Ecological Consultancy
SWT Trading Ltd Ecological Consultants provides a professional ecological service that specialises in ecology, conservation and biodiversity. All profits are passed on to Suffolk Wildlife Trust to help it safeguard the county's landscape and wildlife. SWT Ecological Consultants has been operating since 1995 and has highly qualified and experienced staff who are experts in a range of ecological disciplines.
All of our work is carried out to a high professional standard in accordance with the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) code of practice, and we operate to very competitive fee scales.
Habitat Surveys
Ecological assessment
This is a preliminary and baseline survey which can include the Phase 1 Habitat survey but also assesses the site in terms of its potential to support protected or other notable species.
Phase 1 Habitat survey
This is a basic and standardised system for classifying habitats, including urban areas in the UK. We typically provide full species lists for this survey.
NVC (National Vegetation Survey)
A detailed survey methodology identifying all of Britain’s semi-natural plant communities. It is often used at sites of nature conservation significance.
Habitat creation/restoration
SWT Ecological Consultants have a wealth of experience in advising clients on opportunities for habitat creation linked to development, for example, wild flower meadows, wetlands and woodland.
Protected Species Surveys
Many species are protected by law at national and European level. The presence of such species can be a material consideration when planning authorities are determining applications for developments or capital works. SWT Ecological Consultants undertake surveys for the following:
- badger
- bats
- birds
- dormouse
- great crested newt
- reptiles
- otter
- water vole
When protected species are recorded, SWT Ecological Consultants will:
- interpret species protection legislation and advise clients on legal compliance
- recommend a suitable form of mitigation to ensure the ecological aspects of a development are fully addressed
- make licence applications
- undertake species and site monitoring post works
Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species
During all protected species surveys, SWT Ecological Consultants will also record BAP species and make recommendations for best management practice to restore and enhance habitats for these species.
Code for Sustainable Homes
SWT Ecological Consultants undertake BREEAM assessments ensuring that any given development minimises its impact on the natural environment and maximises ecological opportunities.
Management Plans
In conjunction with our ecological surveys, we can prepare a management plan which will prescribe how to manage your site for the long-term benefit of wildlife and at the same time integrating recreational activities, industry and farming where appropriate.
Resources
Ecological mapping – SWT Ecological Consultants can undertake detailed ecological mapping using GIS. This is particularly useful for illustrating metapopulations and habitat mosaics as well as identifying ecological networks and stepping stone habitats.
Other types of species survey include:
- breeding, passage and wintering bird surveys, CBC
- small mammal trapping
- invertebrate surveys – aquatic and terrestrial
- surveys of specialists groups including bryophytes, lichens, molluscs
- non-native species surveys
Personnel
We offer a high quality service and have a major resource of local knowledge and expertise in house. We have a network of experienced associated specialists to call in when required.
Dr Simone Bullion, MIEEM, Consultancy Manager
Simone has 13 years of experience as an ecological consultant in conjunction with her role as Senior Conservation Officer since 1999. Her specialist skills include protected species surveys, site assessment, ecological training and project management.
Penny Hemphill MIEEM, Consultant Ecologist
Penny has over 10 years of experience in professional ecological work as well as running the Water for Wildlife Project part-time for Suffolk Wildlife Trust since 2001. Her specialist skills include protected species surveys, habitat and botanical surveys, including NVC assessment, management planning and habitat creation projects.
Contact
SWT Ecological Consultants
Brooke House
Ashbocking
Ipswich
Suffolk IP6 9JY
Tel - 01473 890089
Email - info@suffolkwildlifetrust.org
