Practical ecology. Personal service.
Ecological consultancy should make your project easier, not more complicated.
Ecology Now provides clear, practical ecological advice that keeps you informed, protects your interests and helps your project move forward.
From the first conversation to planning, construction and completion, you will have experienced ecological support throughout.
Why Ecology NowEcology that works for your project.
Every project is different.
We take the time to understand what you are trying to achieve before recommending surveys, assessments or mitigation. We explain what is required, why it is needed and what happens next, without unnecessary complication. Our aim is simple: to manage ecological risk, find workable solutions and give you confidence that your project is in safe hands.
We provide practical ecological support from early surveys and planning through construction and monitoring, helping you manage risk and keep your project moving.
Our Services
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal identifies habitats, protected species risks and ecological constraints at an early stage. It helps establish which surveys may be needed before submitting a planning application.
Ecological impact assessment
An Ecological Impact Assessment examines how a proposed development may affect habitats, species and designated sites. It sets out likely impacts and recommends practical measures to avoid, reduce or compensate for them.
Ecological Clerk of Works services
An Ecological Clerk of Works provides site-based advice and supervision during construction. This may include checking sensitive areas, supervising vegetation clearance and confirming that agreed ecological measures are followed.
Protected species surveys
Protected species surveys assess the potential presence of animals such as bats, badgers, great crested newts, dormice, reptiles, otters and water voles. Surveys follow the correct seasonal timings and support planning decisions.
Biodiversity and green infrastructure advice
We provide biodiversity and green infrastructure advice to help projects protect habitats, improve ecological connectivity and meet planning requirements. Recommendations may cover planting, habitat creation, site design and long-term management.
Construction-phase ecological support
We support contractors and project teams with ecological method statements, site inspections, toolbox talks and practical advice. This helps manage protected species and habitat risks while construction work progresses.
Bat surveys and licensing
Bat surveys identify potential roosts, activity and any impacts your project may have on bats. Ecology Now can also provide mitigation advice and support applications for protected species licences when required.
Planning and consenting support
We prepare ecological surveys, assessments and supporting information for planning applications and other consent processes. Early ecological advice can reduce delays, identify seasonal survey requirements and inform the project design.
Habitat creation, mitigation and monitoring
We plan and support habitat creation, ecological mitigation and long-term monitoring. This may include new planting, habitat restoration, protected species measures and checks to assess how well the agreed work is performing.
Experience across every scale of development.
We work with private householders, architects, planning consultants, developers, contractors, landowners and infrastructure providers. Our experience ranges from home extensions and individual planning applications to residential developments, renewable-energy schemes and nationally significant infrastructure. Whatever the scale of the project, you receive the same straightforward advice, attention and commitment.
Stay informed. Stay in control.Ecology can affect project design, planning timescales and construction programmes. We identify potential constraints early and explain what your project needs at every stage.
Identify the risks early
We flag ecological constraints and seasonal survey requirements before they cause avoidable delays or changes to your project design.
Understand the next steps
You receive clear advice on the ecological surveys, reports, licences and mitigation measures your project may require.
Keep your project moving
We remain involved through planning and construction, helping your team deliver agreed ecological measures at the right time.
Why choose Ecology Now?
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Experienced ecological advice
Your project is led by experienced ecologists who understand protected species, planning requirements and the practical realities of development.
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Personal, consistent service
You work with people who know your site, understand the decisions already made and remain involved as your project progresses.
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Clear, practical solutions
We explain ecological constraints clearly and recommend proportionate, workable measures that help keep planning and construction on track.
Ecology Now was founded by Alex Hatton, Director and Principal Ecologist, following more than two decades working across ecology, conservation and environmental consultancy.
Alex has supported projects ranging from individual planning applications and residential developments to renewable energy schemes and nationally important infrastructure.
He remains actively involved throughout each project and works with a trusted network of experienced ecologists and specialist consultants when extra skills or resources are required. This provides personal senior-level support alongside the capacity needed for larger or more complex work.
Experienced ecology.
Personal involvement.
Let’s begin the conversation.
The earlier ecology is considered, the more options you are likely to have.
Tell us where your project is, what you are proposing and where you are in the planning or construction process.
You do not need to know which ecological survey or report you require. Share a few details and we will explain the likely requirements and next steps.
