Ecological Surveys

NatureWise Ecology offers a full range of surveys including baseline habitat surveys, protected species surveys and specialists surveys such as aerial tree assessments for bats. We pride ourselves on being adaptable to all project needs.

Baseline Habitat Surveys

For sites that require baseline surveys, we offer Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, Phase 1 habitat surveys, UK Hab and habitat mapping. Baseline habitat surveys provide a rapid and reliable assessment and outline the need for additional surveys.

Biodiversity Net Gain

Biodiversity Net Gain assessments help you understand the value of habitats within your site through condition assessments and baseline calcualtions. We can then advise on enhancement and retention, ensuring that your project delivers madatory net gain.

Ecological Clerk of Work

Our Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) service provides on-site expertise to ensure your project complies with environmental regulations by monitoring construction activities, providing real-time guidance, preventing delays and minimizing risks to safeguard habitats and protected species.

Bat Surveys

Preliminary Roost Assessments: Inspect buildings and structures for bat roost potential.
Ground-Level Tree Assessments: Evaluate trees for signs of bat activity.
Bat Activity and Emergence Surveys: Detect bat presence and behavior during dusk and dawn.
Aerial Tree Surveys: Conduct detailed inspections using ropes and harnesses for hard-to-reach areas.

Great Crested Newt Surveys

Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Assessments: Evaluate ponds for their potential to support great crested newts.
eDNA Testing: Rapidly detect newt DNA in water samples.
Population Surveys: Conduct presence and population assessments using techniques such as bottle trapping, torching, and egg searches.
Mitigation and Licensing Support: Provide guidance on next steps and secure necessary permits if newts are present.

Reptile Surveys

Our reptile surveys identify presence/absence and assesses the suitability of habitats on site. Using techniques such as artificial refugia, we determine reptile presence/absence, idnetifiy species assemblage, and estimate population sizes, to provide tailored advice. If reptiles are present, we can support mitigation measures and licensing to help your project move forward responsibly.

Badger Surveys

Badger surveys provide a comprehensive assessment of badger activity and habitat suitability. We identify and map sett locations, monitor activity through field signs, and conduct detailed surveys such as bait marking to understand territorial boundaries. If necessary, we can also support sett closures under licence and provide expert advice on mitigation measures to help your project progress responsibly while safeguarding badgers.

Otter & Water vole Surveys

We offer otter and water vole surveys focused on identifying and assessing suitable habitats, search for field signs such as tracks and feeding remains, while also evaluating the quality of the habitat to inform mitigation. We offer advice on mitigation and licensing requirements to reduce potential impacts. Should otters or water voles be present, we provide tailored guidance on protective measures and the next steps to keep your project on track.

Bird Surveys

Species specific surveys: Assess suitability for birds such as barn owl roosting and breeding as well as mitigation under licence.
Breeding Bird Surveys: Monitor and record bird species during the breeding season and advice on mitigation.
Wintering Bird Surveys: Identify and record bird species using the site during winter months using vantage points and transects

Drone Services

At NatureWise Ecology, we use drone technology to enhance our ecological surveys. Our drones provide high-resolution aerial imagery and data, allowing us to make precise habitat assessments and mapping. These tools allow us to survey hard-to-reach areas efficiently and with minimal impact. Our drone services deliver accuracy and insight to support quality report writing for your projects.

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