windrush ecology | home

Windrush Ecology is an independent ecological consultancy specialising in ecological survey, assessment and research to inform planning, design and management. Our focus is on providing a prompt and personal service which delivers pragmatic and innovative solutions to ecological issues.

our work

windrush ecology | practice profile

Based in Witney, Oxfordshire, the consultancy provides a service to clients throughout England and the UK, as well as being involved in a number of overseas projects. Our client base covers the private and public sectors and includes developers, government and non-governmental organisations, architects, planning consultants, landscape designers and engineers.

Ecologists at Windrush Ecology are specialists in a range of habitat and species survey techniques, and hold relevant licences to work with key protected species. We also offer a wealth of knowledge on mitigation and compensation measures, habitat design, creation and management. We work with a network of specialist associates to provide the highest quality ecological advice to our clients.

Above all, we are dedicated to the conservation of habitats and species through sustainable development and good practice.

Although primarily based near Oxford, ecologists at Windrush Ecology are able to provide ecological consultancy, ecology survey and habitat survey services throughout South England and Wales.

With additional bases in Wallingford (Oxfordshire), Cricklade (Wiltshire), Brixham (Devon) and Brighton (East Sussex), the consultancy is able to provide an efficient and cost-effective service in the counties of Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and London.

windrush ecology | surveys

Ecological Scoping

Ecological scoping studies provide essential baseline information about a site's ecological context, and allow an assessment to be made of the likely impacts of any proposed development.

At Windrush Ecology, scoping studies are supported by detailed ecological desk study and thorough field survey to provide robust ecological information and to inform decisions regarding further survey work, ecological constraints and opportunities. Extended Phase 1 habitat survey techniques are employed for assessing, describing and mapping habitats and for evaluating a site’s potential to support protected species.

Habitat and Species Surveys

As well as providing an ecological scoping service and phase 1 habitat survey, Windrush Ecology offers a range of habitat and species survey services and advice on appropriate methodologies and survey timings. Ecological consultants are able to carry out ecological survey and assessment for a broad range of habitats and species, including bat survey, great crested newt survey and other protected species survey. Consultants also offer specialist ecological advice on mitigation and habitat creation for a wide range of habitats and species, including brownfield habitats, insects and European Protected Species.

The ecologists and associates at Windrush Ecology are able to undertake a variety of specialist ecology survey work, including:

Phase 1 habitat survey
Botanical survey, including National Vegetation Classification (NVC)
Hedgerow survey
Veteran trees survey
Great crested newt survey
Breeding bird survey
Reptile survey
Invertebrate survey & insect survey
Bat survey
Badger survey
Otter survey
Water vole survey
Dormouse survey
Red squirrel survey

All professional staff are members of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) and work in accordance with its Code of Practice.

windrush ecology | services

Protected Species Licensing		Eco Impact Assessment
Sustainable Homes/BREEAM		Eco Management Planning
Design for Biodiversity		Ecological Clerk of Works
Research

Protected Species Licensing

The legal protection afforded to certain species through UK and European legislation means that the presence of protected species can often represent a significant constraint on development proposals.

Windrush Ecology provides expert advice on protected species licensing, including European Protected Species (EPS) such as great crested newts and bats. We have extensive experience of advising on the requirement for licensing and of preparing license applications.

We work closely with our clients to ensure that potential licensing issues are identified as early as possible so that the presence of protected species does not present a problem.

Ecological Impact Assessment

Windrush Ecology specialises in Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA), which is a key part of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Our strength lies in providing our clients with concise and accurate reports (according to Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) guidelines) with pragmatic and practical advice on mitigation and enhancement measures; combined with a professional approach to working with other EIA professionals. We believe that the best way to achieve positive results is to include ecology at the core of any scheme and to integrate design solutions for biodiversity at the earliest opportunity.

The Code for Sustainable Homes, Ecohomes and BREEAM

The Code for Sustainable Homes is a national standard for the sustainable design and construction of new homes. The Code follows from the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) and the Ecohomes Assessment and aims to reduce ecological impacts and create homes that contribute to environmental sustainability.

Windrush Ecology has a broad experience of the Code for Sustainable Homes, Ecohomes and BREEAM and can act as Suitably Qualified Ecologists for the purposes of the assessment; our staff being full members of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM).

Ecological Management Planning

A thorough understanding of habitats, communities and ecosystem function is required to prepare high quality ecological management plans. The ecologists at Windrush Ecology are able to apply their considerable academic background, expertise and experience to producing management plans tailored to particular habitats and species, whilst being practical and easy to implement.

We are also able to undertake ecological monitoring, including monitoring the success of species-specific mitigation associated with development.

Design for Biodiversity

The focus of government policy has increasingly shifted to preserving and enhancing biodiversity, seeking to secure gains for wildlife wherever possible within development proposals. Windrush Ecology is committed to achieving this aim through intelligent and sensitive design. We work closely with other design professionals to maximise the biodiversity potential of every project.

We can provide advice on the design of specific habitat features such as bat boxes, bat houses, bird boxes, otter holts and badger setts, as well as habitat creation, including plant species mixes.

Ecological Clerk of Works

We offer an Ecological Clerk of Works service to provide our clients with hands-on advice during sensitive phases of project implementation. Our Clerks of Works can communicate ecological issues clearly and concisely to site personnel and provide guidance on how to avoid and minimise ecological impacts in order to ensure compliance with legislation and best practice.

Research

Research is at the heart of Windrush Ecology’s ecological services. We believe that good consultancy relies on a strong theoretical knowledge and a sound research background. We pursue research opportunities both in the UK and abroad, with a particular focus on insect biodiversity, renewable energy and the enhancement of biodiversity through innovative design within architecture and green infrastructure.