Discovering Wildlife During Construction Work in Scotland – What To Do
Discovering protected wildlife during a live development is a genuine stop-work scenario. If you find yourself discovering wildlife during construction work in Scotland, you must act immediately. Under Scottish law, many wildlife species are strictly protected. Failing to respond correctly can lead to prosecution, unlimited project delays and fines of up to £5,000 per offence. […]
Ecology Reporting Issues in Scotland – Common Pitfalls That Could Delay Your Planning Permission
Planning a development in Scotland? Ecological reporting is a crucial part of the planning process, yet many applications are delayed or rejected due to avoidable errors. Whether you’re a developer, architect, planning consultant, or homeowner, understanding the common ecology reporting issues in Scotland can help keep your project on schedule. From missed survey windows to […]
When Are Wintering Bird Surveys Required in Scotland?
Planning a development project in Scotland during the autumn or winter months? If your site includes wetland, coastal, or open farmland habitats, you may be required to conduct a wintering bird survey. These surveys are essential for ensuring that your project does not negatively impact protected migratory or overwintering bird species. At EP Ecology, we […]
Do I Need a Bat Survey for My Planning Application in Scotland?
If you’re planning a new build, conversion, or tree work, there’s a strong chance you’ll need a bat survey. Bats are protected under UK law, and disturbing them or their roosts without the proper survey and mitigation strategy can result in planning delays or legal consequences. In this guide, we break down: Whether you’re a […]
The horses on the hill: Grazing for biodiversity net gain?
If you take a walk up the North Berwick law, you may be surprised to bump into some unexpected residents. Anyone could be forgiven for thinking that a gang of ponies hasbroken free from a nearby field and taken over the hill but the this is, in fact, their permanent home. Since 2013 a group of Exmoor ponies have been part of a conservation project to enhance the biodiversity of North Berwicks’sSSSI heritage site. As […]
Species Profile: Badgers
A guest blog by Nicole Baxter (EP Ecology Assistant Ecologist) European badgers (Meles meles) are mammals belonging to the family Mustelidae (which also includes otters, pine martens and weasels). Found across the UK and Europe, they are recognisable by their characteristic black and white faces. They are the UK’s biggest terrestrial predator, known to eat hedgehogs and […]
EP Ecology Gains Certification to ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 Standards
The EP Ecology team have been working hard over the last 18 months to make changes to the way we operate and manage our business. We’ve changed how we manage the quality of our deliverables, how we manage our environmental impact, and how we ensure the health and safety of our team and our contractors […]
Art in Nature
Nothing clears away the cobwebs of the festive period like a walk in the woods. It was on a particularly wet and drizzly walk at Muiravonside Country Park that I stumbled upon a real treat, which made me stop and think about art and nature. Tramping the muddy path (with dog in tow) from the […]
Our New Years Resolution: Improve our Sustainability
Well, 2023 is here. 2022 came and went almost in the blink of an eye. It was fun though, the team grew from two to five and our projects were varied and covered the entirety of Scotland from Thurso to Jedburgh… but what’s next for EP Ecology? We’ve decided that this year we’re going to […]
Dùthchas: appreciating nature (the ancient way)
I recently returned from a weekend away with friends up north, in the glorious highlands – the Cairngorms. It was exciting, as I had not escaped the congested central belt for some time. Being mid-November, I did think the trip might be cold and miserable, as I am a wuss when it comes to the […]