• Protected Species Survey

Summary

Acer Ecology is an independent wildlife and protected species consultancy providing a full range of ecological services from scoping and protected species survey through to impact assessment, mitigation design, implementation and monitoring. All specialisms are covered including bats, birds, great crested newts, dormouse, reptiles, water voles, badgers and invertebrates.

Services

We undertake projects all over the UK, although the core area for business is south and west Wales (Blaenau Gwent, Brecon Beacons, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Ceredigion, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan) and the border regions of England (Herefordshire, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Shropshire). The range of ecological services provided include: * Desk-based Scoping Studies * Extended Phase One Habitat Surveys * Ecology Input to CSH / Breeam Assessments * Protected Species Surveys * Bat and Barn Owl Surveys * Amphibian Surveys including Great Crested Newt * Reptile Surveys * Terrestrial and Aquatic Invertebrate Surveys * Ecological Impact Assessments * Habitat Management Plans * GIS Capabilities For more information visit our website at www.acerecology.co.uk

Trade Bodies / Associations

Our ecologists are all full members of the Institute for Ecological and Environmental Management, the professional body for ecological consultants. All surveys are carried out by fully insured, experienced ecologists holding the relevant licenses issued by the Countryside Council for Wales or Natural England.

Specialist Services

The range of ecological services provided include: * Desk-based Scoping Studies * Extended Phase One Habitat Surveys * Ecology Input to CSH / Breeam Assessments * Protected Species Surveys * Bat and Barn Owl Surveys * Amphibian Surveys including Great Crested Newt * Reptile Surveys * Terrestrial and Aquatic Invertebrate Surveys * Ecological Impact Assessments * Habitat Management Plans * GIS Capabilities

Protected Species Survey

Acer Ecology offers a full range of protected species surveys including:
•European protected species surveys and licence applications – bats, dormice, great crested newts, otters etc.
•Other protected and UK Biodiversity Action Plan species surveys – barn owl, badger, water vole and white-clawed crayfish surveys
•Reptile and amphibian surveys
•Bird surveys
•Terrestrial and aquatic invertebrate surveys.

Bat Survey

Our licensed bat specialists are able to undertake all aspects of bat survey including initial bat scoping surveys, dusk emergence and dawn re-entry flight activity surveys and remote monitoring. We have several years experience in the design and implementation of mitigation strategies including the construction of bespoke bat roosts, bat exclusions and roost enhancement, as well as applying for European Protected Species licences.

BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) Ecology Assessments

Acer Ecology have a wealth of experience of BREEAM and CSH projects covering developments ranging from individual homes to large-scale housing schemes and commercial developments. We work in close association with landscape architects to develop sensible planting schemes which maximise the credit points available.

Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Extended Phase 1 habitat surveys are the most common ecological survey that we undertake. The survey is based on standard Phase 1 habitat survey methodology whereby colour coded habitat maps are drawn up showing the extent and distribution of the different habitat types present on a site.

The survey identifies habitats and features on the site that may constrain development and evaluates the potential of these habitats to support protected species. If the site is assessed as having low wildlife interest, then no further survey may be needed. If necessary, clients are advised to undertake more detailed specialist studies.

Trading Since

2010