Armstrong Ecology Ltd is a Chartered Institute of Ecology and 
Environmental Management (CIEEM) Registered Practice.
Armstrong Ecology Ltd is based in south Sheffield and is able to offer ecology surveys, reporting and advice as described below.
The the core aim of the business is the provision of practical and pragmatic ecology consultancy services working directly with clients in South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and the Peak District. On occasion survey work/support to projects is undertaken in other nearby/adjoining counties. This assists in being able to give high quality ecology support, keeping down travel time/costs and reducing the carbon footprint of the business/your project.
Ecology surveys
An initial survey of a site to identify the presence or likely absence of protected species such as those listed below. The survey normally includes a desk study based on data from the relevant local Biological Records Centre and can be undertaken at any time of year. The preliminary ecological appraisal can also include habitat mapping and an initial bat roosting assessment depending on the project.
Identification and mapping of habitats within a site and where appropriate an assessment of their condition. Undertaken with reference to the UK Habitat Classification system (UKHabs) and Biodiversity Net Gain guidance/rules. This information forms the starting point for Biodiversity Net Gain calculations. Habitat survey is often combined with a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.
In some instances further detail or more definitive habitat characterisation may be needed, such as with more complex or higher value habitat types. Where this is the case the timing will depend on the habitat type and generally be between May and September.
An assessment of trees and/or buildings to assess their bat roosting potential. Can be combined with a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal/habitat survey or undertaken separately. Can be undertaken at any time of year. Bat droppings can also be collected for DNA analysis to determine the bat species associated with them.
Dusk survey visits to establish the presence or likely absence, and type of bat roost present by recording the number and species of bats emerging from a tree or building. Survey technique can be used between May and September. Night vision equipment will be used as standard as part of the survey methodology.
Deployment of static bat detectors and undertaking walked transect surveys to record the range of bats using a site. Survey technique can be used between April and October.
Collection of water samples (where the pond is suitable) for DNA testing to establish the presence or likely absence of great crested newt. Survey technique can be used between mid-April and the end of June.
Evening torchlight survey and placing of bottle traps for morning collection to establish the presence or likely absence of great crested newt. Survey technique requires multiple visits and can be used between mid-March and mid-June, with half the visits undertaken between mid-April and mid-May.
Placing of artificial basking locations on site and then undertaking seven survey visits to check for basking reptiles. Survey technique to establish the presence or likely absence of reptiles that can be used during suitable weather conditions between March and October.
Survey technique to characterise how otters are using a water course. Can be undertaken at any time of year but may require visits in different seasons. The use of motion activated trail cameras may also be considered as part of the survey methodology.
Survey technique to establish the presence or likely absence of water vole. Undertaken with two survey visits, one between between Mid-April and June and the other between July and September. Water vole rafts may also be deployed to aid detection.
Presence/likely absence can often be established as part of a preliminary ecological appraisal, but may need to be conducted separately such as to give greater certainty. The use of motion activated trail cameras may also be considered as part of the survey methodology if the survey is undertaken separately.
The above is not an exhaustive list, please get in touch to discuss your requirements if the ecology survey you require is not listed.
Ecology support
The following services can be provided, these would normally be based on survey work such as that outlined above:
- Biodiversity Impact Assessment/Biodiversity Net Gain calculations (BIA/BNG).
- The biodiversity component of Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP).
- The biodiversity component of Landscape Environmental Management Plans (LEMP).
- Biodiversity Management Plans (BMP).
- Biodiversity/protected species method statements for site clearance operations (where appropriate).
- Ecologist site supervision/Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW).
The above is not an exhaustive list, please get in touch to discuss your requirements if the ecology support you require is not listed.
Survey of watercourses
Armstrong Ecology Ltd undertakes survey of drainage ditches but not streams and rivers.
How much will a survey/ecology support cost?
In order to provide an accurate and fair quotation it is necessary to know a number of things including where your site is and what sort of survey/ecology support is required. Ideally as part of this it is useful to have a brief discussion with you to establish what you require and/or what the planning authority has requested. An accurate quote can then be provided that just covers what is needed for your project.
Please also note that as Armstrong Ecology Ltd is not VAT registered VAT is not added to Armstrong Ecology Ltd fees in our invoices.
Please get in touch to discuss your requirements and to obtain a quote.
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