Wildlife Consultancy Services

Worcestershire Wildlife Consultancy has wide-ranging ecological & environmental expertise and a team of specialist associates allowing us to offer a comprehensive list of ecological services

Habitat surveys

Worcestershire Wildlife Consultancy can offer a full range of site surveys and monitoring tailored to suit individual clients needs, from simple vegetation surveys to species specific and detailed surveys. The main types of habitat survey we undertake include:
  • Ecological assessment. This is a preliminary and baseline survey which includes the Phase 1 Habitat survey but also assesses the site in terms of its potential to support protected or other notable species. This is necessary and frequently undertaken for clients as it can save considerable time and costs.
  • Phase 1 Habitat survey. This is a basic and standardised system for classifying habitats, including urban areas in the UK. We typically provide full species lists for this survey.
  • NVC (National Vegetation Survey). A detailed survey methodology identifying all of Britains semi-natural plant communities. It is often used at sites of nature conservation significance.
  • Hedgerow surveys. These surveys are undertaken in accordance with the Hedgerow Regulations (1997) and are typically required when a hedgerow removal notice is submitted.
  • River corridor survey. This survey identifies important features of the river and can be useful when determining the impact of a scheme, such as culverting, along a watercourse.
  • Invasive weed surveys. There are a number of vigorously invasive weeds such as Japanese Knotweed that can be enormously problematic. A survey for these weeds will identify the extent of the problem, enabling us to provide recommendations for the control and complete eradication of these plants.
  • Tree surveys. Trees on development sites usually require a condition survey in accordance with BS5837 (Trees in Relation to Development). This identifies the species, age and condition of individual trees and groups of trees. WWC undertakes:
  • Tree surveys complete with identification tags.
  • Advice on the ecological status of trees and their potential for supporting protected species such as bats.
  • Scheduling and mapping of surveyed trees.

Protected species surveys

One of the Consultancies core areas of work is undertaking protected species surveys for animals including: Bats; herpetofauna especially great crested newts and slow-worms; white-clawed crayfish; badgers; dormice; birds; water voles and otters. All of which must be considered during the planning process or where other works may effect a protected species. Initial and dedicated surveys for these and other species allows us to determine presence/absence, population and distribution and to advise clients as to the most suitable form of mitigation, a process that enables individual developments and other projects to proceed.

Protected Species Licenses

For certain development projects, either a species specific licence i.e. for badgers or a European Protected Species Licence (EPS) must be obtained in order that it may progress. We have a track record of successfully applying for these licences following the survey work required to implement the mitigation. A licence, permits certain on site operations to occur within a set time period and ensures that the client is operating on the right side of the law as well as working towards maintaining the favourable conservation status of the protected species affected by the works.

‘Ecological Clerk of Works’ - watching briefs

Worcestershire Wildlife Consultancy is involved in projects from their inception to their completion and can provide a supervisory service where on-site advice is given during the construction works. This includes liaison with developers, contractors, archaeologists, engineers and statutory bodies such as Natural England, Countryside Council for Wales and the Environment Agency.

Other types of species survey include

  • Small mammal trapping
  • Invertebrate surveys – aquatic and terrestrial
  • Surveys of specialists groups including bryophytes, lichens and invertebrates - WWC has undertaken numerous surveys for locally and nationally important species
  • Pond surveys
  • Breeding, passage and wintering bird surveys

BREEAM/ECO Homes Assessments

As fully qualified and experienced ecologists we undertake BREEAM/ECO Homes assessments ensuring that any given development minimises its impact on the natural environment. Worcestershire Wildlife Consultancy specialises in the Ecology section within the scheme, identifying the sites current ecological value and highlighting where site enhancements could be made.

Planning

Planning covers a wide range of activities, from the strategic master-planning of a complex development, to the detailed planning of mitigation measures. Planning may also involve extensive liaison with various partners, stakeholders such as Natural England, Countryside Council for Wales, Local Planning Authorities and community interest groups.

At a strategic level we can help in developing Biodiversity Action Plans, and at a practical level we can assist in planning how to implement Section 106 agreements. Whether it is species protection work, or mitigation and compensation, Worcestershire Wildlife Consultancy has the experience and expertise to provide the services you need.

Mitigation, restoration & habitat creation

Providing the appropriate form of mitigation is critical for any project in order to minimise the impacts and provide effective wildlife enhancement. Mitigation may require habitat restoration, creation, and translocation followed up by monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the scheme. In certain situations these schemes will form part of a protected species license.

Site Management Plans

In conjunction with our ecological surveys, we can prepare a management plan which will prescribe how to manage your site for the long-term benefit of wildlife and at the same time integrating recreational activities, industry and farming where appropriate. Over the years we have provided management plans for sites including nationally important nature reserves to landscaped recreational areas in association with developments. This can take the form of:
  • baseline surveys and desk studies
  • Prepares site management  briefs and plans
  • Advises on and undertakes monitoring work
  • Provides specialist advice on habitat or species management issues (e.g. farm conservation plans and negotiation of conservation issues with agencies such as Natural England on behalf of landowners or agents).

Practical Management

We can organise and implement practical habitat management, creation and restoration, using our own staff/or expert contractors. Our expertise extends to all types of management whether it be tree felling, hedge planting or mowing in both urban areas and the wider landscape.

Wildlife Gardens & Landscaping
A specialist branch of habitat creation is the development of gardens designed to be attractive to both people and wildlife. We can offer horticultural and ecological advice from small gardens to larger schemes around schools and business premises.

Geographical Information System (GIS)
Our in-house GIS system allows to digitise (computerise) all of our survey information onto various maps and overlay with other digital overlays such as conservation designations. The Spatial data that we hold, including, which includes aerial overlays, OS raster and vector data, means that we can accurately map habitats and other features.  

Training
All the consulting staff at Worcestershire Wildlife Consultancy are educated to degree level, if not postgraduate and are experienced in their fields. We can provide training courses in the following survey and identification techniques:

  • Phase I habitat survey
  • Phase II vegetation survey (NVC)
  • Botanical identification training
  • Mammal survey and identification
  • Reptile and amphibian survey
  • Site management planning
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 Worcestershire
Wildlife Consultancy
Lower Smite Farm
Smite Hill, Hindlip
Worcester WR3 8SZ
Tel: 01905 754909
Fax: 01905 755868
Email Us

wildlife consultant
Our professional staff are trained to a high level of expertise and are all members of the Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management(IEEM)
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