When conducting preliminary bat roost assessments (PRAs), we follow the Bat Conservation Trust guidelines for professional ecologists. The guidance dictates that buildings, structures and trees should be rated based on their potential suitability for roosting bats. This can mean that even without any evidence of bat use, or seeing any bats, features can need further […]

When planning a development project, whether it is small or large, rural or urban, there’s a good chance that your site is visited by hedgehogs. The small prickly mammals are a popular species, native to the UK and found throughout western Europe.   The issue Once a common night-time visitor, the species has seen population […]

Light levels are low, the days are short and the rain seems unending. When performing habitat surveys and ecology assessments throughout the enduring winter, I’m sure most of us are longing for the bright summery days ahead. Yet, as ever, spring cannot be hurried, so let’s shine a little light on some of the benefits […]

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) can be a challenging topic, it is easy to get wrapped up in what could be needed for your planning application; however, your development may not need it at all. Always check if your development may be exempt from BNG using the government website before delving into the metric. Some of […]

Name: Prunus spinosa (also known as Sloe bush or Sloe plum) Location: Widespread across the UK. Native to Europe and West Asia, naturalised in some areas of North America. Features: Blackthorn is one of the earliest flowering species to see across the country, with abundant clouds of white blossoms opening in very early spring, helping […]

Our team have had Barn Owls under the ‘spotlight’ this winter, brushing up on skills and furthering their existing knowledge by completing the comprehensive course by The Barn Owl Trust. Developed with field ecologists in mind, the “Barn Owl Ecology, Survey and Signs” (BOESS) course focuses on professional standard survey techniques, relevant legislation and mitigation […]