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Enhancing habitats with expert ecological assessments

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ecology and environmental management logo
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Why Choose Us?

As members of the Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM), Encon Associates offers a wide range of ecological consultancy services to help developers comply with species protection legislation, local planning policies, and best practice guidelines.

Our holistic approach to ecology demonstrates our commitment to protecting natural habitats and wildlife at every stage of development, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
Our Ecologists work closely with your design and construction teams to integrate biodiversity within the early planning stages, helping to mitigate any protected species risks and make measurable improvements to a site’s green credentials. Whether you’re developing a new commercial site or residential estate, we have the expertise to manage all types of structures and external spaces. From initial masterplanning to post-inspection solutions, we are here to support you throughout the entire landscaping journey, helping you create inspiring places to live, work, and relax.
6000+
Total projects completed
600+
Projects submitted last year
25+
Years’ experience
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Understanding Ecology & Biodiversity Net Gain

What is an Ecology Survey?

Ecology Surveys evaluate how construction projects may impact habitats and biodiversity, with the main goal being to ensure that developments contribute positively to the environment instead of causing harm.

These surveys identify and protect any sensitive species that reside on a site, and can be used to inform any mitigation strategies needed. If you’re working towards BREEAM certification, Ecology Assessments can also aid you in achieving vital LE (Land Use & Ecology) credits.

What is Biodiversity Net Gain?

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a planning policy that mandates a measurable improvement in biodiversity as a result of development. Under the Environment Act 2021, all new developments in England must deliver a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity, which must be sustained for at least 30 years. Developers can create biodiversity on-site or off-site through landscaping and green infrastructure measures – or, if this is not achievable, they can purchase biodiversity credits from the government.

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Our Ecology & Biodiversity Net Gain assessments

The Encon Associates approach to Ecology & Biodiversity Net Gain

We offer a full spectrum of ecological services that help you achieve planning consent and comply with both local and national regulations.

Our expert Ecologists begin by conducting Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Protected Species Surveys, and Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), which help to determine a site’s current ecological features and the potential impacts of development. Using Defra’s Biodiversity Metric, we then assess BNG baselines and develop clear mitigation strategies. This could include developing habitat creation and management plans, or designing green infrastructure i.e. green roofs.

At Encon Associates, we recognise the importance of engaging with your project and landscape architect teams in the early planning stages. Using a combination of desk and site-based study, we help you integrate biodiversity considerations from the offset, which maximises the overall number of ecology credit points that can be awarded. This ensures your project is best placed to obtain planning permission and achieve its desired BREEAM rating.

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We partner with organisations like yours

Aldi
Asda
Bowmer Kirkland
Whicks
Vauxhall
Travis Perkins
Sheffield city council
Sewell
Nottingham city council
Moor Market
JMF Architects
Home Bargins
Glegg
m&S porperty team
mcdonalds
Aldi
Asda
Bowmer Kirkland
Whicks
Vauxhall
Travis Perkins
Sheffield city council
Sewell
Nottingham city council
Moor Market
JMF Architects
Home Bargins
Glegg
m&S porperty team
mcdonalds
Aldi
Asda
Bowmer Kirkland
Whicks
Vauxhall
Travis Perkins
Sheffield city council
Sewell
Nottingham city council
Moor Market
JMF Architects
Home Bargins
Glegg
m&S porperty team
mcdonalds

  • Encon Associates always provide quality work promptly and professionally, frequently within tight timescales. They are always friendly and helpful with advice on ecology and landscaping for our schemes to successfully complete Landscape designs to meet clients expectations.

    Karen Bradshaw, WCEC

  • We have been very pleased with the approach taken by Encon Associates and the quality of their output. Their expertise assisted in our recent achievement of a Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6.

    Ross Crowcroft, Clegg Group

  • We have now worked with Encon Associates for 3 years and have an excellent relationship with them – we would highly recommend them to any size organisations as they have the capability to work small or large scale.

    The scope of skills/services that Encon Associates provide are fantastic, kept all neatly under one roof, which again is a bonus when coordinating our developments.

    May our great relationship continue in to the future.

    Melissa Fennell, Fenwood Estates Limited

Additional services

We offer a wide array of specialist services that complement our Ecology services and are designed to boost your project’s overall sustainability rating.

From Daylight Calculations and SBEM Calculations to Traffic Assessments and Acoustic Reports, our team provides the technical expertise you need to achieve the highest sustainability rating possible.

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Landscape Architecture & Ecology
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Tree Surveys
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Landscape Design & Visual Impact Assessments
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Ecology & Biodiversity Net Gain
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Life Cycle Analysis & Life Cycle Costing
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Sustainability Assessments

Want to gain environmental credits or need planning advice for your next project?

Frequently asked questions about Ecology?

Want to know more about the benefits of Ecology?

Call: 01159 875 599 or email:

enquiries@enconassociates.com

An Ecology Survey is required when a proposed development may impact existing habitats, wildlife, or protected species. Local authorities typically request Ecological Surveys as part of the planning process.
Biodiversity Net Gain ensures that developments contribute to habitat improvement rather than biodiversity loss. It requires developers to enhance existing habitats or create new ones, which leads to a measurable net gain in biodiversity.
If protected species such as bats, great crested newts, badgers, or endangered birds are found on-site, appropriate mitigation measures must be implemented. This could involve modifying the site design or creating alternative habitats to comply with wildlife legislation.
Ecology Assessments provide essential data that is used to demonstrate compliance with planning policies and environmental regulations. By identifying potential biodiversity constraints in the early planning stages, you can incorporate appropriate mitigation strategies during the design and construction of your development.
Biodiversity Net Gain can be achieved through various ecological enhancement strategies, such as habitat creation, tree planting, wetland restoration, and green roofs. These measures improve on-site biodiversity and support planning applications.