EP Ecology Ltd. is a professional ecological consultancy established in June 2020 and based in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, Scotland with project delivery throughout the United Kingdom.
We believe whole-heartedly in delivering the best possible outcomes for our clients and for wildlife in a pragmatic, time-efficient, and cost-effective manner.
With experience in-house or through a network of subconsultants in all aspects of ecological project delivery, we are well equipped to assist you with your proposal, feel free to get in touch today to have a no-obligations discussion about how we can assist you.
Use the links below to learn more about EP Ecology and our offering.
About Us
Erik Paterson B.Sc. (Hons) MCIEEM
Director
Erik is a passionate ecologist with over 9 years experience of designing and undertaking ecological surveys for a variety of projects in a large number of sectors. He set up EP Ecology in June 2020 with the aim of using his professional experience to deliver bespoke ecological advice and solutions to a variety of clients as efficiently and pragmatically as possible.
Erik is proficient in the survey of most protected species and can deliver a range of surveys and advice to suit the needs of all clients and projects. With a wealth of experience in designing and delivering ecological surveys and data in Scotland and the wider UK in-house and a team of sub-consultants available to assist, EP Ecology is capable of delivering on all project requirements that may be identified.
Erik is a licensed bat worker throughout Scotland and is licensed to survey for great crested newts in both Scotland and England. He is also a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
See below for the services we provide or get in touch today to discuss how EP Ecology can assist you.
EP Ecology has proudly been granted status as one of CIEEM’s Registered Practices for the year 2020-2021 in recognition of our commitment to furthering ecological consultancy as a discipline. We are dedicated to upholding and advancing the standards in our field and delivering the best possible outcomes for biodiversity and clients alike.
Did you know…
The EP Ecology Ltd. logo is based on the dorsal pattern of a male adder (Vipera berus)?
Services
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
One of the backbones of most ecological projects is preliminary ecological appraisals.
The PEA often forms the basis from which to identify the main requirements for further ecological survey work and mitigation for a development.
We deliver PEA in the form of an extended phase 1 habitat survey accompanied by a map with detailed target notes.
Protected Species Surveys
You may already know you need to do protected species surveys, or these may be highlighted by the PEA. These surveys identify the presence of protected or notable species within your site and help to clarify exactly what will be needed.
From bat preliminary roost assessments to badger surveys and great crested newts to beavers, EP Ecology and our team of associates can assist with all your survey needs.
Biodiversity Enhancement Plans
We can supply our clients with proposals to enhance their projects for biodiversity over and above the legal minimum. We are very proud to say that we believe wholeheartedly that all projects should have some form of biodiversity net gain associated.
Mapping and GIS Support
Alongside our ecological projects we have a regular associate who is proficient in QGIS. Speak to us today to see if we can deliver your GIS needs.
Ecological Impact Assessment
Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) determines whether a plan or project will have an effect on the biodiversity features of a Site and informs the competent authority of the residual ecological effects from a project. EP Ecology and our associates take a pragmatic and evidence-driven approach to impact assessment.
Habitats Regulations Appraisal
Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) set out to determine whether a plan or a project is likely to have any effects on Internationally protected sites within the Natura 2000 network. We can advise clients as to the possibility of HRA requirement for their proposals; and deliver “shadow” HRA to inform competent authorities.
Professional Training
Our director can deliver bespoke training to fellow ecologists and early-career graduates or students in some of the principles of ecological consultancy. The primary courses we offer are:
Great crested newt survey
Reptile survey
“An Early-Career Guide to Ecological Consultancy“
Proof-reading
With a number of peer-reviewed papers under our belts, we are able to offer proof-reading and technical review of ecological project reports and academic research-papers.
Contact Us
Get In Touch
Registered Address:
EP Ecology Ltd.,
56 Lochranza Drive,
Lindsayfield,
East Kilbride,
South Lanarkshire,
G75 9NA.
Email: erik.paterson@epecology.co.uk
Tel.: (+44) (0) 7786 216 918
Office Times
Mon. – Fri. 08:00 – 17:00
Sat & Sun. Closed
Note: Calls and emails may be answered outside these hours depending upon workload in any given week.
Publications
EP Ecology is proud to undertake and support research projects which advance ecological consultancy as a profession and promote conservation of rare and endangered species within Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Paterson, E. (2020). Rewilding in Miniature: What can I do? Kaitiaki Consulting Ltd., Edinburgh.
Fairclough, B., Walker, G., & Paterson, E. (2020). Should We Rethink Winter Pond Maintenance For Newts? CIEEM InPractice Magazine. Issue 108: June 2020 pp. 19-23.
Project Examples
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, Isle of Arran
EP Ecology recently delivered a preliminary ecological appraisal for a site on the Isle of Arran. The client requested an ecological assessment to be undertaken to accompany a planning application.
We delivered this project by means of a field visit to undertake an extended phase 1 habitat survey followed by a detailed report to inform the client and Local Planning Authority (LPA) of the ecological sensitivities and requirements identified for project progression.
Bat Surveys, Dumfries & Galloway
EP Ecology was recently contacted by an individual in Dumfries and Galloway who was looking to undertake some internal renovations to his home. The Local Planning Authority (LPA) had requested a bat survey report.
Our ecologists delivered this project through a preliminary roost assessment by Erik who is a licensed bat worker which identified low bat roosting potential. A single nocturnal survey was undertaken with a small team in line with Bat Conservation Trust guidance which identified a small soprano pipistrelle roost in another part of the building. The client was issued a report for the LPA which provided the requirements and recommendations for these, and future works.
Protected Species Surveys, Glasgow
EP Ecology recently undertook a protected species survey for a client in Glasgow. The brownfield site was surveyed for evidence of protected and notable species (namely badgers and otters in a small stream). Our experienced ecologists identified two active badger setts within adjacent woodland.
These data were passed to the client, a larger consultancy, for inclusion within development planning and mitigation design.
Peat Depth Surveys, Dumfries & Galloway
EP Ecology recently completed a series of peat depth surveys for a larger multi-disciplinary consultancy at an existing wind farm site in Dumfries & Galloway. The data were required to help the end client design cable routes to avoid traversing deep peat.
A total of 86 points were sampled across two days in very rough weather conditions (there’s a reason there’s a wind farm, there!) Data were then passed to the larger consultancy for reporting and use in design works.
All text and images © Copyright 2020 EP Ecology Ltd.
Registered address: 56 Lochranza Drive, East Kilbride, G75 9NA.
Registered in Scotland, No. SC663556. Vat Registration No. 350 4428 22
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