Ecological Capabilities

Sterna Ecology offer a range of ecological surveys and assessment work, with our consultancy service extending from initial desk top assessments through to full Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) with the preparation of Ecology Chapters for Environmental Statements, as well as producing reports suitable to support planning applications.

Sterna Ecology has extensive experience of undertaking both habitat/botanical and protected species surveys, with Paul Massey, our Principal Ecologist, being a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Our knowledge and experience has been widely used for a diverse range of projects, including a large number of wind farm developments, several power lines and a number of gravel extraction, opencast coal, flood defence, road and housing sites. We have worked on projects for local authorities, Government bodies, charities and multi-national corporations.

Sterna Ecology work closely with clients to develop bespoke packages of work tailored to meet the needs of any given project at any stage of the development programme.

Sterna Ecology offer a range of in-house ecological services, including both habitat and protected species surveys and assessments:

· Desk-based ecological studies and consultation;

· Site walkover and desk-based studies to help determine project feasibility;

· Extended Phase 1 surveys;

· Surveys to support/determine the ecology aspects of BREEAM assessments;

· More detailed habitat/botanical surveys, such as National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys;

· Invertebrate surveys, particularly for lepidoptera (butterflies & moths) and odonata (dragonflies & damselflies);

· Otter and Water Vole surveys;

· Badger, Red Squirrel and reptile surveys;

· Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) surveys for Great Crested Newts;

· Bat activity surveys: for instance transect surveys to determine commuting and foraging areas;

· Remote bat monitoring over short and extended periods, including ‘at height’ work (e.g. on meteorological masts);

· Environmental Statement ecological chapters for major developments;

· Technical Appendices to support Environmental Statements;

· Reports suitable to support planning applications, as well as method statements and management plans for both development and conservation works;

· Reports suitable to support the ecology aspects of BREEAM assessments; 

· Detailed reviews (due diligence) of ecology surveys, reports and assessments completed by other ecologists; and

· Post consent works, including checking surveys and Ecological Clerk of Works.