Ecology Consultants | Surveys, Assessments & Advice
As a leading environmental consultancy in the UK, our team has a wealth of knowledge and experience to help your project run smoothly. From small residential developments to nationally significant infrastructure projects, we provide ecological surveys, BNG consultancy advice, assessments, and more to ensure compliance with legislation.
Our ecology services cover the entire lifecycle of your project, from early-stage feasibility and planning applications through to post-construction monitoring and advice. With a team of highly experienced ecology consultants, we are passionate about working towards positive environmental legacies that benefit the natural world.
Benefit from dedicated ecological expertise
Our clients rely on us to navigate the complexity of environmental legislation and planning. With Chartered Ecologists, CIEEM members, and experts across a wide range of specialisms, we offer high-quality ecological expertise and advice.
Whether you need a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), protected species surveys, or biodiversity net gain assessments, our team ensures you are supported every step of the way.
What ecology services do we offer?
As a leading independent ecological consultancy, Thomson provides a fully integrated service. This includes survey design, field surveys, impact assessments, BNG advice, mitigation strategies, technical reporting, and more. Whether you’re delivering a major project or require long-term ecological monitoring to support regulatory compliance and policy outcomes, we can help. Contact us today to find out more.
Preliminary ecological appraisals (PEA)
PEAs are often the first step in identifying potential ecological constraints on a site. Our consultants undertake detailed site assessments to inform planning applications and highlight any further survey requirements.
Protected species surveys
Our specialists hold the necessary licences to carry out ecology surveys for a wide range of protected species, including bats, great crested newts, dormice, badgers, reptiles, and birds. We provide both baseline data and mitigation advice to ensure compliance.
Habitat regulations assessments
We support clients with habitat regulations assessments to assess whether a development could impact highly protected sites (Natura 2000 sites) and propose avoidance and mitigation options.. This information is vital for planning submissions where Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) could be impacted.
Ecological impact assessment (EcIA)
Our ecology consultants prepare EcIA reports to assess the potential effects of development on habitats and species. We provide clear, pragmatic recommendations to minimise impacts and support clients to obtain planning approval. Let us help with your Ecological Impact Assessment.
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) assessments and advice
Our BNG consultants deliver baseline assessments, DEFRA metric calculations, and biodiversity management plans to ensure your project achieves compliance. Our experts are also on hand to provide any wider ecological advice you need, ensuring your project runs smoothly from start to finish. Find out more about biodiversity net gain here.
Licensing & mitigation
We provide expert support with Natural England and other statutory ecological licence applications, designing and implementing mitigation measures that allow projects to progress lawfully.
Planning assistance and advice
Early planning is important for development projects, and our useful ecology planner and expert assistance will help you meet project deadlines and regulatory requirements.
“Our approach to resourcing and ability to generate large survey and mitigation teams and deliver end-to-end solutions sets us apart from competitors.” Lucy Hunt, Thomson CEO
Choosing Thomson as your ecology consultants
At Thomson, we have decades of experience in delivering consultancy nationwide. Our ecology consultants have worked on some of the UK’s most complex and high-profile projects, giving us unparalleled expertise in balancing development and biodiversity. Made up of CIEEM-registered consultants and Chartered Ecologists, our team has a proven track record in supporting ecology projects, licensing, and ensuring compliance.
Thomson’s ecology team has expertise across all major UK habitats and protected species. We are committed to creating sustainable outcomes that allow business and nature to thrive together. Backed by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, our consultancy is trusted by developers, government agencies, and conservation bodies alike. Find out more about our accreditations here.
Contact us today for a consultation with one of our ecology experts.
“Thomson’s work has set a new benchmark for how we can work with Natural England to achieve what some deemed impossible.” Citation on the Smart Motorways Programme (SMP) Alliance Outcome Award for Enhanced Environments
Explore our ecology knowledge hub for practical insights from our team of ecological consultants, from planning advice and protected species guidance to the latest updates on biodiversity net gain legislation.
Frequently asked questions on ecology services
When do you need an ecological survey?
Ecological surveys are often required as part of a planning application, especially where habitats or protected species may be present. Early surveys can save time and cost by identifying potential constraints and mitigation measures at the start of your project. Find out more about ecology surveys here.
What does an ecology consultant do?
An ecology consultant provides expert surveys, assessments, and advice to help identify, mitigate, and manage ecological impacts of development. At Thomson, our consultants support projects of all scales, ensuring compliance with environmental legislation and planning policies. Reach out to our team today to find out more.
What is a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)?
A PEA is a baseline survey that identifies habitats and the potential of those habitats to support protected species on a site. It provides initial ecological information and recommendations, and may highlight the need for further detailed surveys. You can find out more about our PEA services here.
Why is biodiversity net gain (BNG) assistance required?
Biodiversity net gain is a planning requirement that ensures development projects leave the natural environment in a better state than pre-development conditions.. Our ecology consultants provide baseline assessments, DEFRA metric calculations, and long-term habitat management plans to support BNG compliance.
How do ecological consultants support planning applications?
Our consultants provide the surveys, reports, and mitigation advice required to satisfy planning conditions. This ensures your application demonstrates compliance with legislation such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act, Habitats Regulations, and the Environment Act.
We can also support post applications with the discharge of conditions, site monitoring and services such as Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW).
What should you look for in an ecology consultancy?
When choosing an ecology consultancy, it’s important to look for a team with proven expertise and professional accreditation, such as membership of CIEEM, to ensure they meet industry standards. They should demonstrate strong knowledge of UK legislation and planning requirements, including Biodiversity Net Gain and protected species regulations, so your project remains compliant from start to finish. A high-quality consultancy will offer a large range of services, from preliminary ecological appraisals and habitat surveys to ongoing monitoring, assessments, and expert advice.
Explore our recent ecology projects
Discover how Thomson’s ecology consultants have supported clients across the UK, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements every step of the way. View all our projects to find out more.
Download our services brochure for information on how we can help.
