Ecological Consultancy

Looking for a Reliable Ecology Consultancy?

If you are looking for a reliable and experienced ecological consultancy to help you with your land development project, we are here to help.

All you need to do is get in touch with us, provide details of your project and one of our team will get back to you as soon as possible. Whether you would prefer to speak over the phone, through social media or via email, our team of ecological consultants will communicate clearly and remove any unnecessary jargon to make the process as easy as possible. With no obligation to proceed, you will then be given a quote that is accurate to the specific plot of land and development project.

If you choose us, simply return the provided quote form and we can then work with you to plan a suitable date and time to visit your site and book your survey. One of our team of qualified ecological consultants will then attend your site to conduct the survey, and once the visit is finished, they will send you a completed ecological report a few days later.

A Different Kind of Ecology Consultancy

There are several key factors that make Arbtech different to other ecological consultancies. For instance, due to a number of our ecologists being home-based or situated across the UK, we can optimise our efficiency and reduce business overheads. As a result, we can ensure our clients great prices on a wide range of ecological surveys without compromising on quality.

Another unique feature we offer is assurance over the effectiveness of the service we provide. More specifically, if your local planning authority rejects our report as part of the planning permission application, we offer a full money-back guarantee.

We also cater to clients that are running to strict deadlines with our paid upgrade service. As development projects are time-sensitive, it may be the case that you need fast results. With this in mind, our next day report service allows you the opportunity to receive your ecology report by 5pm the day after the survey.

What do Our Clients Say?

If you want an indication of how we have successfully satisfied clients both past and present, you should read through the hundreds of positive reviews that our clients recently submitted about our knowledgeable and friendly ecological consultants on our ‘Reviews’ page. However, if you don’t have time to do this, check out some of the kind words from our clients below:

Natalie and her team were super and all clearly passionate about their work. Natalie was extremely friendly, helpful and communicative prior to the surveys commencing and happy to explain the process to me whilst the surveys were taking place. Natalie’s report arrived promptly after the final survey was complete. Thank you so much.

Mary Baker

I was delighted with the professional manner in which the survey was booked, planned and carried out. My extensive search for a suitable firm to provide the report required by a Mortgage Lender led me to Arbtech and the professionalism conveyed by reviewing the firm’s website was certainly backed up by their performance and comprehensive survey report.

Chris Davies

Lauren carried out a Preliminary Roost Assessment for our house in Surrey. Lauren is knowledgeable and gave good advice. She was friendly, and carried out her work in a professional manner. An excellent service.

Chris Goddard

We are pleased with the report and the very professional manner in which it was conducted. Although we knew what the outcome would be the presentation for the planning application is very beneficial and professional.

David R. Davies

Common Questions about Ecological Consultancy

Before you contact us for a quote, you may have some questions. Below, you will find answers to some of the common questions we get asked about our ecological consultancy.

What is an Ecological Consultancy?

An ecological consultancy is a service designed to carry out vital assessments and provide effective guidance and information on matters that could impact living organisms such as plants and wildlife.

With a focus on biodiversity, our ecological consultancy work will deal with a client directly to understand their wants and needs before using expert knowledge to recommend appropriate ecological surveys and utilise other impactful next steps.

What is the Purpose of an Ecological Consultancy?

For any individuals or businesses that are planning a land development project, an ecological consultancy is a massively important component in the process. Current UK legislation insists that all relevant ecological surveys must be completed before a planning permission application will be considered by a local authority.

By failing to book the necessary ecological survey, your planning permission application will be denied and continuing the development project despite this will be classed as a planning breach and you will be breaking the law. As such, it’s crucial that an ecological consultancy is used in an effort to abide by UK law, avoid unnecessary delays and prevent the development project from completely collapsing.

How do I choose an Ecological Consultancy?

When it comes to choosing an ecological consultancy, it is likely that you will be primarily looking for a company that is reliable, covers your area, has experienced, qualified members of staff, and offers fair prices. It can be difficult to find a company that is capable of ticking all of these boxes, but Arbtech holds a solid track record for doing exactly that.

Due to the importance of the services ecological consultancies provide, there are many companies claiming to be the best. However, if you read our ‘About Us’ page, you will see how we are different from other ecological consultancies. We also have hundreds of past and present positive reviews that indicate how effective we have been at satisfying our clients. Likewise, you can see for yourself that no other ecological consultancy can match us by searching ‘Arbtech reviews’ online.

What do I need an Ecology Consultancy for?

An ecology consultancy offers a wide range of services to provide clients with a number of different solutions. However, the primary reason for needing ecology consultancy work carried out would be if you have a plot of land that you are planning on using for a land development project but need assurances that it is suitable. In this situation, we would conduct a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal to identify animals and plants in the area.

It is also important to bear in mind that, according to UK legislation, your local authority will only consider planning permission applications once all ecological surveys have been carried out. Due to this, arranging the appropriate ecology surveys is crucial to ensuring that your development project doesn’t face any unnecessary delays.

What types of Ecological Survey do you provide?

In an effort to meet the needs and requirements of our clients, we provide a broad range of ecological surveys. Below, you will find a list of the ecological surveys and protected species surveys we offer:

Ecological Surveys

Ecological surveys we provide include:

• Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) / Phase 1 Habitat Survey
• Ecological Impact Assessment
• Habitat Regulations Assessment
• Ecological Walkover Survey
• Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM)
• Ecological Surveys for Code for Sustainable Homes
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessment

Protected Species Surveys

Protected species surveys we provide include:

• Badger survey
• Bat survey
• Bird and barn owl survey
• Newt survey (often involving great crested newts)
• Otter surveys
• Red squirrel survey
• Reptile survey
• Water vole survey

Ecological Consultancy Services

A plot of land can possess a wide variety of wildlife habitats and a multitude of plant life species. Depending on the specific needs of the client and the size of the development project, it may even be the case that one of several ecological surveys is required. Due to this, we offer a comprehensive set of ecological consultancy services that cater to effective habitat management and ensure that your needs are met.

Ecological Consultancy Rates

One of the many factors that have made us the best option for ecological consultancy services is our competitive prices. Every quote we provide is based on the type of ecological survey being conducted and the circumstances of the client such as the size of the area of land and the scale of the project. Between this approach and our continued effort to eliminate unnecessary costs, we do everything we can to ensure that you are quoted a price that is fair and relevant to your needs.

To get an accurate price, it would be advisable to get in touch and give us details about your project. One of our team can then provide you with a quote and make your decision easier.

Ecological Consultancy Report

Following any type of survey conducted by an ecological consultancy, you will receive a report. In this report, every detail of the survey will be outlined, as well as the ecologist’s findings and recommended next steps.

As a starting point, the ecology report will cover the basics including an introduction, an explanation of the purpose and intention of the survey, and the approach and methods used to carry out the survey.

The results of the survey will then be thoroughly detailed, with the option of including graphs, photographs and maps to explain certain aspects clearly. Based on the results of the survey, the report will then provide recommendations for remedying potential problems and eliminating existing obstacles.

Solutions could include a suggested change to the land development project that would avoid a sensitive area or an advised protected species survey to better understand the circumstances of an animal present on the site.

Ecological Consultancy Skills

Along with the necessary qualifications, it is also important that ecological consultants possess key skills that make them effective in carrying out key tasks.

At Arbtech, our ecological consultants have several core skills including an analytical mind, clear and confident communication and presentation, keen observation, impactful nature conservation and environmental management, and advanced knowledge of relevant technical areas.

Ecological Consultants

Although we have spoken about our ecological consultants, you may be interested to learn more about what they do, how they are qualified for the job and what process they follow when carrying out a professional ecology survey. Below, we answer these questions and more:

What does an Ecology Consultant do?

Ecology consultants are the specialists that conduct the services we provide. With the correct training and experience, an ecology consultant has all they need to ensure that an ecological survey is carried out properly.

We also encourage everyone in our team to keep up to date with the latest news from within the ecology industry, as well as from research projects, wildlife trusts and other organisations, and interlinking topics such as conservation, sustainability and wind farms, for example. They can then provide you with all of the information you need and effective recommendations for approaching each situation correctly and getting a planning permission application across the line.

Are your Ecological Consultants Qualified?

Our team of ecological consultants possess the necessary qualifications to provide a service of the highest possible standard. Most of our team members have several years of experience in conducting ecological surveys, meaning they have solved just about any set of ecological issues you could possibly think of.

Additionally, our team have further qualifications that could help with other projects. For instance, this could include a Biodiversity Net Gain report, a BREEAM assessment or simply getting you to earn cost-effective ECO1-4 credits for your development.

Regardless of your circumstances, if you need an ecological consultant to help with your project, get in touch today and see how we can assist you.

What does an Ecological Consultant need to Conduct a Survey?

When an ecological consultant carries out a survey, there are several factors that go into ensuring that it is done correctly according to the guidelines of the relevant regulator and accurately based on the requirements of the client.

In the section below, we look at some of these factors including the information they need to know, the equipment and clothing they need with them and the challenges they may face.

What Equipment do Ecology Consultants use?

In any survey, the ecology consultant will need a selection of different types of equipment. Ranging from items as simple as a pair of binoculars, a clipboard and pens to more advanced items such as an anemometer, an endoscope, site plans and survey sheets, the equipment ecological consultants use can vary significantly.

Not only that but, depending on the type of survey and the specific plot of land, more equipment may be needed. For example, if trees were present, a ladder would be needed, or if the survey was being conducted at night, the ecology consultant would need a torch.

How do Ecology Consultants Dress?

As ecological surveys primarily take place outdoors, it is important that ecology consultants dress appropriately for the weather. To protect against potentially hazardous surfaces and materials, it is common to wear long-sleeved clothing, as well as waterproof materials to combat the typically unforgiving British climate. It may also be applicable to wear other items of clothing depending on the type of survey and the likely activity. For example, if a plot of land has an area of water, it would be crucial for the ecology consultant to wear waders or wellies.

What are the Challenges for Ecological Consultants?

The main objective of an ecological survey is to assess an area for wildlife and plant life before determining effective methods of reducing the potential negative ecological impact a land development project could cause. However, the ecological consultant will also focus on ensuring that a planning permission application holds a likely chance of being approved despite any obstacles they encounter in the survey.

One of the many key skills that makes the ecological consultants at Arbtech unique when it comes to carrying out surveys is the ability to identify problems, analyse them and find solutions that are comprehensive and impactful. For instance, not only do they need to eliminate or reduce the danger a land development project could have on inhabiting wildlife, but also assess the nature conservation value, avoid potential legal issues with relevant UK legislation, develop suitable ecological mitigation measures and remain in line with the rules of Biodiversity Net Gain.

Everything an Ecological Consultant needs to know

Prior to conducting an ecology survey, the ecological consultant will ask if there is any information the client has about the plot of land in regards to inhabiting protected species and plants. At this point, the client can explain their land development project to give the ecological consultant an opportunity to identify any immediate observations or concerns.

However, during a Preliminary Ecological Assessment, for instance, the first part will be a desk study that will see the ecological consultant collate data on the area. Due to this, it is often the case that the desk study will bring to light any factors that the client is unaware of.