Ecology

Greengage develops ecological constraints and opportunities plans (ECOPs) which provide an early indication of the ecology associated with a site, so a proposed development programme can allow sufficient time and budget for the required surveys and assessments. ECOPs also identify, at a very early stage, the more ecologically valuable parts of a site and opportunities to retain and enhance these areas as part of the project, which can help with on-site delivery of biodiversity net gain (BNG).

Unlike preliminary ecological appraisals (PEAs), ECOPs are not usually seasonally constrained, meaning they can be undertaken at any time of year. They’re ideal for the viability stage of a project to help understand what constraints might be associated with a site, without the cost and timing implications of detailed ecological surveys and assessments.

Preliminary ecological appraisals (PEAs) are the industry standard baseline ecology assessment. PEAs are usually expected as a minimum to support planning applications where natural habitats or features of potential value for protected species are present on a site.

Our team has extensive experience of undertaking PEAs (sometimes referred to as phase 1 ecology surveys or biodiversity assessments). These surveys map the ecological features of a site and determine the potential for protected/notable species or habitats to be present. This allows us to provide advice on next steps, further survey work and, where possible, mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures. We provide strategic advice relating to planning application timeframes and design approach to help ensure legislative and policy compliance, helping a scheme through the planning process and working with the wider design team to protect nature whilst delivering a cohesive project design.

Greengage assesses the potential for protected, rare or notable species to be present at a site, identifying the need for phase 2 protected species surveys to help ensure legislative and planning policy compliance. We work with the wider design team to identify ways nature can benefit both people and wildlife.

We offer comprehensive support throughout the planning process. For example, for bats we provide a range of bat survey types including preliminary roost assessments, emergence/re-entry surveys, activity surveys and hibernation surveys. Several members of our team hold Natural England and Natural Resource Wales Bat Survey Licences, enabling detailed assessments of development sites with roosts. Our experience with bats and the built form allows bespoke and focussed advice, the creation of mitigation strategies and the successful and timely achievement of European Protected Species Mitigation Licences.

Among others, we also offer specialist badger, reptile, dormice, great crested newt, invertebrate, bird, otter and water vole survey and mitigation support. Many protected species surveys are seasonally constrained, and we can provide advice on what surveys can be carried out over the year and how this may influence the planning and construction programme. We strongly advise that early consultation with us is sought (ideally via an ECOP) to avoid delays to the project programme.

When protected species are found to be associated with a site, our team can develop an appropriate mitigation and/or compensation strategy to ensure legislative and planning policy compliance. We work closely with the wider design team to deliver strategies that align with the goals of the project. Strategies can vary – from amending the construction programme to avoid sensitive times of year, to moving species to a new location (translocation). Early engagement (ideally through an ECOP) will allow protected species to be considered throughout the project, helping avoid delays and unforeseen costs.

Greengage helps maximise BREEAM land use and ecology credit achievement, providing advice on the required actions and associated timeframes needed to meet credits LE02-LE05. Our in-house suitably qualified ecologists (SQEs) provide baseline surveys and evaluate the ecological value of sites, advising on design evolution and engaging with design teams to help address credit requirements relating to ecological protection and biodiversity improvement. This may include production of ecological management plans or green infrastructure strategies which can help secure successful establishment and long-term management of habitats and biodiversity features.

We undertake site visits during construction to monitor the protection of ecological features and provide bespoke ecology training workshops to construction contractors and site managers. Our BREEAM ecology reports are compliant with the BRE evidence requirements.