Overview

BSG Ecology supports clients from initial site appraisal, through fieldwork and baseline survey, detailed site assessment, ecological impact assessment, implementation of planning conditions to ensuring that protected species are not harmed as a site is built out.

We work closely with the client team, Local Planning Authorities and other key stakeholders to retain and integrate natural assets into development; often an essential step towards achieving planning consent.

We have a proven understanding of legislation and good practice guidance, requirements for mitigation including protected species licencing and Public Inquiry expert witness experience.  This means that we can effectively scope likely survey and assessment requirements to ensure that ecology work is appropriate and proportionate to the likely effects of the scheme.

Key Areas Of Expertise Within This Sector Include:

• Proactive engagement with the master-planning process, often working within multi-disciplinary teams. We have extensive experience of problem solving, dealing with complex protected species licencing issues, providing practical advice and project delivery.
• Detailed assessment of impacts upon European Sites as part of the Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) process. The service includes collection of baseline survey data, screening reports, and shadow Appropriate Assessment for plans and projects that include major infrastructure developments and LPA Core Strategies.
• Delivery of biodiversity gain assessment requirements, including use of the Defra metric, to comply with local policies and the upcoming Environment Bill.

• Extensive experience of representing the interests of key developer clients at both Public Inquiry and Examinations in Public.
• Expertise in survey and licensing for a wide range of protected species (including bats, hazel dormouse, great crested newt, badger, otter, water vole, barn owl and other nesting birds).
• Significant experience in the inclusion of green and brown roofs, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and the provision of carefully sited green infrastructure associated with major projects. A successful large scale scheme often includes the provision of habitat creation, establishment and management schemes or biodiversity management plans.
• Provision of ecological input to Construction and Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs) and Landscape and Environmental Management Plans (LEMPs).
• Our Suitably Qualified Ecologists (SQEs) advise clients on the Land Use and Ecology criteria for BREEAM, and give advice on ecology opportunities to obtain credits and the implementation of ecology recommendations.
• Our ecologists are fully equipped to work on construction sites and BSG Ecology invests time in appropriate health and safety measures and staff training including working at height, understanding our obligations under CDM Regulations and asbestos awareness training.
• We regularly provide Continued Professional Development training to a wide range of residential and commercial sector clients. This includes specific training on current matters such as Habitats Regulations Assessment and biodiversity gain, in addition to more generic ecology training sessions.