Protecting and enhancing our natural environment is fundamental to delivering sustainable solutions for a greener, more resilient future.

Our ecology consultants and biodiversity management specialists are experts in the assessment, minimisation and management of biodiversity risk. We work across a range of project types and sizes, from large regional-scale assessments to bespoke urban planning sites. As well as being technical specialists in our field, we are adept at project management, understanding client requirements and delivering innovative solutions to complex biodiversity challenges. ​

Biodiversity-led design

We strive to incorporate biodiversity considerations into every stage of the planning and development process – from pre-planning strategic assessments through the design, construction and operational phases. We work on the basis that early intervention, and integration through collaboration, are essential. We follow recognised global best practice by actively following the Mitigation Hierarchy (of first avoiding impacts before going on to minimise and finally mitigate and offset them) at each stage of the projects we work on. We look to exceed best practice approaches wherever possible by consistently challenging traditional thinking and seeking innovative solutions to often complex, multi-disciplinary issues.

On international projects where we have consulted on biodiversity enhancement opportunities, we are examining the principle of Net Gain differently – not simply in terms of replacement of habitats on a geographical scale but striving to answer important scientific questions. For example, what does it take to create a net gain for a threatened species over time? What are the critical habitats for that species over its life cycle, and can we conserve/enhance these whilst removing/minimising other threats to the population?

Our biodiversity and ecology consultants in the UK are implementing a more holistic approach to nature-based solutions assessments and combining this with other considerations such as social equity, health and well-being, and future UK policy reforms. This ensures our recommended approach not only stands the test of time but also tackles the multiple issues faced by government authorities in future land-use planning.

Collaboration is at the heart of what our ecology consultants do

Central to the work of our ecology and biodiversity management consultants is collaboration – with scientists, experts, architects, engineers and client teams. We collaborate with globally recognised species and habitat experts to ensure that we provide the latest and most robust scientific advice possible to conserve critical biodiversity and create a transparent approach to the decision-making process on developments.

Importantly, we collaborate with other teams, working across the entire project and client team to ensure that everyone has a common understanding of the ecological sensitivities involved and to facilitate an integrated approach to dealing with these through sensitive development throughout a project’s lifecycle.

We believe a shared understanding creates shared passion, and that this is what is needed to continually push the boundaries of ecological and biodiversity management best practice.