Our Services

We provide a consultancy service that ensures projects can maximise biodiversity gains and deliver ecological benefits alongside development. We understand that conserving and enhancing the natural environment is an intrinsic part of the planning and development process. We work with our clients to ensure that all development minimises its impact on, and provides net gains for, biodiversity in line with policy and legislation requirements.

Ecology Services

Optimis offers a range of ecology and biodiversity services covering various aspects of our natural environment affected by planning, construction, and development. We ensure all our work is carried out to the highest standard and in accordance with the relevant industry guidelines.

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) assesses what ecological features are present or potentially present within the proposed project site and surrounding area. It involves both a desk study and field survey to identify the key ecological constraints and opportunities associated with the project. The appraisal determines whether any further ecological surveys or assessments are required, as well as outlining any mitigation or enhancement measures.

Ecological Impact Assessment

An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) is where potential impacts resulting from a project are identified, quantified, and assessed. It follows on from a PEA and includes the findings of any ecological surveys that are necessary. The assessment concludes whether there are any ‘important’ ecological features and if potential impacts of the project would result in any ‘significant effects’ upon those features.

Protect Species Surveys

We carry out and advise on survey design and mitigation, to ensure the project avoids harm whilst conserving and enhancing habitats and features for protected species. This includes surveys for: Badgers, Bats, Breeding Birds, Dormice, Great Crested Newts, Invertebrates, Otters, Reptiles, Water Voles.

Biodiversity Net Gain Feasibility Report

A BNG Feasibility report considers whether a project can deliver gains in biodiversity. The feasibility of BNG needsto be considered as early as possible, at the conceptual stage of a project and before designs are fixed. It can involve working with the client and design team(s) to appraise different design options and predict the outcomes for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Net Gain Design Stage Report

A BNG Design Stage Report is necessary to demonstrate how the design of the project will achieve a net gain in biodiversity. It describes the baseline conditions and proposed design of a project, to evidence the biodiversity metric calculations. It demonstrates the habitats being retained and enhanced, as well as what new habitats will be created.

Conserving and enhancing the natural environment is an intrinsic part of the planning and development process. It is essential that all development minimises impacts on and provides net gains for biodiversity in line with policy and legislation requirements.

Download our Ecology Brochure View our Ecology Survey Calendar

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Case Studies

Hillside Road, Lower Stondon

Description:

Site was introduced to a promoter in 2016. Collaboration with the Parish Council and wider community organisations enabled an allocation in the Local Plan and was followed by a successful application to deliver 40 new homes with substantial community infrastructure, including a new village hall.

Purchaser:

Snowdon Homes/Accent

Sold in 2022, now under construction

Hillside Road, Lower Stondon II

Description:

Site was introduced to a promoter in 2016. Collaboration with the Parish Council and wider community organisations enabled an allocation in the Local Plan and was followed by a successful application to deliver 40 new homes with substantial community infrastructure, including a new village hall.

Purchaser:

Snowdon Homes/Accent

Sold in 2022, now under construction

Hillside Road, Lower Stondon III

Description:

Site was introduced to a promoter in 2016. Collaboration with the Parish Council and wider community organisations enabled an allocation in the Local Plan and was followed by a successful application to deliver 40 new homes with substantial community infrastructure, including a new village hall.

Purchaser:

Snowdon Homes/Accent

Sold in 2022, now under construction
”My first experience of working with Optimis Ecology was on a very tricky project where they provided clear advice and offered an innovative solution. They have since advised on a number of other projects and have always provided a helpful and insightful service.”

Ben Kelly

West Green Planning Limited

FAQs

Our most frequently asked questions

Which services are essential?

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What does Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) mean for us?

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to development, and land management, that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was beforehand. The Environment Act 2021 sets out the following key components of mandatory biodiversity gain. It amends the Town & Country Planning Act requiring a minimum 10% gain to be secured for at least 30 years for all developments.

We work across Bedfordshire and beyond

Our team offers specialist consultancy and advice in all areas of ecology and biodiversity. We aim to exceed expectations in supporting the interests of our clients.

Contact Us Today

get in touch

01234 330624
enquiries@optimis-consulting.co.uk

Unit 15, Cranfield Innovation Centre,
Cranfield University Technology Park,
University Way, Cranfield, Bedfordshire,
MK43 0BT

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Registered in England & Wales
Company Registration Number:  8179892
9 Goldington Road,
Bedford
MK40 3JY
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