Cornwall Environmental Consultants Ltd

Ecology Surveys & Assessment

At Cornwall Environmental Consultants, we can provide any ecological survey required for your project, no matter how small or large the project may be. We regularly carry out ecological surveys and assessments for new housing developments, renewable energy projects, conversion projects or commercial and hotel projects. The aim of the survey is to help minimise the impact of development onto the local wildlife and environment, which not only preserves the natural habitats but can reduce surprises, delays and costly impacts later on down the line. CEC can also offer full advice and even provide innovative solutions to reduce the impact of proposals, including wildlife mitigation and more. 
 
Ecological surveys are required for a wide range of projects, and it is essential that these are carried out to exacting standards to meet the required specifications. With over 20 years experience in carrying out the surveys, our highly qualified staff are well-placed to assist and advise you accordingly. The outcome of the survey has a significant impact on the success of the planning application. We can therefore provide comprehensive surveys and appraisals, such as bat, barn owl and other protected species surveys, nesting/breeding birds, dormouse, otter and badger surveys. CEC also provides European Protected Species (EPS) Licensing, phase 1 habitat surveys, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), desk top studies, habitat restoration and monitoring, watching briefs, Farm Environmental Plans (FEP), BREEAM Assessments, Code for Sustainable Homes (CfSH) and plant surveys. Planners need to see the results of such surveys before any decision is made, and we can also help with overseeing the construction phases, and obtaining any necessary licenses.

Bat Surveys & Assessments

Bats, along with some other animal and bird varieties, are a protected species. For most new developments and conversion projects a bat survey is very likely to be required by the local authorities, before a planning decision can be made. Our team of experienced Bat Ecologists can therefore carry out a full survey and assessment for any species of bat, and for any size of project. We can also offer remote monitoring to identify species and numbers, and our team can apply for the European Protected Species licence that you will need to complete the works lawfully, if bats are present or likely to be affected in any way. We will be on hand to offer guidance and advice throughout the process, and prepare all the necessary paperwork for you. The scale and length of the required survey varies, depending on the project size, location and time of year, and we will be happy to advise you on this. Please click on the link for more information and to find out how to contact us about your proposed project.

Landscape Architecture Services

Cornwall Environmental Consultants’ team of experienced Landscape Architects are fully trained in design, assessment, engineering, plant knowledge, surveying and ecological impacts, which enables us to apply a holistic approach and understanding to the development design and assessment process. Our team can help with any project, of any size, in order to create the most appropriate solution for the local area, as well as maintaining the ideal visual outcome. We can provide master planning, development support and initial feasibility studies, through to detailed design, environmental impact assessment (EIA) - including landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) - as well as site appraisals and tree surveys, whilst working closely with our Ecology team to increase the biodiversity of a project. We aim to help add value, reduce costs associated with external environmental impacts, and avoid unexpected delays. CEC have implemented Green Infrastructure strategies for developments, and have an up to date knowledge of ecosystem services. Please click on the link to watch the video, to find out more about how we can add value to your project.

Development & Planning

At CEC, our professional team are highly experienced in offering practical, objective and helpful ecological & landscape advice for any project in the South West region. Having been established for over 20 years, we are pleased to have strong relationships with local planning authorities, and we can offer clients our extensive knowledge of specific information planning officers will look for in applications. We always aim to provide the best outcome for both biodiversity and for our clients, striking the ideal balance between the project’s demands and those of the local environment. We can provide the following services in relation to development and planning:

• Initial advice to inform feasibility studies and determine project scope
• Masterplanning and layout development
• Ecological surveys, appraisals and assessments
• Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
• Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA)
• Discharge of Planning Conditions
• Mitigation Plans and Landscape and Ecological Management Plans
• BREEAM/ CfSH ecology and landscape advice, reports and plans
• Landscape schemes including detail planting plans, hard landscape detailing, NBS Specifications, tendering
• Overseeing works on site and providing monitoring as required.

Renewable Energy Projects

At Cornwall Environmental Consultants, we are committed to helping with renewable energy projects, and we can offer full consultation services, as well as landscape, ecology, mapping and visualisation for any renewable energy project within the South West and across the UK. We have proven experience with assisting clients with implementing successful wind turbine, solar PV, and anaerobic digestion projects. Currently, renewable energy projects are extremely popular following the Renewables Obligation Scheme and Feed-In Tariffs (FIT), providing financial incentives for environmentally friendly developments. We are happy to advise upon these schemes, as well as provide feasibility studies, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA), visibility maps, phase I habitat surveys, protected species surveys, Input to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), GIS mapping, authority liaison services, public and stakeholder consultations and expert witness services. Please contact us directly for more information about how we can help you.

Arboricultural Services

Trees contribute vitally to the attractiveness and value of most sites, as well as providing a special environmental resource and habitat for wildlife. They can also alleviate potential negative impacts that any new development may have on an area. It is therefore vital that existing trees are incorporated as much as possible within a development, for both the project and the environment to receive the benefits, which demands early careful planning to assist with layout and design. CEC can offer a full range of arboricultural consultancy services, such as BS5837:2005 tree surveys and assessments to safety and amenity surveys, as well as advising on tree protection, tree management and assisting in the discharge of planning conditions.  We can provide full ecological tree surveys, for planning, safety and value reasons, and we can also assist with tree surgeon sourcing and even tree removal when appropriate. We will be happy to offer further advice – please contact us via the link to our website.

Agriculture

CEC are highly experienced in providing a full range of services in relation to the agricultural and rural land management sectors, through offering professional advice and practical assistance for each and every unique project. Our qualified Ecologists can help with farm environmental plans to access ELS and HLS funding, carrying out bat, barn owl and other protected species surveys, and preparing conservation management plans. In addition, our team of Landscape Architects can provide landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) packages, as well as helping clients with designs, tree surveys and advice for planning applications. Through successfully combining our GIS Mapping skills with our ecological and landscaping experience, we can offer assistance at any stage of a project, as well as advising on funding options and opportunities that may be available. We aim to help clients save time and money, whilst making sure all plans meet exact environmental and planning requirements.  Please click on the link to find out more about how CEC can assist you, no matter how small or large your project may be.

Training & Research

As well as providing a full range of practical and advisory services, CEC also offer a choice of training events throughout the year, as well as seminars dedicated to specific professional areas and lectures for students. Our seminars cover subjects ranging from updated legislation though to best practice, tailored to different specialties, and our team can also offer specialist training on subjects such as wildlife legislation and visual impact assessments. Our continued research and development into our specialist areas, alongside our highly qualified staff, makes CEC the ideal choice when it comes to training and educating professionals or the general public.  
 
Please click on the link to find out more, or to contact us directly about training opportunities. You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter to find out about our upcoming events.