Ecology consultants
Our team of qualified and licenced ecologists specialises in the assessment of a wide range of habitats and advises clients throughout the UK on ecological and protected species issues. We regularly conduct surveys and produce reports for a diverse range of UK-protected species, plant species and habitat types. Wharton, has a highly dedicated and passionate team that works by our clients’ sides to ensure that each client we work with receives the ecological advice they require.
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Ecology Surveys
Ecology surveys are frequently required as part of planning applications, when making changes or alterations to land, to protect vulnerable, often protected species or habitats. Our ecological consultants understand the impact of seasonality on all species.
We know when the best times are to conduct surveys for specific species and can provide no-obligation advice on this from the moment you first contact us. When you work with our team of experienced ecology consultants, you will be reassured to know that we can provide you with the advice and guidance you need to move forward with your project.
Furthermore, we pledge to you that we will provide high-quality practical and innovative solutions at a reasonable cost.


What Can Our Ecology Consultants do For You?
Our team of ecology consultants have experience working with a range of organisations or individuals, from architects, project managers and planners to engineers, local authorities and councils, and other industry professionals. Here at Wharton, our ecology consultants work closely alongside several specialist, in-house teams with their experience ranging from landscape design to arboriculture and forestry. Several of our ecology team have experience assessing water quality and the reclamation of contaminated land and minerals.
Having an experienced and certified consultant is a huge piece of the puzzle when it comes to helping with ecological constraints on your Site and across your project. It’s safe to say that you won’t find anyone who cares as much, or who tries as hard as we do.
Our ecological consultancy work is contingent on seasonal constraints, your budget, local planning circumstances, and other factors. We will do our best to guide you through these complexities, and we are confident that we will be able to simplify the process while ensuring the success of your project.
What distinguishes our Ecological Consultants from the competition?
Our ecological consultants can help you reduce your environmental impact. Our consultants work in numerous areas, including Bat Surveys (preliminary surveys and emergence or activity surveys), Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecology Surveys, Habitat Assessments, Great Crested Newts (GCN), and more. When choosing someone to work with, it is essential that you hire an ecology consultant who is reputable and who is also able to offer a specific service that reflects your individual needs. Here at Wharton, we are very proud to say that we can do all of this and more, at a price you can comfortably afford. If you want to find out more about our ecology consultancy services, then the only thing that you must do is get in touch with us today or take a look below to gain a deeper insight into our services.
A consultancy firm’s main role in this industry is to essentially sell nature knowledge to others. When you come to us, however, you should understand that this is not how we operate. We believe in offering tangible and professional services to assist you in improving your project. Our team is professional and experienced, with the ability to present clear and concise information that can help you, your clients, and local authorities make important decisions.
Our ecology consultants are able to complete projects both on-time and on budget. When choosing an ecology consultant, it is important that you choose someone who can work under pressure as well as being able to effectively meet deadlines. They must also be able to plan ahead of time while effectively managing the time they do have. When you come to us, you can rest assured that this is the case.
Our teams have extensive knowledge of current regulations and can ensure that you are as compliant as possible with the most recent UK environmental laws. We do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.
When you come to our ecology team, you should know that we can perform all the necessary data analysis. We can assess potential ecological issues by conducting extensive research (desk studies) and identifying issues early before recommending appropriate solutions.
Our experienced ecology consultants will provide you with the knowledge you need to understand recognised survey techniques and methodologies to deal with all your project’s ecological constraints and opportunities, as well as the most up to date UK planning regulations. This experience can help you quickly obtain the information you require.
When you consider our previous experience and track record of success, the Wharton ecology team can enable successful development even when sensitive ecological constraints exist. We can help you to strike the right balance between project challenges and helping you to meet the commercial requirements of your project. We are based in the UK, and we have a great deal of expertise when it comes to regional, local, and even national ecological designations. Our consultants are highly qualified, and they currently hold a wide range of survey licenses.
We have been able to overcome any potential barriers with their assistance and support, while also developing defensible solutions that perfectly balance the statutory requirements for your project as well as the needs of UK wildlife.
Our Ecological Assessments
The first step when it comes to an ecological assessment would be for you to first establish what species and what habitats are present, along with finding out what is present in the surrounding landscape. A lot of the work that we undertake is ensuring that we complete protected species surveys while also helping you to understand the habitat that you are working with.
For homeowners, it may be that an ecology consultant is needed to help identify the species which may be present when planning an extension or even a house refurbishment. Habitat surveys are a common assessment technique that provides site-specific ecology details, vegetation classification, and identifies the potential for protected species and their habitat. Some of the work required may be to determine whether bats are roosting, and if they could be impacted by the work that is being done.
It is important to know that several species are protected under UK law as well. Bats, hazel dormice, otters, and various other UK reptiles are all under this category. Works that happen to impact species like this require a license from the organisation, Natural England. We can help you to find out if you need this license, while also helping you to obtain it on your behalf.


When Should I Contact You?
If you know that you are currently going through the planning process and you believe that your project does have the ability to impact any wildlife, then it is wise for you to talk with an ecology consultant as soon as possible. If you are working with a planner or even an architect, then they may raise the fact that you need to contact an ecological consultant.
Sometimes, depending on your location, a planning authority will give you some guidance or even a checklist, and this will determine whether you could potentially need an ecologist. This system, however, is not fool proof. Unfortunately, there have been various instances where an ecological requirement slips through the net. This may end up getting flagged after you have submitted your planning application and not only may you be in breach of the law, this can easily delay your project. This is especially the case when it comes to protected species surveys. These are very time-sensitive, and it is important to know that they can only be undertaken at set times of the year.
If you are unsure about anything or if you want to find out more, then you will be glad to know that our ecology consultants are here to help. We can talk you through any project you may have to work on, and we can also give you a free quote. If you want to find out more, then be sure to get in touch. Our team would love to work with you to ensure that you are getting the service you need.

Wharton undertook an initial bat survey which identified suitable areas for roosting bats and evidence of bat activity (droppings).
Wharton undertook a preliminary ecological appraisal, bat activity and emergence/return to roost surveys, and completed a shadow Habitat …
Wharton undertook an initial bat survey which identified suitable areas for roosting bats and evidence of bat activity (droppings).
“Barberry has always found the Wharton team to be knowledgeable and efficient in their input backed with a commercially realistic approach to the development process”
M P Winters - Construction Director, Barberry Group Limited