Landscape-Scale Habitat Restoration – Private Estate
M3 Junction 9 Improvement Scheme – Protected Species & ECoW
M3 Junction 9 Improvement Scheme – Protected Species & ECoW
We provided ecological and land management advice to a 2000-acre private estate who aspire to protect and enhance the biodiversity on their land. Recent works have focused on wetland creation and grassland re-wetting to support breeding Curlew and other priority species.
This work included:
- Assessing opportunities for grassland re-wetting
- P
We provided ecological and land management advice to a 2000-acre private estate who aspire to protect and enhance the biodiversity on their land. Recent works have focused on wetland creation and grassland re-wetting to support breeding Curlew and other priority species.
This work included:
- Assessing opportunities for grassland re-wetting
- Pond design and creation of other wetland features
- Overseeing the installation of artificial beaver dams to create a mosaic of wetland habitats
The project aimed to enhance hydrology, increase invertebrate productivity and improve breeding conditions for Curlew within a working rural estate.
M3 Junction 9 Improvement Scheme – Protected Species & ECoW
M3 Junction 9 Improvement Scheme – Protected Species & ECoW
M3 Junction 9 Improvement Scheme – Protected Species & ECoW
Southwest Ecologists acted as Licensed Ecologist on the M3 Junction 9 redevelopment, a nationally significant infrastructure project involving a pioneering Hazel Dormouse translocation.
Our role included:
- A lead surveyor of the Hazel Dormouse mitigation and translocation strategy
- Otter and Water Vole surveys and monitoring
- Invasive specie
Southwest Ecologists acted as Licensed Ecologist on the M3 Junction 9 redevelopment, a nationally significant infrastructure project involving a pioneering Hazel Dormouse translocation.
Our role included:
- A lead surveyor of the Hazel Dormouse mitigation and translocation strategy
- Otter and Water Vole surveys and monitoring
- Invasive species surveys
- Breeding bird surveys
- Large-scale vegetation clearance supervision
- Extensive Ecological Clerk of Works provision
- Reptile monitoring and translocation
This work was undertaken in a highly constrained construction environment, requiring close coordination with contractors and regulators to ensure legal compliance while maintaining programme delivery.
20 MWp Solar Farm, Devon – Ecological Compliance & Schedule 1 Species
20 MWp Solar Farm, Devon – Ecological Compliance & Schedule 1 Species
20 MWp Solar Farm, Devon – Ecological Compliance & Schedule 1 Species
We acted as Lead Ecologist during the construction of a 20 MWp solar farm, providing full compliance with Construction and Landscape & Ecological Management Plans (CEMP and LEMP).
A key challenge was the presence of Schedule 1 Cirl Bunting and ground-nesting Skylark breeding across multiple areas of the site.
Our role included:
- Locating and
We acted as Lead Ecologist during the construction of a 20 MWp solar farm, providing full compliance with Construction and Landscape & Ecological Management Plans (CEMP and LEMP).
A key challenge was the presence of Schedule 1 Cirl Bunting and ground-nesting Skylark breeding across multiple areas of the site.
Our role included:
- Locating and monitoring active nests (under Schedule 1 licence)
- Advising on construction phasing and exclusion zones
- Ongoing liaison with site management to release areas as breeding finished
This allowed both species to successfully breed while enabling construction to proceed without delay, resulting in the project being completed on schedule and in full ecological compliance.
65 MWp Solar Farm, Devon – Hazel Dormouse Survey Support
20 MWp Solar Farm, Devon – Ecological Compliance & Schedule 1 Species
20 MWp Solar Farm, Devon – Ecological Compliance & Schedule 1 Species
We supported a lead ecological consultancy on a 65 MWp solar farm where Hazel Dormouse nest surveys were required to enable access points to be created through species-rich hedgerows.
Our ecologists:
- Carried out targeted dormouse nest surveys
- Successfully identified nesting features
- Provided required survey data to support a protected specie
We supported a lead ecological consultancy on a 65 MWp solar farm where Hazel Dormouse nest surveys were required to enable access points to be created through species-rich hedgerows.
Our ecologists:
- Carried out targeted dormouse nest surveys
- Successfully identified nesting features
- Provided required survey data to support a protected species licence application
This work enabled access points to be designed and licensed, allowing the project to progress without unnecessary ecological risk.
What this means for our clients
These projects demonstrate our ability to operate effectively within complex, live construction and land management environments, where ecological constraints must be managed alongside programme, safety and commercial pressures.
Clients work with us because we:
- Understand how construction sites actually operate
- Communicate clearly with site managers and contractors
- Identify ecological risks early and provide workable solutions
- Maintain legal compliance without unnecessary delay
Whether acting as lead ecologist or supporting a wider consultant team, our focus is always on practical delivery, professional judgement and dependable site-based support — helping projects move forward while meeting their ecological obligations.