Our Services

As a dedicated ecological consultancy with a small team of experts, we can work directly on your projects ensuring that you benefit from our skills and years of experience as professional ecologists. Our services include:

  • Biodiversity Net Gain
  • Habitat Creation
  • Ecological Impact Assessment
  • Habitats Regulations Assessment
  • Building with Nature
  • Assistance with Planning Appeals
IMG_0648

Biodiversity Net Gain. Biodiversity Net Gain is development that leaves biodiversity in a better state than before. Developers are encouraged to bring forward schemes that provide an overall increase in natural habitat and ecological features. The aim, as set out in national planning policy (NPPF 2019, paragraph 170) and many local planning policies, is to minimise losses of biodiversity and help to restore ecological networks. We can help you assess the biodiversity impacts of your scheme, using relevant biodiversity calculators, and work with the wider team to achieve a net gain for biodiversity as part of your project.

North Cave Wetlands Phase 2

Photo by C. Comins, YWT

Habitat Creation. An important element of nature’s recovery and your development project, Biodiversity Advanced Ltd have considerable expertise in implementing scientifically-led habitat creation techniques using proven engineering mechanisms. We use a tried-and-tested six-stage process, beginning with feasibility studies and leading our clients through design, gaining necessary permissions, providing technical input to your tender process, supervising habitat creation works and advising on long-term monitoring programmes. Harnessing our extensive experience and current best-practice expertise, Biodiversity Advanced Ltd can help you to create successful places for people and nature.

ecia-e1567410146595-360x360-1

Ecological Impact Assessment. Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) is a process for identifying, evaluating and quantifying the potential ecological impacts of projects on nature conservation sites, habitats and species. Ecological Impact Assessment’s are usually carried out either as part of a wider Environmental Impact Assessment (in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017) or as a stand-alone report submitted as part of a planning application. Biodiversity Advanced Ltd can work closely as part of your project team throughout all stages of the EcIA process (screening, scoping, establishing the ecological baseline, impact assessment, designing mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures) ensuring that the necessary EcIA documents are produced for your planning submission.

The Lizard SAC

Habitats Regulations Assessment. A Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) comprises of four distinct stages of Assessment which must be undertaken to determine if a plan or project may affect a protected feature of a Natura 2000 site before deciding whether to undertake, permit or authorise it. In the UK Natura 2000 sites are made up of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated respectively under the Habitats Directive and Birds Directive and also RAMSAR sites. We are experienced in completing all stages of HRA for your commercial, residential, energy-generation or waste-management project. Find out more about Appropriate Assessment in the planning system here.

Print

Building with Nature. Building with Nature is an accreditation that enables developers who want to go beyond the statutory requirements, to create places that really deliver for people and wildlife. It brings together guidance and good practice to recognise high quality green infrastructure at all stages of the development process including policy, planning, design, delivery, and long-term management and maintenance. The framework of standards is divided into four themes: core, wellbeing, water and wildlife and three levels of accreditation are available depending on the stage of your project. Biodiversity Advanced Ltd can provide you with an Assessor to guide you through the process of meeting each of the standards and achieve accreditation. Find out more information about BwN here.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

Planning Appeals. If you decide to appeal a decision by the local planning authority, Biodiversity Advanced Ltd can help with your appeal process, providing ecological and biodiversity expertise. We have specifically-trained experts who can provide ecological evidence to support written representations, Hearings and Public Inquiry for your scheme. We are experienced in acting as an expert witness at Hearings and Public Inquiry, providing independent ecological opinion to the Inspector related to the biodiversity considerations of each project.