Ecology
Professional Ecology & Biodiversity Consultancy
At TMA, we are leaders in ecology with extensive experience supporting a wide range of clients. As a CIEEM Registered Practice, our team of consultants combine scientific expertise with a deep understanding of planning policy, environmental legislation, and best practice, enabling us to deliver trusted advice on all aspects of ecological assessment and management.
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Our services span the full spectrum of ecological consultancy. From habitat and protected species surveys to ecological impact assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) strategies, and long-term habitat enhancement plans, we deliver practical solutions that balance ecological considerations with planning, legal and development requirements. Our approach ensures that biodiversity is protected and enhanced while supporting sustainable and deliverable outcomes for our clients.
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Alongside consultancy, TMA develops innovative software tools to support data-driven approaches to ecology. These technologies streamline survey data collection, enhance reporting accuracy, and provide clients with clearer insights for decision-making, long-term sustainability, and environmental management.
Our ecological services
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an increasingly important requirement for new developments. In England, it is now mandatory for most projects to deliver at least a 10% net increase in biodiversity value post-development. Our team helps you navigate these BNG obligations and turn them into positive outcomes for nature. We start by conducting detailed baseline habitat surveys and we then develop a Biodiversity Net Gain plan that outlines how your project will achieve a measurable uplift in biodiversity. TMA’s ecologists will work closely with you and your design team to integrate BNG early in the project. The result is a development that not only complies with the Environment Act 2021’s BNG requirements but also leaves a lasting positive legacy for wildlife.
Finding a protected species on your site doesn’t mean your project can’t proceed, but it does mean you’ll need a thoughtful mitigation strategy and often a legal mitigation licence (for example, a European Protected Species Mitigation Licence). We develop detailed mitigation plans that outline how we will avoid, minimise, or compensate for impacts on species such as bats, newts, birds, otters, water voles, or badgers. Once a mitigation strategy is in place, we handle the licence application process for you from start to finish. With over three decades of experience, we have a strong track record of preparing successful licence applications and securing the necessary consents from Natural England in England, Wales, and Scotland.
Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)
During construction and site clearance, having an Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) on site can be crucial to safeguard wildlife and habitats. TMA’s Ecological Clerk of Works service provides you with an on-the-ground ecology expert who will be present during key works (such as vegetation stripping, site clearance, demolition, or earthworks) to ensure all environmental measures and mitigation are carried out as planned. This on-site supervision of works helps prevent breaches of wildlife law (avoiding costly work stoppages or legal penalties) and keeps your development smoothly moving forward.
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Protected Species Surveys
Many UK species, from bats and great crested newts (GCN) to badgers, dormice, birds, and reptiles, are legally protected. If your site supports habitats for any of these protected species, targeted ecological surveys are essential. Our Protected Species Surveys identify the presence or likely absence of protected wildlife on your site and assess any impacts your project may have on them. We hold the necessary licences for a wide range of protected species. This means we can carry out surveys such as bat activity surveys, newt habitat assessments (including environmental DNA testing), badger sett checks, bird nesting checks, and more. Importantly, all surveys are carefully timed in accordance with species’ survey seasons and published survey guidelines.
Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA)
If your site or project is located near a designated wildlife site of international importance, you may need a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA). These assessments are a legal requirement for projects that could potentially affect Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Ramsar sites, or other Natura 2000 sites. TMA’s consultants are highly experienced in guiding clients through the HRA process, and by entrusting TMA with your Habitat Regulations Assessment, you ensure that your project aligns with the UK Habitats Regulations and demonstrates a commitment to protecting our most valuable natural areas.
Ecological Enhancement
Enhancing biodiversity doesn’t have to conflict with development. In fact, when ecological input is brought in early, it helps shape high-quality, sustainable spaces that benefit people and wildlife alike. Whether for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), planning conditions, or sustainability goals like BREEAM, our ecology and landscape team collaborates to ensure ecological features are not just added, but embedded into the landscape strategy in a way that is functional, attractive, and achievable.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) – also known as an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey – is often the first step in the environmental assessment of any site. If you’re at an early stage of a project and need to identify any ecological constraints or opportunities, a PEA is the ideal starting point. TMA offers thorough and efficient PEAs to give you a clear snapshot of the ecology on and around your site. This service includes two main components: a desk study and a field survey. During the desk study, our ecologists review existing ecological records and background data (such as local wildlife records, designated site locations, and habitat maps) to understand known ecological features in the vicinity. Then, in the field survey (Phase 1 Habitat Survey), we walk the site to map habitats and look for signs or suitability for protected species.
BREEAM Assessments
Sustainability certifications like BREEAM consider ecology as a key component of a development’s environmental performance. Under BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), projects can earn credits for protecting and enhancing ecological value on-site. TMA’s ecologists serve as Suitably Qualified Ecologists (SQE) for BREEAM assessments, providing the expert input needed to maximise your Land Use & Ecology credits. Our BREEAM Ecology service typically involves an initial site visit and survey to establish the baseline ecological value of the site. We then produce the required ecological assessment reports in line with BREEAM guidelines.
What is Ecology?
Ecological services involve the scientific assessment, management, and monitoring of habitats and species to ensure biodiversity is protected, enhanced, and lawfully integrated within land use and development. Rooted in ecological science and guided by UK legislation and planning policy, these services support sustainable development while conserving valuable ecosystems.
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In the UK, ecological consultants work across a range of sites—from urban greenspaces to rural developments and infrastructure projects—providing expert advice on wildlife legislation, habitat protection, and biodiversity enhancement. Core services include Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), protected species surveys (e.g. for bats, great crested newts, badgers, birds), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) planning, and ecological mitigation and management plans.
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Ecological services are underpinned by national and international legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and policies within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Consultants often work alongside planners, developers, and land managers to ensure developments comply with legal obligations, planning requirements, and best practice for biodiversity conservation.
Our Technology
Our ecological surveys are supported by advanced thermal drone technology, specialist wildlife cameras, and bespoke GIS data collection software. These tools allow us to detect wildlife activity more effectively, map habitats with high spatial accuracy, and record ecological field data in real time.
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Using thermal drone surveys and high-resolution aerial imagery, we can identify wildlife presence and habitat features that may be difficult to detect using traditional survey methods. This technology improves survey efficiency while reducing disturbance to sensitive species and habitats.
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All survey data is captured using GIS-based ecological data collection systems, enabling precise habitat mapping, accurate spatial records, and seamless integration into ecological reports and impact assessments.
By combining cutting-edge drone surveys, thermal imaging, and GIS habitat mapping, we deliver high-quality ecological data to support planning applications, biodiversity assessments, habitat surveys, and environmental management projects.
