News & Views

BSG Ecology is leading the way in the effective use of thermal imagery as an essential tool in the delivery of a complete ecological consultancy service. We own several high-specification TI cameras and our staff are professionally trained in their use. This includes complex post-processing of radiometric data which reveals more meaningful information than simple visual interpretation.
14 September, 2017
BSG Ecology will be exhibiting at the All Energy Conference at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC), Glasgow on 10-11 May 2017. Please come and visit us on Stand E21, where Peter Shepherd, Owain Gabb and Rachel Taylor will be available to discuss the ecological solutions and support you may require, and any technical concerns you have (such as the implications of forthcoming changes in bat survey guidelines for new and existing renewables schemes).
28 April, 2017
BSG Ecology has recently been successful in securing a Bat Mitigation Licence for urgent roofing works by utilising one of Natural England’s four new European Protected Species (EPS) licensing policies. This allowed works to progress at least seven months sooner than would otherwise have been the case and meant that significant project cost savings could be made. BSG Ecology understand, from liaison with Natural England, that this was only the second case relating to bats to be considered under the new licencing policies, since their introduction in December 2016.
29 March, 2017
Dr Peter Shepherd will be presenting on the 1st of February to a seminar on Environmental Impact Assessment organised by the North-east Regional section of the RTPI.  Peter has been asked to give a presentation on Biodiversity Offsetting: Implications for EIA and Mitigation. This is a subject BSG Ecology has been following closely since it was first promoted in the Natural Environment White Paper 2011 and a number of articles have appeared in our New and Views ever since and as such we are delighted to be asked to speak.
30 January, 2017
Bird ringing has been conducted at Oxwich Marsh by Gower Ringing Group since February 2013. This is co-ordinated by Owain Gabb, a licensed bird ringer and trainer based in our Swansea Office.
11 January, 2017
As reported by the BBC on 7 November 2016, a Government review of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) estate has concluded that ninety-one sites covering an area of approximately 32,500 acres will be released. This will result in running cost savings for the MoD, and free up land that has the potential to deliver up to 55,000 new homes.
09 November, 2016

An updated version of this article is available here

  We are regularly approached by students and recent graduates keen to understand the skills they need to pursue a career in consultancy work. The following short article summarises, from our perspective, areas in which some basic experience is likely to be advantageous in securing an ecologist (entry-level) position.
02 November, 2016
In the third of a series of articles that looks at the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones for ecological survey, BSG Ecology Partner Steve Betts discusses guidelines for ecologists to ensure that this technology is used appropriately. BSG Ecology is now using drones to assist with site assessments, as they allow easy monitoring of areas that are otherwise difficult to access.
17 October, 2016
BSG Ecology are currently working on several projects in Devon that involve the use of thermal imaging cameras to monitor greater horseshoe bats Rhinolophus ferrumequinum.  During a free evening one of our ecologists, Helen Simmons, took the opportunity to visit Berry Head National Nature Reserve & SSSI and film greater horseshoe bats emerging from a known roost.  The site is managed by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust where she was joined by the Trust's Countryside Officer, Noel Hughes, who monitors them on a regular basis .
13 July, 2016