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02076 920 670
Exeter  
01392 927 961
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Bristol 
01173 270 092 

Ecology Consultants

Southwest Environmental Limited can help arrange a wide variety of ecological (ecology) based reporting and survey services, delivered to you or client in the quickest time with the lowest costs.

Here to help: If you need an Ecology Report of any type please email for a quotation, phone numbers are at top of page if you prefer.

Ecology Surveys & Assessments

Whether preliminary ecological assessments (PEA) or habitats or species specific, SWEL can arrange for surveys to be undertaken at your site, with the minimum of inconvenience to you.

Most ecological surveys have a seasonal element and as such need to be carefully considered in any project time line. Some surveys can be carried out all year, whilst others have very short seasons, such as the Great Crested Newt, the survey season here is just 4 months per year.

We can undertake:

Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem services are the many and varied benefits that humans freely gain from the natural environment and from properly-functioning ecosystems. Such ecosystems include, for example, agro-ecosystems, forest ecosystems, grassland ecosystems and aquatic ecosystems. We can help measure, map, and assess the value of these eco-system services.

Ecology Infrastructure

We found that although the term ‘ecological infrastructure’ was the most used until 2004, ‘green infrastructure’ became the dominant one after then. Green infrastructure is a strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas with other environmental features designed and managed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services such as water purification, air quality, space for recreation and climate mitigation and adaptation. This network of green (land) and blue (water) spaces can improve environmental conditions and therefore citizens' health and quality of life. It also supports a green economy, creates job opportunities and enhances biodiversity.

Ecology - Legislative Context

There is a statutory requirement that planning seek to minimise impacts on biodiversity. This is a requirement of Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. This looks to encourage local authorities to conserve biodiversity.

Nutrient Neutrality

Many developments add nutrients to the environment, the two of principal concern are nitrates and phosphates. These can then be passed in to rivers via sewers or indirectly via ground water where they may impact on protected ecosystems. A habitats regulation assessment is then required to assess impacts and if possible to provide mitigation, so as to prove Nutrient Neutrality.

Ecological Mapping

Surveys results usually include some form of basic mapping, but for larger sites or special mapping requirements we can offer a broad variety of mapping services. These might include "heat style mapping" bases on densities experienced, or grading's for habitat quality etc.

For your convenience we have also published the below maps:

Habitat Mitigation (GIRAMS)

Habitat Mitigation in the form of GIRAMs (Green Infrastructure and Recreational Impact Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy) are now a "thing" in the Borough of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk.

Green Infrastructure

Green Infrastructure is a phrase that we are hearing more and more, it is a strange new topic that sits across a few disciplines including ecology, visual impact, air quality and psychology.  

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Ecology Consultants

Bristol - 01173 270 092

Exeter - 01398 331 258

London - 02076 920 670