Consultancy Services

Ecological Assessments

1. Extended Phase 1 habitat Survey
2. Protected Species Assessments

Protected Species Surveys
All protected species surveys are conducted by experienced Natural England licensed ecologists.

1. Badgers
2. Barn Owl
3. Bats
4. Breeding Birds
5. Dormouse
6. Great Crested Newt
7. Otter
8. Reptiles
9. Water Vole
10. White-clawed Crayfish

Ecological Surveys and Monitoring

1. Aquatic Invertebrates
2. Aquatic Mammals (Mink, Water Shrew)
3. Common Standards Monitoring
4. Ecological Watching Briefs
5. Farm Environment Plans (FEPs)
6. Hedgerow
7. National Vegetation Classification (NVC)
8. Phase II Botanical
9. Small Mammals
10. Terrestrial Invertebrate

BREEAM
We supply Suitable Qualified Ecologists (SQE) to undertake BREEAM Assessments, including Code for Sustainable Homes, and provide advice on how credit points can be achieved under Eco 1 to 5.

Biodiversity Benchmark
The Wildlife Trust’s Biodiversity Benchmark scheme is designed to award businesses who own land for their work towards improving biodiversity. As an official auditor for the scheme we are uniquely placed to provide advice and guidance to organisations throughout the application process. We offer:

1. Auditing
2. Gap analysis
3. Assistance with preparation

Wildlife and Habitat Management Plans
We have a wealth of experience in compiling management plans designed to maximise nature conservation potential based on sound ecological principles. Background data and ecological survey findings are combined to create management prescriptions and five year work programs which are tailored to the specific site. We are proficient in Conservation Management System software and producing informative and practical documents.

Ecological Research Projects
Our ecologists provide expertise to high profile scientific projects conducted by SWT, such as the Heath Tiger Beetle Project and the re-introduction of the Red-barbed Ant to Chobham Common.

Habitat Advice
We provide advice to gardeners, parks, schools, churches and businesses etc on how to increase the benefits to wildlife in their local area.

Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCIs)
SWT works closely with a number of local authorities in order to help them meet their biodiversity duties. We are a member of the Local Site's Partnership, for whom we co-wrote the SNCI selection criteria. As a member of this partnership we have been undertaking surveys of potential new SNCIs and monitoring existing sites for Local Authorities for over 20 years. In addition we attend and co-ordinate meetings of the Surrey Nature Conservation Liaison Group, who make recommendations on the selection of SNCIs.

Visitor Access Assessments
We can undertake assessments of public sites and recommendations for improving the appeal for visitors, such as visitor facilities, routing of pathways to avoid ecologically sensitive areas and to promote features of interest, interpretation and creation of new features, such as ponds.

SANGs
We can help local authorities and developers to meet their SANGs provision. Visitor assess assessments are tailored to incorporate advice on the recommended footpath length, to ensure that the routes are of sufficient distance to attract dog walkers and other users.