Our Blog

At Ecology by Design, we believe that good ecological consultancy starts with good field skills. Accurate plant identification underpins everything from habitat surveys and condition assessments to protected species work and Biodiversity Net Gain.

As Ecologists, discussing wildlife with interested passersby and clients alike, we tend to get all sort of reactions, from keen knowledge on our native species to genuine surprise about what creatures we’re on the lookout for. And, of all the species we deal with, it is native reptiles that often generate the biggest reaction.

At Ecology by Design, spending time in nature isn't just our profession, it's something many of us genuinely enjoy outside of work too. This June, members of our team have been taking part in the Wildlife Trusts' 30 Days Wild challenge, making time every day to connect with wildlife and the natural world.

When people think about bats in buildings, they usually picture dark church towers, dusty loft spaces, and the classic “bats in the belfry” cliché. While bats certainly do make use of roof voids and bell towers, the reality is far more interesting and far more varied.

Botany surveys underpin the UKHab Classification system which in turn feeds in to legal requirements, such as Biodiversity Net Gain and the identification of protected habitats.

Leisure developments form a significant and diverse part of our work, ranging from urban parks and active travel infrastructure through to woodland lodges, glamping sites and major visitor attractions in highly sensitive landscapes. These schemes are often driven by visitor numbers, experience and operational flexibility, which means ecological effects are closely linked to how people use places, not just where development occurs.

Great crested newt (GCN) surveys are needed when a development is planned within 500m of a pond or similar water body. They need to be carried out between March/April and June.

The UK Government has set ambitious targets to deliver 1.5 million new homes over the next five years. For developers, understanding which types of land have potential to be brought forward for housing, and the ecological constraints and opportunities associated with them, is critical to successful and timely project delivery.

As biodiversity net gain becomes a routine part of the planning process, developers are increasingly required to submit a 30-year Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan, often referred to as an HMMP.

Visitor surveys are a cornerstone of ecological assessment where recreational pressure has the potential to affect designated sites.

Barn owls (Tyto alba) are one of the UK’s most iconic and well-loved bird species. They are also afforded strong legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), including Schedule 1 protections relating to disturbance during breeding.

Simple bat mitigation with real results. Bat mitigation does not need to be complex or expensive to deliver meaningful ecological outcomes. With early planning, proportionate design and skilled workmanship, even small interventions can make a significant difference.