ECOLOGY & DEVELOPMENT
We understand that ecology is an important element of project planning as ecological features can pose significant constraints to development which may not always be clear at the outset of a project or at the land purchase stage.
Wharton approach to Ecology Surveys
01
Capture Key Project Details
Before we can head out to your site and conduct an ecology survey, we’ll need to ask you a few key questions about your project to understand your needs. Fill out our quick and easy online form so we can capture the most important project information and provide you with a free quote that includes everything you need to know.
You can also call one of our friendly and dedicated team for a chat so we can answer any further questions you may have about your project, what an ecology survey involves, or the nuances of the planning process and legislation.
Once you are satisfied with our quote, you can let us know via email, or call us on 01789 459458
02
We appoint your Ecological Consultant
Once your project has been entered into our system, it will be assigned to an Ecological Consultant who is your project manager and point of contact throughout the project.
This is what separates us from the rest. Your dedicated consultant will be on hand to address any issues and guide you through the entire process; should you have any questions at any point during the project they will be on hand to provide the expert advice you need.
Wharton Ecological Consultants are all appropriately qualified and competent. Our Consultants also focus on the quality of service and pride themselves on offering a bespoke service for every project.
We have a proven track record of assisting our clients in identifying pragmatic and proportionate solutions for even the most complex ecological projects. We strive to consistently deliver high-quality, practical, and innovative project solutions while adhering to industry legislation, policy, and best practice.
03
Schedule your Ecology Survey
Your Ecological Consultant will call you to arrange a mutually convenient date and time to complete the ecology survey.
In most situations, we aim to visit your Site within 10-12 working days after our appointment. For clients with more pressing deadlines, we may be able to offer a 5-10 working day turnaround; however, this must be raised in advance to your Ecological Consultant and may be subject to additional fees.
Ecological surveys comprise many different types of survey. Our most common surveys are preliminary ecological appraisals and preliminary roost assessments which are the first steps in assessing the ecology of a site. We also undertake specific surveys for protected species. The type of survey we are carrying out will affect what we do; some ecological surveys require multiple surveys over a number of weeks/months. Our approach will be detailed in the initial quote we sent to you, and your Ecological Consultant can talk this through with you to ensure you understand the service we are providing.
When we visit your site we will capture all of the data we need electronically and if you are on-site we are happy to discuss our findings with you at the time.
04
Provide your Survey Report
Once we have completed the ecological survey(s) at your site, we will then provide you with a report detailing the survey findings as well as any project-specific recommendations.
The type of report we provide will depend on the type of survey we have completed. For Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Preliminary Roost Assessments our report will detail the findings of the survey, provide helpful considerations for the design of the project, and detail whether any further surveys are required.
Generally, if further ecological surveys are recommended such as protected species these must be completed prior to the Local Planning Authority determining the planning application. Many of these surveys are time-critical and it is therefore important the survey window is not missed. Our helpful ecology survey calendar is a useful tool to help you to plan in surveys and ensure survey windows aren’t missed.
An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) report is the document that should be submitted to the Local Planning Authority with your planning application. This report can only be completed when all ecological surveys are complete, and the project layout is finalised. This will provide the Local Planning Authority with the detail they need to understand how impacts to ecological features will be addressed.
05
Post-planning Support
Once planning permission has been granted for your project, further ecological input may be required, such as support to discharge planning conditions or protected species licence applications.
Planning conditions for ecology can vary widely depending on the type of project and can include requirements for clarity on biodiversity net gain (BNG) assessments, landscape and ecological management plans (LEMPs) and construction and ecological management plans (CEMPs).
We are happy to provide support either from start to finish or to provide support solely for the discharge of planning conditions. Whatever stage your project is at, we are always on hand to help – if you’re unsure about what help you need feel free to get in touch with our friendly team about how we can help you.
Let’s get started!
We provide the natural advice you need to successfully balance commercial, environmental and human needs, naturally increasing the true value of your land or property.
Our highly qualified team can help you find the most successful natural-infrastructure solutions; minimise the risk to users of their land, form plans to improve ecology and advise construction companies how to work safely around their site.
Understanding the complete constraints and opportunities of any site, whether it be arboricultural, ecological or topographical to name but a few elements, is critical in order to design and plan a successful proposal.
Let’s begin!
Please let us know your contact information alongside with some details about the project
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
