Despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, it has not damped our spirits in the ecology team at FPCR and we have been steaming ahead throughout 2020. Across our four offices we have conducted 103 eDNA surveys, used an impressive 17,201 bottle traps and detected 3,481 great crested newts. Our static bat detectors were deployed 589 times and 584 tree features were inspected, including aerial assessments of 93 trees by our in-house, climbing qualified ecologists. We have also been busy locating 354 badger setts and catching glimpses of 375 reptiles with the aid of 5075 tins and felts, all whilst complying with pandemic guidelines and Covid-19 protocols.  

This data has played a crucial role in supporting numerous successful planning applications, as well as in securing many European Protected Species licences, including 13 granted great crested newt mitigation licences alongside countless bat mitigation licences. 

With the survey season fast approaching, it is important to begin planning in any ecological surveys your development may require as soon as possible to save you time and money and to avoid long delays. FPCR has a team of over 90 enthusiastic ecologists including specialists of all kinds of protected species who have the expertise and experience necessary to work with you to ensure compliance with ecological and planning legislation. Within our extensive ecology team are 87 GCN licence holders, 33 bat licence holders (including up to level 4), 7 dormouse licence holders as well as several licence holders for badger, barn owl, crayfish and many more meaning we have the capability to advise on both large and small scale projects whatever your ecological issues may be, all the while providing our clients with a seamless, in-house service.