Scheme

Even when the application is complete or the problem solved, at AEcol we use the data from the initial scoping and our own surveys to look ahead to anticipate issues that might arise later.

Where appropriate, our reports highlight habitats within the development footprint or immediate surroundings that, whilst they may be vacant at the time our surveys were performed, are superficially suitable for future colonisation by protected species.

This approach ensures that adequate consideration is given to the potential presence of protected species in advance of each working phase, guarding against unintentional breaches in legislation, and/or costly delays in the implementation of permissions.

We have designed surveillance packages for a wide range of sites, some of which have been so designed to allow Quarry Managers and Site Foremen to perform walk-over surveys themselves.

In anticipation of an increased emphasis on post-development monitoring in relation to European Protected Species licensing, and following an extensive literature review, AEcol has produced a strategy for the design of conservation monitoring schemes in a set format. This format ensures achievable objectives are established at the outset and assessed against a comprehensive baseline data-set, with methods of quantitative and qualitative appraisal and clearly defined alert triggers. As a result, AEcol monitoring designs ensure the success of conservation management actions are assessed in a structured and measurable format, so ensuring that management delivers the required results and avoids unnecessary delay and cost.