Habitat Surveys – such surveys include, but are not limited to, Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys and Hedgerow surveys, all of which are completed to provide an assessment of the value of habitats and plant communities.

Protected Species Surveys – our ecologists are experienced in surveying for all UK legally protected species. (species of frequent concern with regard to development projects are listed below):

Terrestrial Mammals – our ecologists possesses extensive experience in surveying for terrestrial mammals.

Bats are protected by European and UK wildlife law and are a common consideration in development proposals. Our specialist bat surveyors hold the highest-level SNCO survey licences that include bat handling, mist-netting, harp-trapping and the use of an acoustic lure. We have worked on a diverse range of projects from small-scale building renovations to larger schemes including renewable energy projects such as wind-farm developments (including transects and monitoring at height) and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects that have included radio-tracking nationally important populations of Barbastelle bat. We also have considerable experience in obtaining European Protected Species (EPS) bat mitigation licences for development projects and in the design and implementation of mitigation schemes.

In addition to bats, the team are specialists in completing surveys for some widespread mammals that are protected by UK wildlife law and require appropriate consideration in project planning. We complete surveys for Badgers (including long-term bait-marking studies), Otter, Dormouse (including tube/box surveys), Water Vole, Pine Marten and Red Squirrel using the latest survey techniques. In addition, our services include impact assessment, small mammal trapping, remote camera surveys, and species population monitoring.

Ornithology – we employ highly regarded ornithologists to complete all bird survey work. We have been employed on large-scale national infrastructure projects, numerous renewable energy schemes (e.g. onshore and offshore wind-farms and solar farms) and been selected by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) for important research projects in Morocco, Ukraine and Russia. We possess considerable experience in the design and implementation of ornithological surveys for a wide range of project types and our extensive knowledge of avian ecology means that all sites are accurately scoped from the outset. 

Reptiles – Wildlife law protects all reptile species that are native to the UK. The more widespread and common species (Common Lizard, Grass Snake, Slow-worm and Adder) are protected against deliberate killing and injury – a common issue to be taken in consideration during many development projects.

Our ecologists are experienced reptile surveyors and have overseen some large–scale mitigation projects over the last 10 years which have included the installation of exclusion fencing, habitat manipulation and trapping out development sites. Our services include reptile habitat suitability assessment, presence/absence surveys and recommendations for the implementation of habitat creation/enhancement.

Great Crested Newt – Great Crested Newt receives special protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and also under European legislation (the Habitats Directive). This makes it an offence to:

• Disturb, injure or kill recklessly, and
• Disturb or destroy recklessly the species’ habitat (a breeding site or place of shelter)

It is therefore essential to undertake appropriate survey work on or close to any proposed development site and devise a suitable mitigation scheme should they be present.

Our ecologists are fully licenced to undertake Great Crested Newt surveys including habitat suitability assessment (HSI), presence/absence surveys and population estimates. We also possess extensive experience in implementing large-scale mitigation schemes associated with development projects where we can undertake trapping out development sites, installing exclusion fencing and habitat management and enhancement.

White-clawed Crayfish - The presence of White-clawed Crayfish on a site would be a material planning consideration. The team at Richard Moores Ecology is experienced in completing surveys for this species and planning mitigation, which could include the removal of animals during works alongside appropriate habitat management or enhancement works.

Entomology – We are able to provide entomological assessments using a range of recognised survey techniques.

EIA – Richard Moores Ecology can assist with the production and management of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for development projects. We work with our clients to ensure that any environmental challenges they face are met with sustainable solutions. We deliver solutions that are pragmatic, innovative and cost-effective.

Code for Sustainable Homes – our Suitably Qualified Ecologists (SQE’s) are very experienced in Code for Sustainable Homes and UK BREEAM assessments. 

Ecological Management – our ecologists can provide expert advice with regards to ecological management including habitat management and enhancement schemes for proposed development sites as well as important wildlife sites. We also have chainsaw and brush-cutter licences to enable us to undertake habitat management works.