Overview
Implementation of the Water Framework Directive in 2000 has increased the emphasis on improving the ecological quality of rivers and lakes within the UK and Ireland, and ensuring that new developments do not adversely impact aquatic habitats or compromise their future ecological status.
Additional legislation (including The Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) (Amendment) Regulations 2010) allows prosecution of individuals or companies responsible for the pollution of aquatic habitats. Developers are now expected to carry out pre and post-development surveys of waterbodies where an adverse impact is anticipated.
Surveys of freshwater habitats and species can present a number of challenges. Our experience gained from working across a wide range of sites, applying different survey methods and means of assessment, allows us to provide a tailored approach to your freshwater project.
BSG Ecology has a team of experienced freshwater ecologists originating from academic, public sector and consultancy backgrounds. In partnership with our approved sub-consultants we can deliver a comprehensive suite of aquatic services anywhere in the UK and Ireland.
Freshwater Ecology Survey
We have a large team of ecologists, many of whom have significant experience of freshwater ecological assessment for development as well as conservation led projects.
We have project experience of the following field survey work that is of particular relevance to projects with freshwater habitats:
- Targeted survey, covering (as necessary) all key groups of aquatic invertebrates using a full range of survey methods including direct searching, netting, and kick sampling;
- Survey and identification of macrophytes including specialist groups such as stoneworts for which Special Areas of Conservation are designated and Phase 3 surveys of individual plant species;