greenecology - ecologial services

We provide baseline ecological appraisals and ecological impact assessments for development schemes. Advice is provided on protected species issues, mitigation and site enhancement post-development. Survey methods used include Phase 1 habitat survey, IEEM Ecological Impact Assessments and Hedge Regulations survey. We can also customise survey methodologies to fit individual projects.

Green Ecology have considerable experience in the field of affordable housing, providing surveys and Ecohomes assessments for a number of local housing associations including Ocean Housing, Devon & Cornwall, Hastoe, Coastline and Sanctuary Housing Associations. We can also carry out BREEAM assessments for commercial developments.

Case study: The Three Moors Wind Farm Project

Our skilled botanists can carry out a range of vegetation survey and monitoring work, including phase 2 and National Vegetation Classification surveys. For many years we have been involved in the Devon County Wildlife Site survey project, surveying large numbers of local wildlife sites for the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre. One of our associates is skilled in the identification of fungi and bryophytes as well as aquatic plants and has considerable experience in river corridor surveys and invasive plant work.

Case study: The Devon Coastal and Grazing Marsh Project

Issues often arise with protected species on development sites and Green Ecology are fully experienced with dealing with such issues. This may entail translocation, exclusion and mitigation strategies involving habitat removal and replacement. Nicky Green holds Natural England conservation licences for Dormice, Great crested newts and White-clawed crayfish whilst associates hold Badger and Bat licences. We have extensive experience in baseline surveys of all protected species, calling upon our experts when necessary. We can apply for DEFRA licences for development on behalf of clients and undertake ecological supervision of works that may impact on protected species.

Green Ecology also carries out survey and monitoring of rare and protected species for conservation purposes. Nicky has been involved in surveying for great crested newts in Devon on a voluntary basis for several years. She has also worked for the Environment Agency since 2003 surveying and monitoring Devon’s only white-clawed crayfish population and re-discovered the species on a second river catchment in 2006.

Case studies: River Culm White-Clawed Crayfish Project 2007; A38 Haldon Hill Layby Widening 2006

Green Ecology can provide advice on habitat creation and management, including writing site management plans. We also undertake agri-environmental work such as preparing Farm Environment Plans for the Higher Level Scheme. One of our ecologists is a qualified horticulturalist who can advise on and design wildlife gardens.