Ecologists in Manchester

Ecology surveys in Manchester and Greater Manchester

Most of our work is helping people get planning permission, or meet their planning conditions, without ecology holding things up. We work across all ten Greater Manchester boroughs: Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Stockport, Tameside, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Bolton and Wigan. We know what local planning authorities here expect to see in an ecology report, which helps your application go through without avoidable questions.

Our ecologists hold survey licences for most protected species, so we do the survey work ourselves rather than passing it on.

What we do

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)

Usually the first survey for a development site. We look at existing records and walk the site to tell you early on whether ecology is likely to affect your plans, and what further surveys you might need.

Bat surveys

Older houses, mills, churches and mature trees across Manchester often have features bats can use. We carry out building and tree inspections, then dusk and dawn surveys if they’re needed. More about our bat surveys in Manchester.

Protected species surveys

Great crested newts, badgers, reptiles, otters, water voles, white-clawed crayfish and nesting birds, using recognised survey methods.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Most new developments now need to show a 10% gain in biodiversity. We complete the statutory metric, then help you plan how to deliver the gain, either on site or elsewhere.

Habitat surveys

Habitat mapping for planning applications, Biodiversity Net Gain and management plans.

Fish rescue and fish surveys

This is our specialism. We’ve been doing fish rescues for over 15 years at hundreds of sites across the UK, from culvert works on Manchester’s rivers and canals to pond and reservoir drain-downs. We apply for the Environment Agency permissions on your behalf. More about fish rescue in Manchester and the North West.

Safety boat services

Safety and rescue standby, and workboat and crew support, on rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs.

Why work with a Manchester ecologist

• We’re close by. Quick site visits and repeat survey visits without long travel times.
• We know the area. From urban brownfield sites in the city centre to the mosslands, river valleys and canals around Greater Manchester.
• We do the work ourselves. Licensed ecologists carry out the surveys and write the reports.
• We’re Constructionline Gold certified, so main contractors and public sector clients can be confident we meet the standards they ask for.

Beyond Manchester

We’re based in Manchester but cover most of the UK, especially for fish rescues and specialist surveys. If your site is further afield, get in touch anyway.