Aquatic ecology

Targeted aquatic ecology surveys and assessments to understand freshwater habitats, identify ecological constraints and support planning and permitting, with clear, practical next steps.

Development near ditches, rivers, streams, ponds or wetlands can introduce additional ecological and regulatory considerations. Our aquatic ecology services provide clear, practical advice and robust survey data to help you understand constraints early and keep your project moving.

We work across a wide range of freshwater environments, from small field ditches and ponds to rivers and larger waterbodies, supporting projects from initial feasibility through to planning, mitigation and delivery.

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When you might need an aquatic ecology survey

You may need aquatic ecology input if your site:

  • is close to or includes a ditch, river, stream, pond, lake or wetland

  • requires works within or near a watercourse (eg crossings, outfalls, bank works)

  • could affect water quality, flow, silt load or aquatic habitats eg installations of a package treatment plant

  • supports or has potential to support protected or notable species such as white-clawed crayfish, water voles, otters or fish

  • requires a Flood Risk Activity Permit or other Environment Agency consent

Aquatic ecology surveys are often required to support planning applications, environmental permits or to satisfy conditions attached to consent.

Not sure what you need? 

For most sites, the correct starting point is a preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA). Send us your plans or a brief description of your project, and we’ll confirm what is required and when.

Our planning-focused approach

Our aquatic ecology service is designed to give you clear, reliable information and straightforward next steps.

We provide:

  • desk studies and scoping assessments to identify potential constraints

  • aquatic habitat surveys (including river condition assessments and macrophyte surveys)

  • water quality and aquatic community surveys, including algae, diatom, macroinvertebrates, macrophytes and fish

  • fish health checks

  • eDNA surveys for crayfish and fish where appropriate

  • surveys for protected and notable species such as water voles, otters and white-clawed crayfish

  • Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments and compliance advice

  • input to Flood Risk Assessments and Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) design

  • Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Habitat Regulation Assessments for developments affecting acquatic environments

  • Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) surveys eg crayfish, mitten crabs, zebra mussels, New Zealand pygmy weed, floating pennywort, parrots feather and water fern

How it helps your project

Understanding aquatic ecology early can prevent delays and reduce risk. We focus on proportionate, practical advice that fits your project.

Our work helps you:

  • identify constraints at an early stage

  • design layouts that avoid or minimise impacts

  • meet planning and regulatory requirements

  • support permit applications and approvals

  • reduce the risk of unexpected survey or mitigation requirements later

Where impacts can’t be avoided, we provide clear, achievable mitigation strategies and, where appropriate, enhancement opportunities to improve biodiversity.

Survey windows

Many aquatic surveys are seasonal, with specific windows for robust data collection. Early advice is key to avoiding delays.

If your site includes or is close to water, we recommend getting in touch as early as possible. We can quickly advise what (if anything) is needed and provide a clear scope and cost.

Survey calendar
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Our process

  • Icon of a computer window with a checkmark inside a circle, indicating success or completion.

    Initial review and advice

    We review your site and proposals to identify potential aquatic ecology constraints and advise what surveys (if any) are needed.

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    Survey and assessment

    We carry out targeted aquatic surveys, designed to be proportionate to the scale and risk of your project.

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    Reporting and planning support

    We produce clear, planning-ready reports that assess impacts and set out practical, actionable recommendations.

  • An illustration of a hand holding a checkmark inside a circle, symbolizing approval or verification, on a green background.

    Mitigation and delivery

    Where required, we design mitigation and enhancement measures and provide support through to implementation.

Areas we cover

We provide licensing, mitigation and ecological supervision services across:

 Wiltshire - Dorset - Hampshire - Somerset - Gloucestershire - South Wales - Oxfordshire - Berkshire - Buckinghamshire - Greater London - Surrey - Greater London - Berkshire - Buckinghamshire - West Sussex.

We can also travel to neighbouring areas by arrangement.

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