Ecological Services

We work alongside our client’s providing the following services:

ECOLOGICAL SCOPING & PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEYS

In any development, ecological considerations need to be identified at the earliest opportunity to offer a step by step workable solution to potential opportunities and constraints during the early stages of the planning process.

At Caulmert, our multi-functional team will prevent any costly delays to projects as well as ensuring that all biodiversity, landscape and legislative measures required for its implementation have been considered.

Caulmert can help assist with every stage of the development process including carrying out the following:

ECOLOGICAL SCOPING STUDY
This initial study involves carrying out desktop data research to determine:

• Existing site data and ecological interest
• Priority species and habitats
• Potential developmental impacts
• The proximity of designated sites (ie. SSSIs, SACs, SPAs)
• Legalities and planning policy issues that may need addressing

PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY
This ecological assessment is normally required for planning application purposes to determine a site’s ecological value. It involves:

• A site visit to map the broad habitat types, main botanical species and key site features (in line with JNCC guidance)
• Assessing the site’s potential to support protected or notable species
• A more accurate assessment of overall project costs

The results of the Phase 1 Survey may direct the need for more specific survey work to fully inform the planning application process. This could include:

PROTECTED SPECIES SURVEYS
Caulmert can provide surveys and services for the following protected species:

• Bats
• Breeding birds
• Otters
• Great Crested Newts
• Water Voles
• Reptiles
• Dormice
• Badgers

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS (EIA)
Working alongside our in house Chartered Town Planners, our experienced team can address the potential impacts and necessary mitigation measures of the development. Such measures are required to complete the EIA and to produce an Environmental Statement.

HABITAT RESTORATION, CREATION & ENHANCEMENT
Ensuring that opportunities for habitat creation and enhancement are considered at every step of the planning process is integral to reducing the impact of development. Our staff at Caulmert can help to:

• Provide advice and undertake long term restoration projects particularly within urban environments, old landfill sites, disused quarries and any area where land use has changed;
• Advise on the creation and enhancement of semi-natural habitats including grasslands, heathlands and wetlands on land which has been altered by changes in land management;
• Undertake monitoring of habitat restoration schemes to maintain suitable conditions;
• Advise on the control and removal of invasive plant species.

HYDROPOWER ECOLOGICAL FEASIBILITY
Having a wealth of experience in liaising with Local Authorities, the Environment Agency, Natural England, Countryside Council for Wales and other stakeholder groups, Caulmert staff can help provide all of the necessary ecological requirements for the development of a new hydropower scheme. This includes:

• Hydropower compliance with regulatory requirements ensuring safe fish passage and retention of ecological amenity;
• Ecological assessment of the depleted reach;
• Environmental Impact Assessments.