Aetos Research
Ecology
The ecological services provided by Aetos Research are delivered by experienced professional ecologists, and clients can be assured of a prompt, skilled and reliable service. All surveyors are appropriately insured and hold the necessary licences from the relevant national governing bodies. In addition to the core ecological services we offer (listed below), we are very happy to discuss unusual or bespoke requirements with you. If you feel that this may be necessary in your case then please contact us here.
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The core ecological services provided by Aetos Research include:
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In addition to these core ecological services, we provide highly-regarded training workshops in the statistical interpretation of ecological data, and the production of high-quality reports suitable for publication and use in public inquiries. For details of these training workshops please look here.
Protected Species Surveys
Badgers
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Badgers are the largest UK land mammal, and are members of the mustelid (weasel) family. These charismatic animals are found ...
Bats
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The UK has 18 different resident species of bat, of which 10 are found in Scotland. The highest diversity is in Dumfries and Galloway, with only a single ...
Beavers
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European beavers were once widespread across the UK but were lost due to hunting and other forms of persecution. In recent years populations ...
Otters
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Once absent in many areas due to historic persecution and chronic water quality issues, including pesticide pollution, otters, a member of the ...
Pine Marten
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Protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), pine marten have only recently become re-established in areas where they were ...
Red Squirrel
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Red squirrels have declined massively throughout the UK due to habitat loss, persecution and the impact of invasive non-native grey squirrels, which ...
Water Vole
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Once an incredibly rare species in Scotland due to habitat loss, declines in water quality, and predation by invasive non-native American mink, water voles ...
Reptiles and Amphibians
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All of our native reptiles and amphibians (apart from great crested newt which is afforded greater protection as a European Protected Species) are offered ...
Wildcat
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Our rarest terrestrial mammal, wildcats, are present across a very limited range; predominantly around Ardnamurchan and the Cairngorms. As few ...
Marine Mammals
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Almost 30 species of whale, dolphin and porpoise (collectively known as cetaceans) have been recorded in UK waters. There are also two common seal ...
Ornithology Surveys
Both historically and in recent decades, across all habitats and in all parts of the UK, bird species numbers have declined drastically. The most recent Birds of Conservation Concern report produced by the British Trust for Ornithology and partners placed 67 bird species on the Red list, which constitutes almost 30% of the UK’s breeding species.
Entomology Surveys
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Many bird species, like other animal species such as many terrestrial mammals and all UK bats, depend wholly or partially on insects for food, and this is especially true in the breeding season when they need a high-protein diet to raise their young - this dependence should not be surprising, since insects represent up to 80% of all described animal species! So, declines in birds and other vertebrates are inevitably linked to similar declines in insect diversity and abundance.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) provides an assessment of ecological features that are, or may be, present within a development site (and surrounding area, depending on the type and scale of the development). A PEA normally includes an initial desk-based survey of existing biological records, and a walkover survey of the site to identify likely ecological receptors or suitable habitat for such receptors.
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The key objectives of a PEA, as outlined in the industry standard CIEEM guidance, are to:
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identify potential ecological constraints within or relating to a site;
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outline suitable mitigation measures for works;
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recommend additional surveys which may be required to provide a complete baseline for Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA);
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recommend suitable ecological enhancements for the site.
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Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
What is an EcIA?
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An Ecological Impact Assessment, commonly referred to as an EcIA, is designed to assess the potential effects of any development-related or other proposed actions on habitats and the species they contain. These are carried out according to specific guidelines set out by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), the professional body which provides the code of conduct for ecologists in the UK.
Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA)
Where a project holds the potential to impact a European protected site*, it is the duty of the ‘competent body’ to undertake an assessment of possible impacts prior to work commencing, to ensure appropriate mitigation is in place to ensure that the status of the site is not at risk, and no significant impacts to the protected area will occur as a consequence of the proposed works. This is known in Scotland as a Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA). Competent bodies can include planning authorities, government departments, and other bodies such as the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). Any HRA must provide scientifically robust information proving that no significant adverse impacts will occur to any European protected site.
*either a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Area (SPA) – i.e. areas protected by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017), commonly known as the Habitat Regulations. Potential SAC or SPA sites, as well as RAMSAR sites (wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention) must also undergo an HRA prior to any works.
Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)
Our experienced team at Aetos Research can provide direct onsite advice and supervision in an Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) role. Once a construction site is active it is vital to safeguard any valued ecological features onsite, guarantee that all legislation is adhered to, and ensure that no unexpected costs or delays are incurred due to insufficient ecological protections. Onsite ECoWs will often be involved in species translocations, supervision of licensed works, and watching briefs for e.g. nesting birds or other protected features. Engaging an ECoW is often a planning condition on larger projects. Aetos Research ECoWs can also provide appropriate method statements for work, and species protection plans for valued ecological features onsite.
Phase 1 & NVC Habitat Surveys
Phase 1 habitat surveys are designed to cover large areas of habitat in a relatively short time, identifying “all semi-natural vegetation and wildlife habitat” (JNCC Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey, 2016). This general habitat classification can then be used to inform more targeted and specialised surveys for flora and fauna, depending on the habitat types present.
Botanical Surveys & Habitat Management
By far the greatest threat to our wild flora is the destruction of habitats. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 specifies that it is illegal to uproot any wild plant, even common weeds, without the landowner’s permission. It also specifies detailed regulations governing nature reserves and rare species contained in the Schedule of Protected Plants. It is an offence to pick, remove or destroy any part (including seeds) of any species included in the Schedule. However habitats may be destroyed due to many human activities, including agriculture and recreation, with no knowledge of the flora present and therefore of the species lost.