Ecology and Biodiversity Services

Crestwood offers ecology services, with an experienced team of licensed ecological consultants. They are trained to provide a comprehensive ecological consultancy service, with experience in working on a wide variety of habitats, protected species and development projects around the country and abroad.

Our services include:

We work safely and efficiently with a cost-effective approach to provide the following preliminary ecological surveys. For more information about what these surveys include, or to obtain a no obligation quote, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our staff understand the importance of integrating practical ecological solutions in development situations. They have decades of combined ecological and conservation experience, being accomplished in providing pragmatic solutions that work for our clients and wildlife.

Work in all sectors, revolving around preliminary and protected species surveys, assessment, mitigation design, licence applications, translocation, monitoring and supervision. Expertise has been applied to authoring publications such as British Standard 42020.

Desktop Surveys

A detailed search from a wide range of resources including web based and local biological records centres to collate a comprehensive set of baseline data within a defined distance from a Site. This includes local and statutory wildlife sites, protected species records, tree preservation orders, any water bodies within 500 metres and geological records.

Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys

Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys are the industry standard in baseline survey and mapping of habitats (using standard Phase 1 Habitat mapping codes), landscape features and their suitability for protected species. We provide a full species list along with detailed target notes for specific ecological features. All surveys are translated into detailed high-quality plans by our in-house GIS team allowing for further analysis if required. Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys form the basis of all further assessments.

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)

Preliminary Ecological Appraisals are often used in the early stages of planning and design for a project, consisting of ecological assessment following an Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey. Impacts and effects of a proposed development are set out within a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report (PEAR).

Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Assessment

Often undertaken as part of the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, a visual assessment of ponds at and within 500m of a site to determine the likely presence of Great Crested Newt, using industry standard guidelines for HSI. This is often a standard requirement of planning.

Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment (PRA)

Often undertaken as part of the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, an external / internal visual assessment of buildings and / or trees at a site. Structures are inspected from ground level recording any evidence of bat roosts, droppings, staining, scratch marks and feeding remains etc.

A Preliminary Roost Assessment (‘PRA’) for bats should always be carried out before any development works commence on buildings, structures or trees to identify any actual or potential sites for bat roosts in order to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.

Site Assessment for Badgers

Often undertaken as part of the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, a search for evidence of badger activity, such as setts, badger paths, latrines etc. within readily accessible areas at the Site and publicly accessible areas within 30m of the boundary in line with standard guidance.

 

If you would like to enquire about these services, please visit our contact page.

Visit our careers page if you’re interested in a career path within this service area.