What Does an Ecological Consultant Do?

The complexity of European legislation combined with new environmental laws and regulations in the UK has led to significant growth in the ecological consultancy industry. 

An ecological consultant conducts ecological research and surveys to advise how projects that utilise a particular section of land may affect animal and plant species and habitats in the area.

This type of work is demanding but very rewarding. In this article, we’ll look at the range of services an ecological consultant offers.

Field Survey, Monitoring, and Data Collection

An ecological consultant is normally employed in surveying flora and fauna, mapping, data analysis, and designated site monitoring. This is done in reference to already existing records in public centres and other relevant bodies.

Impact Assessment

Impact assessments are related to the process of planning. Some of these planning processes are related to projects like building or industrial developments, and consultants need to produce evidence of the potential impact of proposed projects on the environment. This information is used by developers, conservation organisations, planning departments among other stakeholders, mainly in public enquiring. 

Provision of Advice

Ecological consultants are called to advise on ecological issues like nature reserve management, the level, and the type of survey required to achieve a certain objective, and matters concerning wildlife legislation. This advice is offered in the form of reports, meetings, or presentations. Mostly, this advice focuses on protected species like badgers, bats, and great crested newts. 

Translocation and Mitigation

Mitigation involves trapping, relocating, and constructing new habitats for animals. If the animal is a protected species, a specific license must be held. It’s an ecological consultant’s responsibility to ensure that all the requirements of getting the license are adhered to. If the conditions are favourable, habitats like diverse grasslands may be translocated.

Business Management

The senior staff in consultancy agencies deal with financial and legal matters, give advice, generate policies, operate closely with clients, and generate new businesses for clients. They supervise work done by junior employees and provide the necessary training needed.

Summary

The requirement to work as an ecological consultant is currently written in many university and college teachers’ contracts. The role of ecological consultants is wide and is applicable in many companies, government, and non-governmental organisation projects.

At Lockhart Garratt, we offer ecological consultancy services and have worked on many projects, Linear Park Construction Management-Hanwood Park Project being one of them.