Discover tailored ecological services designed for your specific needs. I provide expert solutions in ecological survey, assessment, restoration plans, and biodiversity monitoring. I empower you to make informed decisions and navigate environmental impacts responsibly, minimize environmental footprints, meet regulatory and planning permission requirements, and enhance the long-term sustainability of your developments. Please see below for a list of ecological surveys, specialist ecological survey, ecological reporting and specialist ecological reporting available.

Please contact me on emmajdevereux@ecofooddev.com to discuss consultation services.

Ecological Survey

  • Biodiversity Assessments: These surveys involve the identification and documentation of plant and animal species within an area to evaluate biodiversity levels and identify any threatened or protected species.
  • Preliminary Ecological Assessment (PEA): PEA is a survey conducted to gather baseline ecological information about a site or area before any development or land management activities take place. It involves a systematic assessment of the habitat types, species present, and potential ecological constraints or sensitivities that may affect the proposed project. The PEA typically includes a desktop study to review existing ecological data, site visits to assess vegetation, wildlife, and habitats, and may involve consultations with experts or stakeholders.
  • Protected Species Surveys: These surveys focus on specific protected species, such as bats, birds, badgers, otters, and amphibians. They assess the presence and population sizes of these species, their habitats, and any potential impacts from development projects.
  • Habitat-specific Surveys: These surveys focus on specific habitats or plant communities, such as woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, heathlands, or coastal areas. They assess the composition, structure, and health of these habitats, and provide insights into their conservation status and potential threats.
  • Initial Bat Roost Assessment: An initial bat roost assessment is a survey that is conducted to determine the potential presence of bats and their roosting sites in a building, structure, or tree. The assessment aims to examine features that have the potential to support roosting bats, identify any evidence to suggest use by bats, quantify the potential for roosting, and determine the suitability of the structure for bats to roost in. The assessment is usually conducted as a preliminary roost assessment survey or a preliminary bat roost assessment (PRA). The survey can be undertaken at any time of the year.

Specialist Ecological Survey

  • Floristic Surveys: As a plant scientist, I possess the expertise and experience to conduct specialist botanical surveys. These surveys aim to identify and document the plant species present in a specific area. They involve fieldwork to record plant species, collect herbarium specimens, and create species lists for botanical inventories.
  • Hedgerow Appraisal: I possess excellent experience in hedgerow appraisal systems, a methodical approach used to assess and evaluate the ecological value and condition of hedgerows. It typically involves a structured assessment that considers various ecological factors and provides a standardized framework for recording and analyzing data. The methodology used during surveying has been set out by Foulkes et al. (2013) in the Hedgerow Appraisal Survey (HAS) methodology.
  • Rare and Endangered Species Surveys: These surveys target rare, threatened, or protected plant species. They involve locating and monitoring populations of these species, mapping their distribution, and assessing their habitat requirements and conservation needs.
  • Vegetation Classification Surveys: These surveys involve the classification and mapping of vegetation communities based on their species composition, structure, and environmental characteristics. They provide a valuable tool for land management, habitat conservation, and monitoring changes in vegetation over time.
  • Invasive Species Surveys: These surveys focus on identifying and monitoring invasive plant species that can negatively impact native ecosystems. They assess the extent of invasion, document the spread of these species, and provide recommendations for their control and management.
  • Plant Impact Assessments: These assessments evaluate the potential impacts of development projects, land use changes, or management activities on plant communities. They identify species of conservation concern and assess the potential for habitat degradation or loss

Ecological Reporting

  • Appropriate Assessment Screening reports (AA): Assessment screenings, commonly referred to as Appropriate Assessments (AA), are an important part of the conservation and management process for protected areas, including Natura 2000 sites. Natura 2000 is a network of protected areas within the European Union, established under the EU Birds Directive and EU Habitats Directive. These directives aim to protect and conserve important habitats and species of European significance. When it comes to Natura 2000 sites, an AA screening is conducted to assess the potential impacts of plans or projects on the integrity of the protected area. The purpose of the assessment is to determine whether a plan or project is likely to have a significant negative effect on the site’s conservation objectives. If such effects are identified, further detailed assessments may be required, such as Natura Impact Statements (NIS).
  • Natura Impact Statement (NIS): A Natura Impact Statement (also known as an AA Phase 2) is a detailed assessment of the potential impacts of a plan or project on Natura 2000 sites, which are protected areas under the European Union’s Habitats Directive. The statement examines the direct and indirect impacts of the plan or project on the conservation objectives of the sites, and determines whether it will adversely affect the integrity of the European sites.
  • Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: A survey that identifies any ecological impact of a proposed development or land use change. It offers a quick initial appraisal of a site to identify any significant ecological issues that may need to be addressed.
  • Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA): An Ecological Impact Assessment is a process used to identify, quantify, and evaluate the potential impacts of development-related or other proposed actions on the environment. The process involves a scientific evaluation of the potential impacts of a project on the environment, including flora, fauna, and their habitats. The EcIA report is a document that outlines the findings of the assessment and provides recommendations for mitigating any negative impacts that have been identified. The EcIA report is an important tool for decision-makers, as it provides them with the information they need to make informed decisions about the proposed development or action. The report can also be used to identify opportunities for enhancing the positive impacts of the proposed development or action on the environment.
  • Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA): SEA is a process that evaluates the potential environmental impacts of policies, plans, and programs before they are adopted. The purpose of SEA is to ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into the decision-making process and that the potential environmental impacts of a policy, plan, or program are identified and addressed early in the process.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAR): I possess the expertise and experience to contribute to Environmental Impact Assessment Reports, authoring the Biodiversity Chapter and also the Archaeological/Cultural Heritage chapter. The EIAR biodiversity chapter is a required component of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. It assesses the biodiversity value of the project area and identifies any potential impacts that the proposed development may have on flora, fauna, and avifauna. The EIAR archaeology chapter is a required component of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. It assesses the cultural heritage and archaeological value of the project area and identifies any potential impacts that the proposed development may have on these resources.

Specialist Ecological Reporting

  • Hedgerow Appraisal Report: Based on the Hedgerow Appraisal System. The Hedgerow Appraisal System (HAS) is a method used to evaluate hedgerows based on their ecological value. The system involves a detailed survey of the hedgerow, including an assessment of its condition, significance, species composition, and structure. The survey results are then used to assign a score to the hedgerow, which reflects its ecological value. The HAS system is used to inform decisions about the management and conservation of hedgerows, particularly in the context of development projects. The methodology used during surveying has been set out by Foulkes et al. (2013) in the Hedgerow Appraisal Survey (HAS) methodology.
  • Botanical/Floristic Report: A botanical/floristic report is a document that assesses the quality of ecological communities and natural areas based on their plant species. It is a robust, botanically-based method for evaluating the quality of vegetation in a given area.
  • Biodiversity Management Report: A Biodiversity Management Report is a document that outlines a plan for managing biodiversity in a particular area or project. The report typically includes information on the current state of biodiversity in the area, as well as goals and strategies for preserving or enhancing it. The report may also include details on monitoring and reporting progress towards these goals. 
  • Intensive Agriculture Report: Reporting to assist with EPA intensive agriculture applications. To obtain an EPA license for intensive agriculture, there are several requirements that must be met, such as compliance with environmental regulations, industrial emissions licensing application, water quality criteria, pollution prevention and control measures.
  • Invasive Species Management Report
  • Bat Roost Assessment Report: Bat Roost Assessment Reports are conducted in Ireland to assess the presence or absence of bats and the potential impacts of proposed developments on their habitats. The reports are conducted to comply with Irish and EU laws that protect bats and their roosts, as all species have declined and some are threatened or endangered. The reports involve a survey of the area to identify any bat roosts within a certain distance of the proposed development site. The ecological value of habitats along the proposed development for roosting, foraging, and commuting bats is also assessed during the survey. The survey results are summarized in the report, which includes information on relevant legislation and bat species status in Ireland.