BSG Ecology services

Understanding the implications of protected species and taking account of them early in project design is the best way of avoiding more costly problems further down the line. Planning policy makes it clear that where there is a reasonable likelihood of a protected species being present and affected by a development, appropriate levels of survey and thorough impact assessment will be required. We have experience and understanding of individual protected species, their distribution and their ecological requirements. Our team can quickly identify situations where the presence of one or more protected species is likely to require consideration, and ensure that surveys are appropriately scoped to address legal and policy requirements.

BSG Ecology has one of the UK’s most experienced teams in bat survey, assessment and research. We regularly undertake large-scale and high profile bat survey programs and have experienced staff across the practice. We use our technical expertise to find innovative solutions to complex problems, are at the forefront of training, data analysis and research, and provide expert witness evidence and advice. We have a strong track record of success in securing European Protected Species Licence applications for clients. BSG Ecology has project experience of a wide range of UK bats including rare species such as lesser and greater horseshoe bats, Bechstein’s bat and barbastelle.

BSG Ecology has an in-house team of experienced specialists in great crested newt survey, assessment and European Protected Species (EPS) licensing. We undertake large scale and high profile great crested newt mitigation schemes. Our experience and understanding of great crested newt ecology provides us with an in-depth knowledge of the distribution of this species in relation to different geographical areas. Our team can quickly identify situations where the presence of great crested newt requires consideration. We use our technical knowledge to find innovative solutions to complex problems.

BSG Ecology has a specialist ornithological team, with expertise spread across the practice.  Our ornithologists have complementary backgrounds, including high profile academic research, management of bird reserves (including Special Protection Areas), survey and monitoring of farmland, moorland and cliff nesting birds and offshore bird survey.  This combined capability sets BSG Ecology apart from many other consultancies, and gives us an excellent strategic overview of bird survey, data interpretation and assessment requirements.

BSG Ecology’s team of in-house specialists are all capable of carrying out standard Phase 1 Habitat Surveys. BSG Ecology has carried out thousands of these surveys across a wide range of habitat types delivering the surveys at varied geographical scales within the United Kingdom. Within our team there are ecologists who have the relevant experience and skills to carry out more detailed botanical survey work including National Vegetation Classification (NVC) and studies of individual plant species. This capability allows BSG to provide clients with high quality survey results coupled with appropriate evaluation, interpretation and assessment.