Ecological Clerk of Works

A slow worm rescued by an ECoW from a site where development work was starting as part of the project management and mitigation process.
A slow worm being removed from a location where development work was due to commence

On site ecological support is sometimes required during the site preparation and construction phases of development projects. For examples of how we have assisted in such projects, please see our case studies for Ponthir and Chester. If you need on-site ecological support during your development project, then please contact us.

Key Info

  • When protected species are likely to be affected by the completion of a development project, a combination of international, national and local legislation requires the project managers or planners to ensure that best ecological practices are followed during all stages of work on the affected area.
  • A qualified and experienced Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) will assist the development teams comply with appropriate legislation and to cope with any unexpected ecological arisings during critical phases.
  • Our ECoWs will provide a mixture of services to assist project managers comply with the regulations and to demonstrate to planning or environmental authorities that the work has been completed with the protection of affected species as a high priority.

ECOW Services

ECoW services might include:

  • Surveillance of areas prior to work commencement to detect the presence of protected species and thus modify work plans.
  • Temporary removal of protected species from area due to be worked (where permitted by law).
  • Marking of prohibited zones for the movement of vehicles, the use of equipment, the storage of equipment or material or entry by personnel.
  • Advice on barriers to prevent species gaining access to the work area.
  • Pre-commencement briefings of work crews (Tool-box talks) on the protected species, appropriate regulations and the field signs that will need to be investigated, if encountered, to ensure that the area is clear for work.
  • Advice on ecological precautions to be taken if unforeseen events arise during work completion.
  • Advice on best practice techniques for the clearance of vegetation in preparation for further works.
  • Advice on the measures to be taken during construction works to prevent harm to species when the site is unmanned.
  • Completing a report on each work session, detailing the preparatory precautions taken as well as any ecological measures that had to be adopted to cover unforeseen events or problems.

If you need ecological support for your development project, please contact us. For information on the wide range of work we have undertaken, please visit Our Work, and if you need more information on the support we can offer, follow the link to Our Services.