Ecology and Planning within the UK presentation that provides key information on how to appoint a qualified and experienced ecologist. Wildwood Ecology presents its services that will enable you to meet your statutory requirements.

1. Ecology and planning
A Capability Presentation for Wildwood Ecology
January 2014

2. Introduction
Welcome
Wildwood Ecology Limited is a
progressive
ecological
consultancy
and
training
company. Our experienced
team operates from two
offices, providing services
across England and Wales
since
1998.
We
deliver
pragmatic and innovative
ecological
solutions
and
training needs to a wide and
expanding client base.

3. Introduction
Services & Products
Planning & development
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
Protected Species Survey
EPS License & Method Statement
Ecological Clerk of Works
BREEAM & CfSH
Business & Biodiversity Plans
Ecological training
Bat Licence Training Course
Professional Training Courses
CPD
Wild-Tech
Innovative Product Design
Bespoke Services

4. Introduction
Staff
Permanent full-time ecologists
Support team and associates
Licensed & Experienced
Professionally Trained
Members of CIEEM
Insurance
£10M EL Insurance
£5M PL Insurance
Offices
Cardiff:
029 2002 2320
Cirencester: 01285 644401

5. Ecological impact assessment
Our Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)* combine
a desk study and field survey of a development site,
undertaken by experienced ecologists. When
commissioned at the early stage of the planning
process our assessments will inform you of any
ecological issues likely to arise from the proposed
development.
The PEA can assist with your planning proposal or land
purchase by:
•
•
•
•
identifying the presence or likely absence of protected species or habitats;
providing guidance on wildlife legislation obligations and Local Planning Authority (LPA) and Statutory
Nature Conservation Organisation (SNCO) requirements;
making appropriate ecological recommendations for further actions in order to progress the development;
outlining the benefits of protecting, managing and enhancing a site’s biodiversity value.
The PEA can also be adapted to maximise the ecological credits under BREEAM or Code for Sustainable Homes
accreditation, or as a supporting document to a Parkland Management Plan under the Higher Level Stewardship
Scheme.

6. Protected species surveys
Wildwood Ecology has expertise in undertaking surveys for all British protected species and
understands their ecological requirements. Where protected species are likely to be affected
by a development, appropriate surveys will be required to assess short or long-term impacts.
Early consideration of protected species in the project design process will avoid costly
problems or delays at later stages.
We can undertake surveys (and hold survey licences, where appropriate) for species
including:
• Bats (all species)
• Dormouse
• Otter
• Badger
• Water vole
• Birds
• Great-crested newt
• Reptiles
We will provide you with an assessment of the likely ecological impacts, and our clear and
concise reports will inform and add essential detail to the project design.

7. Development licences and mitigation
Where a development or activity affects a legally protected species, a licence may be
required in order for works to be lawfully undertaken. This could include works that
would damage or destroy habitats of or disturb a protected species, including:
• Bats (all species)
• Dormouse
• Otter
• Badger
• Water vole
• Great-crested newt
Our specialists will prepare the licence application and detailed method statement on
your behalf, consulting with relevant stakeholders. On approval of the licence we will
implement the mitigation strategy and undertake any remaining ecological postconstruction monitoring and reporting conditions. We have an excellent record of
securing development licences, enabling project works to proceed.

8. Code for Sustainable Homes & BREEAM
Our experience of Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM projects
cover different development types, ranging from individual homes to
large-scale industrial and commercial developments. We work in close
association with the project team, including landscape designers and
architects, to develop appropriate planting schemes and maximise the
credit points available for a positive change in ecological value.
Credit points are available within Ecology (CSH) or Land Use and Ecology
(BREEAM) categories. Usually, these credits are only available following
an ecological appraisal undertaken by a ‘Suitably Qualified Ecologist’ (SQE).
Our ecologists meet the SQE definition and will assess the site’s current
ecological value, identifying where and how features of ecological value
should be retained, protected, and enhanced for biodiversity.
Appraisal reports provide clear and concise recommendations to
maximise ecological credits where available, through simple and costeffective solutions. We can also design long-term management plans to
ensure sustainable steps are taken to benefit biodiversity.

9. Support services
Complementing our ecological consultancy services we offer bespoke Continued
Professional Development (CPD) courses to business. These can be delivered in a
relaxed and open environment during a lunch-hour, or in a longer session tailored to
address specific requirements.
We offer pioneering professional training, including the Bat Licence Training Course
(BLTC). The BLTC addresses the difficulty many professional ecologists have in
obtaining licence training through local bat groups, many of whom are unable to
offer training to those intending to use their bat licences for commercial purposes.
We teach short and long courses on ecology for planning authorities and
organisations such as the Bat Conservation Trust, Field Studies Council, National
Park Authorities and Universities.
Wildwood Ecology has also designed and supplies technological equipment and
software including the BatNav GPS receiver and MapaBat data convertor tool.

10. Project examples
Rendcomb College and Park
Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, botanical, invertebrate,
bat and water vole surveys as part of a Parkland
Conservation Management Plan for the Higher Level
Scheme (agri-environment); Geo-tagging bat calls using
BatNav technology;
Davies Sutton Architects
Fonmon Castle, Vale of
Glamorgan
Bat surveys and provision of advice with regards to listed
building re-roofing, stable block restoration and listed
building application;
Multiple bat roost used by Natterer’s, Lesser horseshoe,
Serotine, Pipistrelle and Myotis bat species;
The Disabilities Trust
Delta Lakes, Llanelli
Reptile survey and translocation of over 200 individual
common lizard and slow worm followed by supervised
destructive search;
Report for likely ecological credits under BREEAM Multiresidential 2008 scheme.

11. Project examples
Velocita Energy Developments
Maerdy Windfarm
Ecological Clerk of Works and large project management
for pre-commencement surveys and supervisory works for a
9 turbine site;
Habitat assessment, problem solving, habitat management
plan review and weekly report writing.
National Trust
Caerllan, Ceredigion
Bat scoping, activity surveys and production of a simplified
method statement for re-roofing of a detached residential
property used as a bat maternity roost;
Liaison with statutory advisor. Ecological clerk of works
duties and reporting.
Caerphilly County Borough Council
Ystrad Mynach Hospital
Multiple bat and bird activity surveys across large
operational hospital site;
EPSL application following confirmation of bats within day
hospital;
Supervision of demolition and compliance checks;

12. Contact
Head office:
Wildwood Ecology Ltd
Llanmaes
St Fagans
Cardiff, CF5 6DU
info@wildwoodecology.com
029 2002 2320
Cotswold office:
Wildwood Ecology Ltd
19 Cotswold Close
Cirencester
Gloucestershire, GL7 1XP
info@wildwoodecology.com
01285 644401
© Wildwood Ecology 2014