ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Mitigation & Licensing

We are experienced in preparing mitigation strategies, method statements, construction management plans and licence applications for a range of protected species. Using out knowledge of the application process and the most effective mitigation techniques, we can ensure that the mitigation strategy and timescales outlined in the licence are appropriate and achievable. Once the licence is granted, we also provide advice and support throughout the development and oversee key stages of work in accordance with the licence.

Ecological Clerk of Works & Site Supervision

As part of the planning permission for a development, there is often a requirement for the construction phase to be overseen by an independent Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW). The ECoW forms the first point of contact for all ecological issues on site and are responsible for monitoring all construction activities to ensure minimal ecological impact. ​

These duties can include delivering tool-box talks, overseeing works in ecologically sensitive areas, pre-clearance ecology surveys, ensuring compliance of licence conditions, and so on...

Training

Working with the Nest Record Scheme unit of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), Richard Castell helped to devise and run training courses for volunteers working on this long-running national survey wishing to improve their nest-finding skills. ​

Richard has independently developed this course to meet the needs of professional ecologists. The course aims to improve their understanding of breeding habitats, behaviour and calls around the nest and the fundamental field skills required to locate a nest. The courses have received excellent feedback.

Sub-consultancy Work

If you are an ecological consultancy that requires specialist assistance with a project or need additional field staff to undertake surveys, all of our services are available at competitive sub-contract rates.

We currently provide our sub-consultancy services to a number of large and small companies in the region and have worked on national infrastructure projects, e.g. the HS2, across mainland Britain.

GIS Mapping

We use GIS mapping in all aspects of our work from small site-specific surveys to large-scale projects. By using GIS, we can accurately map the ecology of a site and ensure that the client can accurately assess impacts and use the data to explore their design options.