for further presence or likely absence surveys for great crested newts which includes bottle trapping, egg searching, torch counts and netting. Up to six surveys may be required where great crested newts are present, allowing a population size estimates to be made. We also offer an eDNA (environmental DNA) testing service whereby residual great crested newt DNA can be detected in water bodies in which they have been resident. A comprehensive range of great crested newt mitigation services is available, including full licensing, newt fencing, habitat enhancement, pond construction and restoration and hibernacula creation. 

All wild birds, their nests and their eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), with additional protection afforded to Schedule 1 birds such as kingfishers (Alcedo atthis) and red kites (Milvus milvus). A full habitat assessment and detailed search for birds and their nests is carried out as standard during the site-based study of the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. We undertake additional breeding and wintering bird surveys and will advise on any mitigation or enhancement measures (such as bird box provision and tree planting) required for a project to progress without negatively impacting upon bird species. 

The barn owl (Tyto alba) is a highly-distinctive, nocturnal bird of prey which is protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Evidence of, and habitat suitability for, barn owls on site is assessed during the initial Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. Sites with large, mature trees or quiet, open-structure buildings provide the ideal place for barn owls to nest and rear their young – something which they have been known to do during all months of the year. We are able to undertake further barn owl surveys where necessary and can recommend and carry out mitigation strategies and site enhancements, such as barn owl box provision. 

There are six species of reptile native to the UK, the most common of which are grass snake (Natrix natrix), adder (Vipera berus), slow-worm (Anguis fragilis) and common lizard (Zootoca vivipara), all of which are are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Additional protection is afforded to both the smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) and sand lizard (Lacerta agilis), which are European Protected Species (EPS). Habitat suitability of a site for reptile species is assessed, as standard, during the initial Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and hand-searches for reptiles sheltering underneath debris or basking on open ground are undertaken where appropriate. We can carry out presence or likely absence surveys, monitoring and population size estimates and will recommend and instigate mitigation measures and enhancement schemes based on our findings.

The European otter (Lutra lutra) is a semi-aquatic mammal native to the UK and are a European Protected Species (EPS) with legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017). A preliminary otter habitat assessment of any waterbodies on or adjacent to site can be undertaken during the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, as well as a search for otter field signs (such as spraints, holts, otter paw and tail prints and feeding remains). The findings of an initial assessment informs the need for further surveys, such as a more detailed habitat assessment from the water and trail camera monitoring. We will recommend and implement mitigation and licensing measures where necessary. 

European water voles (Arvicola amphibius) are small, semi-aquatic mammals native to the UK which are fully protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). A preliminary water vole habitat assessment of any waterbodies on or adjacent to a site can be undertaken during the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, as well as a search for water vole field signs (such as burrows, latrines, runs and feeding stations). The findings of this initial assessment informs the need for further surveys, such as a detailed habitat assessment from the water and monitoring surveys. We are then able to advise on and implement mitigation measures.  

White-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) are the only species of crayfish native to the UK and are currently in severe decline, hence they are protected by law under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). An initial habitat assessment and hand search of any suitable watercourses on or adjacent to a site are undertaken during the initial Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. We carry out further presence or likely absence surveys (torching, trapping and refugia searches) if deemed appropriate and will recommend the mitigation measures required for a project to pass through planning.

The hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is a species of small mammal which is rare in the UK. They are European Protected Species (EPS) and are also protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017). An initial habitat assessment and nest search for hazel dormouse is undertaken during the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. We offer further presence or likely absence surveys (nest tubes and nut searches) where necessary and can recommend mitigation measures or licensing requirements based on our findings.

Hedgerows constitute important ecological corridors and habitat for a wide diversity of wildlife. We offer specialist hedgerow surveys to determine whether a hedgerow is in ‘favourable’ condition or classed as ‘important’ based on criteria set out in the Hedgerow Regulations (1997). Floral species composition, dimensions, age, adjacent land use and potential to support protected wildlife are all factors that must be considered when assessing a hedgerow. We will provide a finished report that can be used to support a Hedgerow Removal Notice and can recommend management plans and enhancements.

If a proposed project is likely to impact upon a European Protected Species (such as badgers, bats, great crested newts, otters and hazel dormice), a mitigation licence from Natural England (NE) or Natural Resources Wales (NRW) may need to be obtained to allow works to proceed in accordance with the law. We have a fantastic track record for obtaining mitigation licenses and will guide you through the process from start to finish.  

An Ecological Clerk of Works (ECW) may be required as a fulfilment of a European Protected Species licence or method statement. This involves close liaison with one or more of our friendly and professional ecologists who will supervise any sensitive works during a development or project. Our licensed ecologists can act as ECW’s for a host of different projects, such as overseeing roof removals or alterations to buildings which contain bat roosts, or undertaking destructive searches for reptiles and amphibians. We provide on-the-spot advise for developers and contractors and can be called upon if you have any concerns regarding protected species of wildlife at any point during a project.