Water and ecology

Water and ecology

We offer a depth of knowledge and understanding of ecological systems which enables us to collect the right information and then apply that to real management solutions. We help our clients to understand and interpret data and information and provide them with a practical and achievable route to solving their problems.

Our areas of speciality include:

• Habitat restoration and design
• Protected species surveys and mitigation
• Fisheries science and management
• Aquatic ecology
• Invasive plant management
• Ecological surveys and strategic studies
• Wetland ecology

Ecological survey

Our team is able to offer extensive knowledge and experience in a range of ecological surveys and strategic studies including:

• Development & planning applications (EcIA)
• Botanical surveys (NVC) in wetlands, heathland, woodland, grassland, and coastal habitats
• Site condition assessment for SSSIs
• Phase 1 and UK Habitat Classification habitat surveys
• River corridor and habitat surveys
• Topographic survey and mapping
• Soils survey
• Green infrastructure projects
• Strategic studies research and development
• BREEAM, Codes for Sustainable Homes and Home Quality Mark Assessments

Fisheries science and management

We offer a range of fisheries management services and advice aimed at assessing populations, improving habitats, angling access and to bring wider benefits for the biodiversity value of a waterbody. We are also skilled in the assessment, management and remediation of water quality issues.

Our technically robust fisheries monitoring programmes are available across the UK and Ireland for a range of freshwater and inter-tidal environments. We apply methods such as electric fishing, netting, tagging, trapping, and hydro-acoustics to create monitoring programmes which are specifically tailored to meet our clients’ objectives.

We are also experienced in dealing with environmental emergencies, such as hydrogen peroxide dosing to remediate and restore affected waterbodies, and can quickly respond to, assess and remediate impacts on fish and the aquatic environment.

Our team have a proven track record in designing and delivering habitat improvement projects in a range of situations, often at high profile, public sites.

Our services include:

• Fish population assessment
• Fishery management plans
• Fish health assessment and mortality investigations
• Predator management and biomanipulation
• Design, creation and restoration projects for lakes and rivers
• Feasibility studies and project management
• Topographic, bathymetric (depth) and silt surveys
• Aquatic plant and algae assessment and management
• Water quality monitoring
• Aeration solutions

Protected Species Surveys

Our team of licensed protected species ecologists work with a broad spectrum of clients including Government departments, local authorities, developers, architects and individual property owners to conserve rare species and enhance habitats whilst ensuring the efficient delivery of development projects in line with wildlife law by providing the following surveys:

• Bats
• Great crested newt
• Otter
• Water vole
• Badger
• Dormouse
• Red Squirrels
• White-clawed crayfish
• Reptiles and amphibians
• Birds

Habitat restoration and design

We have an extensive track record in delivering high quality habitat restoration projects in a range of aquatic and terrestrial environments for the benefit of wildlife and people. We provide ecological, topographical, hydrological and soil surveys to inform feasibility, conceptual and detailed designs based on our knowledge of habitats.

Our expertise extends to the following areas:

• Wetland habitats
• River restoration
• Lakes, ponds, canals and other stillwaters
• Terrestrial habitats

Invasive species

Our end-to-end service covers all stages - from initial survey and identification, to guidance on bio-security and the law and finally removal and future prevention.

Invasive plant and animal species can be hugely destructive to environments in which they do not belong. Non-native flora and fauna may also pose profound threats to buildings, plant and equipment as well as human health if not tackled promptly. Dangerous species include, giant hogweed, a threat to human health; fast growing Japanese knotweed, whose roots damage structures, delay development and cause mortgage refusals; and Himalayan Balsam, which affects native birds, invertebrates and river ecosystems.

Did you know?
Non-native invasive species are estimated to cost the UK economy around £1.7 billion every year and dealing with the problem at an early stage can avoid escalating business costs.

Oxygenation

Our rapid response Oxygenation service provides a multi-service package to ensure the oxygen levels in your water are maintained to a safe standard, with minimal disruption to your business and protecting wildlife as best as possible. We offer general water quality monitoring and ecological advice for your water sites, as well as hydrogen peroxide dosing and aeration solutions to increase oxygen concentrations in bodies.