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Data Searches and Desktop
Studies
Gwent Ecology works with the South
East Wales Biological Records
Centre (SEWBReC) to deliver detailed
habitat and species record
information. Our local knowledge enables us to
provide appropriate context for this
ecological information, together
with expert advice and guidance
tailored to the clients' needs.
Baseline Habitat and Extended
Phase I Surveys
Baseline habitat surveys are an
effective methodology to gain an
overall impression of a site's value
for wildlife and to indicate where
further, more detailed, surveys may
be required.
The Extended Phase I Habitat Survey
is an efficient means of assessing
the ecological status of a site
in much more detail, which can then be used to predict
potential impacts of any proposed
development.
This survey
provides a GIS map of the habitats
present on the site as well as a
description of each habitat,
including a plant species
list. Signs of fauna present are
also recorded. Each habitat is also
assessed for its potential to
support protected protected species
and both nationally and locally
important species. The survey
is undertaken in conjunction with a
desk study of historical biological
records.
We also undertake
Habitat Connectivity Assessments, River Corridor
Surveys, National Vegetation
Classification Surveys and Hedgerow
Evaluation according to The
Hedgerows Regulations 1997.
Protected Species Surveys
We have the capacity to provide a
wide range of Protected Species
Surveys, including bats, badger,
water vole, otter, reptiles,
amphibians, birds, dormouse and
invertebrates. In cases
relating to the development control
process, the Local Authority
may require more detailed surveys to
be undertaken and there may be a
requirement to demonstrate how the
habitats and species present will be
treated if any development
were to take place.
These surveys can
be undertaken only at particular
times of the year.
Download our Survey Calendar here.
Habitat
design, creation, management,
restoration & monitoring
Our ecological staff are supported
by our ground works team and
together we offer support in the
implementation of successful
mitigation, conservation, habitat
creation, restoration and
species translocation
schemes. We always aim
to minimise environmental impact and
apply best environmental practice in
support of our company ethos of
protecting wildlife for the future.
BREEAM,
Code for Sustainable Homes
Assessments
Sustainable development is a key
objective for Gwent Ecology and we
provide advice and recommendations
for measures to reduce the
ecological impact of operations. We provide ecological input for BREEAM and
Code for Sustainable Homes
Assessments and our staff meet the
‘Suitably Qualified Ecologist’ (SQE)
criteria as stipulated in the BREEAM
guidelines.
Licence
Applications
Development affecting protected
species may require licences before
works can proceed. Through our
expertise in protected species and
wildlife legislation, Gwent Ecology
can support clients through the
licence application process and
ensure that any requirements or
conditions of licences are
fulfilled.
Management
Plans
A management plan
balances the needs of wildlife with
the development proposals and will
follow a site visit with consideration
of all appropriate wildlife that
have either been recorded
previously, or identified as being
likely.
We can prepare conservation
management plans for all UK habitat
types, developing measurable
indicators to monitor success.
GIS Mapping
and Habitat Connectivity Assessment
Gwent Ecology offers a complete
GIS and Habitat Connectivity
service. We have a dedicated and
highly experienced team who can
source and work with initial data,
undertake appropriate analysis and
then supply and map the results in
the formats that you require. These
include ecological connectivity
studies, open space mapping, habitat
mapping using aerial photography and
data transfer from paper maps.
Our qualified
staff are able to competently
examine, interpret and explain the
findings of GIS analysis, providing
meaningful data and setting the
information gained in an ecological
context.
Training
Courses
Gwent Ecology offers field
courses in mammal
identification and survey techniques. Training can be held at our Pentwyn
Farm or Magor Marsh Education
Centres.
Additionally, Gwent Wildlife Trust
offers a well established and highly
respected programme of
In-Service Training
(INSET) for teachers, classroom
assistants and other education
professionals. These courses
have been developed specifically to
address the outdoor learning
requirements of the Welsh National
Curriculum.
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