LIFE AS AN ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANT Anna McDermott, Senior Ecologist

The Role of an Ecological Consultant To identify potential ecological constraints to development To provide advice and recommendations to: ensure compliance with relevant legislation discharge planning conditions enable project delivery without compromising the biodiversity value of a site The role of an ecological consultant in planning is to identify any constraints or potential constraints to the proposed development by evaluating the potential impact of development proposals on the important ecological features of a site. An ecological consultant will seek to provide recommendations that will ensure compliance with relevant legislation and enable project delivery without compromising the biodiversity value of the site. www.ahernecology.co.uk

Rationale Requirement to comply with wildlife legislation: The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 Habitats Directive (1992) Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 Requirement to comply with planning conditions Comply with Biodiversity Action Plans www.ahernecology.co.uk

Penalties £5,000 per offence Prison sentence (up to six months) Loss of property – any vehicle used to commit the offence can be forfeited Non-compliance with planning “intentionally or recklessly” www.ahernecology.co.uk

Ecological survey process Planning proposals Ecologist undertakes initial site survey - Phase 1 habitat survey Ecological constraints identified and recommendations for Phase 2 surveys made based on habitats/species present/likely to be present Waterbodies Woodland Grassland Scrub/hedgerows Buildings/ Bridges Spoil mounds GCN (aquatic phase) Otters Water voles White-clawed crayfish Badgers Bats Birds GCN Reptiles Birds GCN Reptiles Badgers Birds GCN Reptiles Hedgerow Regs. Badgers Birds Bats Badgers GCN Reptiles

HOW DO WE DO THIS? We carry out surveys Badger Great crested newts Bats Reptiles Dormice Water vole Otter Barn Owls Badger White-clawed crayfish Plants and Habitats Invasive species Nesting birds Over-wintering birds

Considerations: Timing Seasonal Constraints Legislation and protection Licencing Budgets

Other Roles of an Ecologist Ecological Impact Assessment Habitat Regulations Assessment Ecological Clerk of Works European Protected Species licence holders Preparation of: EPS licence applications Management plans Mitigation implementation Method statements

A typical day for an ecologist: There is no typical day!

GCN surveys: 3 species of newt in the UK, GCN is the only protected species Spend most of their time on the land but return to ponds in the spring to breed (March - June) Start with HIS - 10 criteria: Geographic location, area of waterbody, permanence, water quality, shading, waterfowl, fish, pond count, terrestrial habitat, macrophytes

3 techniques out of torching, netting, egg search and bottle traps (briefly describe each) 4 surveys, an addition 2 if GCN are found to get a better idea of population size

Interested?

Variety of Work, Places and People Working as part of a team Highlights Variety of Work, Places and People Being Outdoors The Wildlife Working as part of a team

To be an ecologist you need to: Love the outdoors Be willing to get stuck in Be willing to work long, unsociable hours Be willing to travel & stay away from home Be ready for some physical labour Be able to work with a wide range of people Dedicated and enthusiastic

BAT

What is required Must haves: Initiative and ‘can do’ attitude Good organisational skills Good written and verbal communication skills Driving licence Ideally will have: Survey experience Good plant ID skills Experience of using GIS An understanding of legislation and planning policy Professional Membership: IEEM Survey experience – bat groups, mammal society, Amphibian and Reptile Group, NARRS, Wildlife Trusts

And in return…… A varied, interesting job Chance to enjoy the outdoors, come rain or shine Opportunity to visit a wide range of places across the country Opportunity to see some of the UK’s most incredible wildlife up close Develop skills - report writing, GIS, plant ID, communication skills Work with like-minded people

Questions?