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Why
choose Gould Ecology?
Personal recommendation
A high proportion of our clients come to us
through personal recommendation by a previous client, or through return business. This is due to our exceptionally high standards,
our proven track record in supporting planning applications and our ability to determine the core issues of the project and
deliver appropriate solutions at the best price.
Experience
Gould Ecology
staff are experienced and have a detailed understanding of legislation and planning policies relating to ecology. In addition,
we are experienced in making appropriate, affordable and locally relevant habitat enhancement recommendations which will improve
the biodiversity value of your site. Nicky Gould,
the principal ecologist, is a full member of the Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management (MIEEM) and a Chartered
Environmentalist (CEnv) with the Society for the Environment.
Both
Richard and Nicky are committed to developing their skills and experience through personal study and professional training.
Together they have over 16 years of experience in ecological consultancy.
Good
Value
As an independent partnership, our overheads are low and we can pass this on to our customers. We
are committed to delivering the best deal, and in particular supporting small projects and enterprises not only in meeting
their legal obligations, but in promoting the wildlife value of their site on a local level.
Locality We can deliver anywhere in the UK,
but hiring local ecologists is cost effective and cuts down on carbon emissions. Furthermore, local ecologists are likely
to have a more detailed understanding of the ecological issues relating to their area and therefore able to provide more specific
and locally relevant advice.
How much do ecological surveys cost?
Budgeting for ecology is difficult before it is known what is on site. Therefore an initial
‘Phase 1’ survey or habitat assessment is generally required. This will
identify the potential timing and cost of further surveys as necessary, or if further surveys are not required, you will
have the relevant report to support your planning application.
Initial surveys are relatively inexpensive and in many cases, no further cost may be incurred. Consulting an ecologist
at the early stages of your project can save you money in the long run.
Please contact us for a free, no obligation quote.
How
long will a survey take?
It is common for clients
to need an ecological survey at the 11th hour. We can often deliver initial surveys (Phase 1) within 1 week
if required, although in most circumstances we prefer to allow 2 weeks as this allows time for protected
species data to come through from local record centres.
Protected species or other more detailed
surveys (Phase 2) can generally only be conducted at certain times of year and may require a
number of visits.
Planning ahead with
ecology is one of the best ways to save money in the long run. It is common for planning departments to recommend ecological
surveys right at the end of the planning process, after all other aspects of gaining planning permission have been met, which
can take months.
Commissioning an ecological appraisal near to the beginning of your project can save you time and
money in the long run by identifying potential ecological issues early and planning for them in the project design. In
addition, we can make recommendations for ecological enhancements which will make your project even more
favourable to planners by supporting Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9), as well as helping to make your environment a generally
nicer place to be!
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