Our Services Protected and Other Species Surveys Our specialists can survey and monitor specific groups of plants and animals, using nationally recognised methodologies which are vital for guiding you through the right side of wildlife law. We have experience of butterfly transects; vegetation surveys; amphibian, bat, bird, badger, otter, water vole, insect and small mammal surveys. Vegetation and Habitat Surveys Dorset Ecological Consultancy can offer a full range of site surveys tailored to suit the clients' needs, from a simple habitat map based on 'Phase I' techniques, to a fully detailed species-by-species assessment. Having collected and collated the biological data, we interpret and present it in an objective, easily understood manner. We are fully trained and experienced in the use of the National Vegetation Classification (NVC), which allows us to place the plant communities at your site in their national context. Ecological Desk Studies and Scoping Exercises Dorset Ecological Consultancy has access to a wide variety of datasets, partially in association with Dorset Environmental Records Centre (DERC) and partially through Dorset Wildlife Trust's administration of the Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) system. We are also registered and well practised in using information systems such as the National Biodiversity Network and the multi-agency geographic information for the countryside (MAGIC). We can utilise this range of datasets in order to meet clients enquiries' and provide preliminary data on sites to aid decision making. Ecological Impact Assessments With our expertise we are well placed to offer Ecological Impact Assessments to highlight and assess the likely effects on wildlife that may arise directly or indirectly from any proposal. This is an essential tool to guide decision making concerning any new development or change in land use. Our expertise can clearly highlight the important wildlife features of a site, assess the threat or benefit of a proposal and propose what action will be required to minimise any treats or optimise potential benefits. Habitat Management In conjunction with our ecological survey and assessment, we can prepare a plan which will prescribe how to manage your land for the benefit of wildlife, integrating farming, forestry and recreational objectives as appropriate. Long Term Monitoring After land use change at a site its wildlife will alter in positive and/or negative ways. To assess the effects of change we are well placed to carry out long-term monitoring programmes, tailored to the clients' needs and the unique nature of each site. In this way the client can build up a detailed picture of the site in order to inform its future management. BRE Environmental Assessment Method The BRE environmental assessment methods and tools are all designed to help construction professionals understand and mitigate the environmental impacts of the developments they design and build. Dorset Ecological Consultancy can allow construction projects to take on the ecological component of this assessment. Biodiversity Benchmark Assessment The Biodiversity Benchmark is the first award to recognise continual biodiversity improvement. It assesses land in terms of its benefit to biodiversity and gives an award comparable to standard environmental management systems such as ISO 14001 (the International Standard for environmental management) or EMAS (The Eco-Management and Audit Scheme)