Survey

All AEcol surveys are tailored to the specific requirements of the site. While we would normally follow current best-practice guidance on survey techniques and intensity, there are times when a simpler, less costly or quicker method can be justified.

Survey is carried out by fully trained and licensed personnel. To ensure our surveys are always of the highest standard, all junior staff are accompanied in the field by an experienced team leader. Where trainees are used within the team, this will always be agreed in advance with the client and reflected in the cost of the survey.

For detailed information on the methods of survey we use please email us at info@aecol.co.uk. However, in summary we offer a comprehensive survey package including:

Phase 1 survey

We have three full-time botanists, including both our directors, all of whom are also accomplished protected species surveyors. This means that an AEcol Phase 1 survey is performed with sufficient expertise to include a reasoned assessment of the habitat quality and its potential to support important or legally protected species.

Phase 2 survey

All AEcol Phase 2 surveys include the production of a full plant list for the site, a feature that has received praise from statutory consultees and conservation agencies. In addition, the conclusions drawn are presented with recommendations for further work as appropriate, with clear instructions as to the focus, method, frequency and timing of the surveys. This depth of information allows our clients to seek an opinion as to the action proposed from the consultees who will eventually review the results, and (we’re so confident that our prices are always competitive) competitive tenders from other companies.

National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey

All our botanists are proficient in the application and interpretation of NVC survey in all habitats.

Bryophyte survey

Our Associates include Nick Hodgetts, author of several publications including co-authorship of Mosses & Liverworts in the New Naturalist series.

Invertebrate survey

Because of the truly enormous number of potential species on almost any site, invertebrate survey requires careful design if it is to deliver useful results at reasonable cost. We draw on the experience of our Associates, Dr Peter Kirby and Dr Martin Drake to carry out new baseline assessment of communities and individual species and to undertake long-term monitoring, for example as required in respect of the aquatic fauna of watercourses that are receptors of quarry discharges.

Amphibian survey

All our survey team are proficient in the design and performance of amphibian survey and licensed by Natural England to survey for the European protected great crested newt. We also number Dr Chris Gleed-Owen among our Associates.

We have also held site specific licences issued by the Countryside Council for Wales to survey for great crested newts in Wales, and by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA, formerly EHSNI) to survey for common newt at a number of sites across the length and breadth of Ulster.

Reptile survey

All our survey team are proficient in reptile survey. Three of our in-house surveyors are licensed by Natural England to survey for the European protected species smooth snake and sand lizard. We also number Dr Chris Gleed-Owen among our Associates.

Bird survey

In most sites, it is possible to predict what breeding bird species will occur, based on a reasoned justification derived from the very extensive literature on species' habitat requirements and distribution. However, some sites have the potential to support rare or endangered species and in these instances we undertake focussed survey for them. There are also occasions where substantial numbers of wintering birds, especially wildfowl or waders, may be present and repeat counting is required to determine the importance of the population. In all cases we follow approved methodologies. Two of the team are bird surveyors as is one of our Associates, Malcolm Hillier.      

Hazel dormouse survey

All of our survey team are proficient in dormouse habitat appraisal including nut-searches, and two members of our survey team hold Natural England licences to survey for the European protected hazel dormouse using nest-tubes. In addition, our Associates include Dr Paul Chanin, co-author of current best-practice survey guidance issued by Natural England who has himself managed several successful dormouse translocation projects.

Bat survey

Two of our survey team are proficient in bat habitat appraisal and ultrasound bat-survey techniques including the use of AnaBat and SM2 automated systems, and hold Natural England licences to survey for European Protected bats. The AEcol arboreal climbing team provides a comprehensive bat survey package.

Many bat surveys expend significant time and effort over repeat visits in the employment of ultrasound methods focussing on features, visible from the ground, which appear superficially suitable for occupation by roosting bats. Climb-and-inspect surveys can tell immediately whether a cavity holds bats (or evidence of recent occupation), and we have sufficient expertise to be able to make a reasoned analysis as whether a feature is suitable to hold bats even if it is unoccupied on the day of survey. Thus a high proportion of potential roost features may be discounted from further survey, with a consequential cost saving to our clients, and survey effort refined to ensure that unoccupied, but potentially suitable, roost features are safeguarded or given adequate compensation.

In addition to Natural England licensing, we have also held site specific licences issued by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA, formerly EHSNI) to survey for bats at a number of sites across Ulster.

Badger surveys

All of our survey team are proficient in badger habitat appraisal and badger survey techniques. Two Associates, Howard and Malcom Hillier, have undertaken badger exclusion and translocation projects.

Otter surveys

All of our survey team are proficient in otter habitat appraisal and otter survey techniques. In addition, our Associates include Dr Paul Chanin who is the author of the definitive guide to this species in the UK.