Our Services
Who we are
The Ecology Co-op deliver a range of ecological services for both public and private sector that can help you manage the environmental impact of your development and support conservation work.
Ecology surveys provide essential information about the distribution and abundance of species, habitats and ecosystems, and are a crucial process during planning.
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Preliminary Ecological Appraisals are assessments undertaken to quickly determine the likely impacts that would result from a development proposal and what further detailed surveys may be required to inform an Environmental Impact Assessment.
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UKHab Surveys, previously known as Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, are detailed assessments conducted in the UK to identify and map different habitats, providing crucial information about the biodiversity and ecological health of an area.
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Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are used to assess and analyse the potential consequences of a proposed project or development on the environment.
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Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) aim to recognise, measure and assess the probable consequences of development-related activities on habitats, species, and ecosystems.
We provide expert advice for rewilding and conservation projects for landowners and developers, and can implement long-term management plans for biodiversity net gain.
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Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is the process of measuring the baseline value of a habitat into ‘biodiversity units’ and ensuring that through development the value of biodiversity units is increased. As BNG is not possible on many development sites, credits must be purchased from a landowner that has achieved an uplift in biodiversity units to offset the impact of development.
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“Large-scale restoration of ecosystems to the point where nature is allowed to take care of itself. Rewilding seeks to reinstate natural processes and, where appropriate, missing species” - Rewilding Britain
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The Ecology Co-operation has taught school children and horticultural societies how to identify many of the creatures that call our ‘Wildlife Gardens’ home and explain why such environments must be maintained and managed to ensure those creatures continue to have a home in years to come.
Protected species surveys are required when a development may impact a species protected by law.
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If a development is close to a badger sett and could put these animals at risk, then mitigation restricting development activity within close proximity of the sett or a ‘Sett Closure License’ may be required.
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All bats in the UK are protected against disturbance and harm, however the presence of bats does not mean that development of a site is not possible.
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Typically, a general bird survey should be recommended wherever development has the potential to impact upon important assemblages of breeding birds.
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These small, arboreal mammals are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Learn moreAct 1981. Dormouse surveys are required when a development directly impacts dormice or their natural habitat.
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Great crested newts (GCN’s) are a highly protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. GCN surveys are required for planning permission in the UK to assess the potential impacts of proposed developments on great crested newt populations, to inform habitat management plans, assess the impact of development projects and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place to protect the newts and their habitats.
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There are six native reptile species in the UK and they are all fully protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
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Water voles are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If any development is to be conducted on or near to a water body that has the potential to support water voles then a survey will be necessary to determine if they are present.
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Wintering bird surveys are often required where proposals have the potential to impact upon internationally designated populations of overwintering birds and/or the habitats they rely upon.
Contact us
Contact us for advice or an estimate for your project below.