Basic Services
As a matter of course for all potential clients we can:
- Identify the breadth of legislation and policy guidance relevant to a particular site or project.
- Provide a scoping assessment of the potential ecological issues.
- Detail a likely timescale for the optimal timing and final completion of potential survey works.
Ornithology Surveys
WFE specializes in bird survey work including Common Birds Census, BTO Breeding Bird Survey, vantage point surveys and collision risk assessment, nest location, WeBS style counts, and specifically tailored studies. We can survey all bird species, including those listed in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Annex I of the EC Wild Birds Directive.
We use a professional workforce with demonstrated ornithological capabilities to conduct our bird surveys. WFE maintains contact with a network of expert bird surveyors spread throughout England and Scotland, and when needed can often secure locally based expertise to work on a project. WFE has employed this flexible, sub-contractor strategy for four years as a means to provide competitive pricing for high-calibre services.
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Great Crested Newt Surveys
WFE offers licensed great crested newt survey services including waterbody assessment, presence/ absence determination and population size assessment.
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Protected Species Surveys
WFE can perform surveys for a variety of protected species, including: badger, barn owl, bats, otter, reptiles and water vole.
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Habitat and Vegetation Surveys
WFE can perform vegetation surveys using the standard survey formats including Phase 1 Habitat Survey, Phase 2 National Vegetation Classification Survey, and hedgerow surveys. Staff members have a good working knowledge of a variety of lowland habitats to NVC level.
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Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)
We can provide EcIAs for range of projects, from small-scale developments to wind farms, pipelines, and road schemes. WFE adheres to the impact assessment methodology outlined in the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom (2006).
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Site Management Plans and
Biodiversity Enhancement Schemes
WFE can apply its ecological expertise to develop management plans for designated sites, generate Site Biodiversity Action Plans for corporate landholdings, or to assist public authorities in complying with the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC). WFE staff have drafted management plans for a number of prominent nature reserves, including Cley Marshes NNR.
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Appropriate Assessments
All plans and projects which affect European Designations, including LDF documents, are likely to require Appropriate Assessment. We offer services in advising local authorities on the Appropriate Assessments needed when Local Development Framework plans could potentially affect sites with European designations.
Appropriate Assessment clients include Breckland Council, the Broads Authority, the Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk, and the North Norfolk District Council.
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Code for Sustainable Housing Assessments
WFE have acted as assessing ecologists on a number of BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes Projects, including small housing developments and schools.
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