1. LIFE AS AN ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANT
Anna McDermott,
Senior Ecologist

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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”

5. 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

6. 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

7. Considerations: Timing Seasonal Constraints Legislation and protection
Licencing
Budgets

8. 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

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

10. 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

12. 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

30. Interested?

31. 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

33. 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

34. BAT

35. 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

36. 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

37. Questions?