Ecology and Planning

Ecology and planning

A Capability Presentation for Wildwood Ecology

January 2014

Introduction

WelcomeWildwood Ecology Limited is aprogressive ecologicalconsultancy and trainingcompany. Our experiencedteam operates from twooffices, providing servicesacross England and Walessince 1998. We deliverpragmatic and innovativeecological solutions andtraining needs to a wide andexpanding client base.

Introduction

Planning & developmentPreliminary Ecological AppraisalProtected Species SurveyEPS License & Method StatementEcological Clerk of WorksBREEAM & CfSHBusiness & Biodiversity Plans

Ecological trainingBat Licence Training CourseProfessional Training CoursesCPD

Wild-TechInnovative Product DesignBespoke Services

Services & Products

Introduction

StaffPermanent full-time ecologistsSupport team and associatesLicensed & ExperiencedProfessionally TrainedMembers of CIEEM

OfficesCardiff: 029 2002 2320Cirencester: 01285 644401

Insurance£10M EL Insurance£5M PL Insurance

Ecological impact assessment

Our Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)* combinea desk study and field survey of a development site,undertaken by experienced ecologists. Whencommissioned at the early stage of the planningprocess our assessments will inform you of anyecological issues likely to arise from the proposeddevelopment.

The PEA can assist with your planning proposal or landpurchase by:

• identifying the presence or likely absence of protected species or habitats;• providing guidance on wildlife legislation obligations and Local Planning Authority (LPA) and Statutory

Nature Conservation Organisation (SNCO) requirements;• making appropriate ecological recommendations for further actions in order to progress the development;• outlining the benefits of protecting, managing and enhancing a site’s biodiversity value.

The PEA can also be adapted to maximise the ecological credits under BREEAM or Code for Sustainable Homesaccreditation, or as a supporting document to a Parkland Management Plan under the Higher Level StewardshipScheme.

Protected species surveys

Wildwood Ecology has expertise in undertaking surveys for all British protected species andunderstands their ecological requirements. Where protected species are likely to be affectedby a development, appropriate surveys will be required to assess short or long-term impacts.Early consideration of protected species in the project design process will avoid costlyproblems or delays at later stages.

We can undertake surveys (and hold survey licences, where appropriate) for speciesincluding:• Bats (all species)• Dormouse• Otter• Badger• Water vole• Birds• Great-crested newt• Reptiles

We will provide you with an assessment of the likely ecological impacts, and our clear andconcise reports will inform and add essential detail to the project design.

Development licences and mitigation

Where a development or activity affects a legally protected species, a licence may berequired in order for works to be lawfully undertaken. This could include works thatwould damage or destroy habitats of or disturb a protected species, including:• Bats (all species)• Dormouse• Otter• Badger• Water vole• Great-crested newt

Our specialists will prepare the licence application and detailed method statement onyour behalf, consulting with relevant stakeholders. On approval of the licence we willimplement the mitigation strategy and undertake any remaining ecological post-construction monitoring and reporting conditions. We have an excellent record ofsecuring development licences, enabling project works to proceed.

Code for Sustainable Homes & BREEAM

Credit points are available within Ecology (CSH) or Land Use and Ecology(BREEAM) categories. Usually, these credits are only available followingan ecological appraisal undertaken by a ‘Suitably Qualified Ecologist’ (SQE).Our ecologists meet the SQE definition and will assess the site’s currentecological value, identifying where and how features of ecological valueshould be retained, protected, and enhanced for biodiversity.

Appraisal reports provide clear and concise recommendations tomaximise ecological credits where available, through simple and cost-effective solutions. We can also design long-term management plans toensure sustainable steps are taken to benefit biodiversity.

Our experience of Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM projectscover different development types, ranging from individual homes tolarge-scale industrial and commercial developments. We work in closeassociation with the project team, including landscape designers andarchitects, to develop appropriate planting schemes and maximise thecredit points available for a positive change in ecological value.

Support services

Complementing our ecological consultancy services we offer bespoke ContinuedProfessional Development (CPD) courses to business. These can be delivered in arelaxed and open environment during a lunch-hour, or in a longer session tailored toaddress specific requirements.

We offer pioneering professional training, including the Bat Licence Training Course(BLTC). The BLTC addresses the difficulty many professional ecologists have inobtaining licence training through local bat groups, many of whom are unable tooffer training to those intending to use their bat licences for commercial purposes.

We teach short and long courses on ecology for planning authorities andorganisations such as the Bat Conservation Trust, Field Studies Council, NationalPark Authorities and Universities.

Wildwood Ecology has also designed and supplies technological equipment andsoftware including the BatNav GPS receiver and MapaBat data convertor tool.

Project examples

Rendcomb College and Park

Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, botanical, invertebrate,

bat and water vole surveys as part of a Parkland

Conservation Management Plan for the Higher Level

Scheme (agri-environment); Geo-tagging bat calls using

BatNav technology;

Davies Sutton Architects

Fonmon Castle, Vale of

Glamorgan

Bat surveys and provision of advice with regards to listed

building re-roofing, stable block restoration and listed

building application;

Multiple bat roost used by Natterer’s, Lesser horseshoe,

Serotine, Pipistrelle and Myotis bat species;

The Disabilities Trust

Delta Lakes, Llanelli

Reptile survey and translocation of over 200 individual

common lizard and slow worm followed by supervised

destructive search;

Report for likely ecological credits under BREEAM Multi-

residential 2008 scheme.

Project examples

Velocita Energy Developments

Maerdy Windfarm

Ecological Clerk of Works and large project management

for pre-commencement surveys and supervisory works for a

9 turbine site;

Habitat assessment, problem solving, habitat management

plan review and weekly report writing.

National Trust

Caerllan, Ceredigion

Bat scoping, activity surveys and production of a simplified

method statement for re-roofing of a detached residential

property used as a bat maternity roost;

Liaison with statutory advisor. Ecological clerk of works

duties and reporting.

Caerphilly County Borough Council

Ystrad Mynach Hospital

Multiple bat and bird activity surveys across large

operational hospital site;

EPSL application following confirmation of bats within day

hospital;

Supervision of demolition and compliance checks;

Contact

© Wildwood Ecology 2014

Head office:Wildwood Ecology LtdLlanmaesSt FagansCardiff, CF5 6DU

[email protected]

029 2002 2320

Cotswold office:Wildwood Ecology Ltd19 Cotswold CloseCirencesterGloucestershire, GL7 1XP

[email protected]

01285 644401