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Fiona Brewers, Corporate PR Manager,
The Caravan Club
| Devising a programme for wildlife audits/assessments at Caravan Club sites, including the recording of habitats and species as well as management opportunities and threats to wildlife. | "This is my first experience of commissioning an audit of this kind and I must say that all the people I have come into contact with at Just Just Ecology have been very professional and helpful. I look forward to working with the team on the next phase of surveys" |
Fiona Brewers, Corporate PR Manager,
The Caravan Club
| To mark its Centenary year (2007), The Caravan Club asked Just Ecology to develop a corporate Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), in order to encourage wildlife biodiversity across its caravan sites – the largest network of privately-owned sites in the UK.
| "The BAP initiative represents an important commitment for The Caravan Clubin encouraging biodiversity on its sites network. The work undertaken by Just Ecology has been thorough, informative and realistic in its recommendations as to how we should proceed. The ecologists combined a highly professional approach with flexibility and patience in their dealings with Club personnel." |
Stuart Bond Principal Absolute Architecture | Bat and barn owl survey to support a planning application for an agricultural barn. | "Excellent performance from start to finish." |
Meyrick Brentnall, Principal Planning Officer, Gloucester City Council | Bat surveys at a barn due for demolition. Defra licence application and supervision of on-site mitigation, including bat roost re-location and barn demolition. | "Just Ecology proved professional and efficient, without being overbearing" |
Derek Callaghan, European Research Manager, Birdlife International | Desk research, data analysis and original scientific thinking were applied to consider the scientific basis for, and value of, habitat corridors for endangered bird species within a Pan European Ecological Network. | "Just Ecology proved more than capable of achieving the tasks required. Despite the heavy workload, they worked hard to ensure a high quality output was maintained at all times". |
Martine Carter, Head of Biology, Berkeley Vale Community School | Fundraising, community leadership, habitat creation and teaching were the skills employed to create an important wildlife area at Berkeley Vale Community School and to instigate some simple research projects as part of the biology curriculum. | "The wildlife area/ponds have provided an excellent educational resource. The ponds soon became established and are flourishing with numerous organisms" |
Richard Chapman, Habitat Conservation and Ramsar Team, Wildlife and Countryside Directorate, DETR | Desk research, expert consultations, data collation and analysis using advanced statistical techniques and GIS interrogation were used to improve understanding of the nature, scale and causes of heathland fires in Dorset. Expertise in systems analysis was employed to design a state of the art recording and reporting system for the future, to which all stakeholders can contribute and derive benefits. | "We were very satisfied with the contractor and the outputs from the contract. They were very keen to take on board our input which was sought at all stages and had an excellent grasp of the issues and background. We would not hesitate to use them again for similar work" |
| Rona Charles, Ecologist, North York Moors National Park Authority | Phase 1 survey data capture to a Geographical Information System for approximately 1,000 km² of the North York Moors National Park. These data, together with existing National Vegetation Classification data, will form complete coverage of the National Park that will assist the National Park Authority with various aspects of their work. | "Thanks for a very neat and thorough job." |
Allison Crofts, Water Policy Manager, The Wildlife Trusts | Desk research and consultations with potential supporters and users of a Wetland Information Service under development by The Wildlife Trusts, and a summarization of dialogue and information resources in a relational database format. | "Just Ecology provided an excellent service and can be thoroughly recommended". |
Mark Doughty, Biodiversity & Heritage Advisor, Thames Water. | Ecological survey of pipeline corridors in the Lea Valley through Hertfordshire and Essex, protected species/sites assessments and mitigation proposals. | "Thames Water is happy with both the technical quality and comprehensive nature of surveys carried out on the pipeline schemes." |
| Isobel Downey, Project Developer, Ecotricity | Two chapters for an Environmental Statement (Ecology and Ornithology), originally prepared by Ecotricity, were revised on account of a change to the scheme. The chapters provide a baseline description, impact assessment and mitigation proposals, thus facilitating decisions about this development. | "Determining the ecological and ornithological concerns are often paramount to the successful development of an Environmental Statement for wind park developments. Just Ecology’s approach to determining the significance of these issues was always professional and they presented their conclusions in a format which allowed all who read their work to understand the true implications of a wind park development." |
Allan Drewitt, Ornithologist, English Nature | The key habitat requirements of 220 bird species in England were summarized in a customized database structure together with ‘preferred states’ and field monitoring targets designed to assess the ‘favourable’ or otherwise condition of protected areas in England for birds.
A large scale survey of heathland habitat on SSSIs in southern England for breeding nightjars. Comparisons between SSSIs and other sites in the regions were provided, as well as detailed tabulated and mapped results. | "English Nature has employed Just Ecology to undertake a number of contracts. It is a highly professional and reliable organisation with substantial technical expertise and experience in ecology and conservation science. English Nature is very satisfied with the past performance of Just Ecology and would not hesitate to consider them for future work."
"A very competently and efficiently organized survey with excellent results." |
Marie Dromey,
Conservation Ecologist,
Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government
| Establish the extent and natural range of Irish Dry Heaths and Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grassland, and where possible, report on their condition, within the limitations of available data and resources.
In the absence of detailed survey data for these habitats, we used a range of GIS and paper data sources to score areas according to the likelihood of containing these habitats. This formed the basis for a map of the range and extent of each habitat, accompanied by a full conservation assessment report to be submitted to the EU under Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (the Habitats Directive). | "Many thanks for a job well done. It was a pleasure working with you both. Perhaps we can work together again in the future." |
Jessica Ellis,Consultant Project Team, Defra | Project management support was provided for two horizon scanning projects - Appraisal of Sustainable Rural Policy and Land Use, and A Review of the Impacts of Renewable Energies on Biodiversity. This involved scoping, overseeing the tendering and commissioning process, and managing the consultants (consortia led by the Macaulay Institute and ADAS) through to the successful completion of these complex and high profile studies. | "Jeff Kirby has managed two projects for us extremely well. We have been particularly impressed with his attention to detail and his resolve in getting the projects completed to the highest standard possible. He has also been extremely flexible and has adapted well to changes in management and team composition within the Defra Horizon Scanning Team. We have been able to feel confident in Jeff’s ability to deliver because of his professionalism and reliability." |
Stef Etherington, Head Teacher, Sharpness Primary | The design and creation of a wildlife area within the grounds of Sharpness Primary School. Biodiversity monitoring techniques were taught, and pupils undertook project planning and management activities. | "Excellent background knowledge combined with an understanding of the restrictions of reality, backed up by hard work and flexibility have ensured this has been an extremely successful project!" |
Jenny Ford, County Ecologist, Wiltshire County Council | Detailed surveys of the ecological value and condition of hedgerows and road verges in the Pewsey Vale Quiet Lanes Network areas, and the identification of opportunities for protection, restoration and management. | "I have found Just Ecology to be extremely professional in all aspects of their work. I have been impressed with their dedication and attention to detail. The standard of survey work and the final report reports was excellent" |
Samantha Forster, Stepping Stones Countryside Project Officer, Leicestershire County Council | Detailed habitat, land use and landscape character survey of a ‘green wedge’ area on the outskirts of Leicester. Involved data collation, field survey, GIS entry and manipulation, strategic analysis and interpretation. Culminated in the provision of an outline management plan for the wedge, providing high-level conservation objectives and management prescriptions. | "Despite being given the brief and the contract with very short notice we feel that the report we received was of an excellent standard and very thorough examination of the Green Wedge area. The report will provide an excellent stepping stone for the project to work with landowners, parish councils and community groups in improving access, enhancing the environment and encouraging action in the Green Wedge." |
John Holmes, Designations and Land Management Officer, English Nature | Desk research and consultation with experts and practitioners was used to review the scientific basis for gull-control for nature conservation purposes in the UK, and to provide best practice guidance to site managers and licence applicants. | "Just Ecology’s assigned senior staff to my scientific review project, who were well able to interpret the brief and produce and excellent report". |
Carl Hughes, Senior Technical Officer, Oswestry Borough Council | Comprehensive botanical, bat and invertebrate survey was carried out on this 22ha site, which contains heathland, acid grassland, neutral grassland and several ponds. Extended Phase I and NVC data were provided, and detailed management guidance. | "Just Ecology provided us with a detailed site investigation of flora and fauna and management recommendations. We will use it to help consult with the public at large. I would happily use Just Ecology again and will include them in tenders for future work" |
Prof. D. Herby Kalchreuter, Director, European Wildlife Research Institute | Joint editorship, desk research, consultation, graphic design, map creation and volume production management for a publication of Russian work on the Garganey - a duck species now believed to be one of the most numerous in the world. | "It was a pleasure to cooperate with Dr Jeff Kirby and Rodney West. Their fact-orientated pragmatism enables them to work even on tricky subjects such as matters concerning hunting and conservation". |
H. James, Administration Manager, Trowbridge Rugby Football Club | As part of a planning application, Just Ecology was commissioned to carry out an ecological appraisal of a site on the outskirts of Trowbridge. This included survey of both badgers and bats, and the results were presented in a report assessing the ecological impacts of the development on the site. Mitigation strategies were also developed to ensure the development had a minimal impact on the badger setts on site. | "I was pleased with the speedy response to an urgent request." |
Peter Lambley, Conservation Officer, English Nature | Detailed NVC survey of the 57.9ha Overstrand Cliffs SSSI and cSAC (North Norfolk), unprotected vegetated soft cliffs with a variety of successional stages of plant communities, cliff top grassland, freshwater seepages and a sandy foreshore. Invertebrate surveys were also undertaken since coastal soft cliffs are also often of high importance for their invertebrate assemblages. Digital GIS analysis and comprehensive reporting were delivered to assist in managing this important site. | "I was very pleased with both the quality and content of the report. The surveying was challenging because of the nature of the terrain and that many of the communities were not described. The additional geological information and understanding was also particularly relevant to this site. This work was delivered despite time scales towards the end of the surveying season." |
Tony Lockley, Team Leader, Environment Action, Leicestershire County Council | Environmental Impact Assessment of proposal to increase recreational access to an environmentally sensitive river corridor. Screening and scoping was followed by detailed assessment and evaluation of impacts of the current rights of way network and several proposed new routes. Stakeholder consultations and advice to the clients was delivered also. | "We were very pleased with the way Just Ecology tackled what was a complex brief, set against a fairly tight timetable." |
Liam Lysaght, Ecologist, The Heritage Council | A review of international best practice in relation to hunting, conservation and the management of sites designated for nature conservation, plus a major stakeholder consultation exercise, was used to provide an independent review of the Irish government’s policy towards all forms of hunting on state-owned lands. | "Just Ecology brought considerable technical expertise to the project and managed a difficult and controversial subject effectively and efficiently. The final report provided clear recommendations for the Heritage Council to draw on in advising the Minister as requested". |
Saul McNeilage, EcoHomes Assessor, Markey Builders | EcoHomes assessments were carried out at various proposed housing development sites, including Extended Phase 1 survey, impact assessment and mitigation design and advice. | "Despite not meeting Elaine, I found her polite, friendly and professional when we spoke on the phone. Her reports were exactly what we asked for and I very much look forward to working with her again in the future. Good job!"
"Another quality report from Just Ecology. Many thanks to Rob, Philip and the rest of the team. We look forward to working with you again soon."
"David is another member of the Just Ecology team who has delivered a very good report and I look forward to working with him again in 2007." |
Diane Monether, Wildspace! Community Liaison Officer | Specialist surveys at Ifton Meadows, a grassland on restored colliery spoil, and Price’s Dingle, an adjacent woodland near the village of St Martin’s in Shropshire. The work involved a Phase 1 survey followed by detailed botanical and animal surveys in a variety of habitats, including BAP habitats. Management recommendations were formulated to enhance the value of site for both wildlife and people. | "I am very pleased with the report produced by Just Ecology. As a layperson, I found the report, on the whole, quite readable and easy to understand. The Just Ecology staff were always very amenable and I would certainly ask them to quote for more work." |
Helen Powell, Conservation Officer, English Nature | Strategic guidance for jetty and slipway development was drafted for the Poole Harbour SPA, based on desk research, land character surveys, bird survey, policy analysis and consultations. The work provided general best practice guidance plus a specific policy application to Poole Harbour, aimed at protecting the integrity of the SPA. | "We are genuinely pleased with what’s been produced; it’s a really good piece of work that follows a logical approach, supplemented by field survey, in assigning sensitivity to areas of shoreline which are subject to development pressure. We now have a fairly robust piece of guidance to take to consenting authorities that can form the basis for a agreeing a strategic approach to preventing adverse effects on the site." |
| Dr.Barry Shepherd, Senior Ecologist, RPS Group | Bat transect surveys were carried out over a proposed Wind Farm site. An interpretation of the significance of the results was provided within Just Ecology's contract report. | "Very happy with service supplied and would offer further work in future." |
| Dr Alison Stattersfield, Head of Science, Birdlife International | BirdLife International required a detailed synthesis of current knowledge regarding the status of migratory species, the key threats they face, and the conservation approaches necessary to safeguard this vulnerable group of birds. Our resulting report was presented at an international workshop and served to stimulate debate on knowledge gaps, site and habitat-based conservation measures and strategic measures required for bird conservation programmes. | "It was a pleasure working with Jeff. He mastered a difficult brief quickly and willingly, and was flexible despite the tight timetable. Also we were able to work with him so the end product felt like a team effort. Many thanks." |
Jon Stewart, Deputy Area Manager, Peak District and Derbyshire Team, English Nature | Ornithological survey data for a 50,000ha area of moorland lying within the Peak District National Park was captured in a GIS. The data was held within 1:25,000 scale field maps of the 1990 survey of Breeding Birds of the South Pennines, carried out by the then Nature Conservancy Council. | "I was impressed with the way Just Ecology dealt with the brief including requesting clarification when needed. My impression is that we have a very good product from this contract. Excellent job." |
Andrew Stott, Head of Scientific Advisers Unit, Wildlife and Countryside Directorate, DETR | Working as specialist advisors to the UK Government’s Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Just Ecology provided wide ranging science and policy advice in the fields of biodiversity conservation; climate change; habitat and landscape protection; monitoring and indicators; planning and site protection; and species protection. | "The service provided by Just Ecology was on the whole excellent, even under very demanding situations. I especially appreciated the attention given to user requirements, the intellectual abilities (i.e. original thought) and the clarity of written material". |
Andrew Sullivan, Resident | Wildlife assessment of proposed development site in Cheltenham. | "Thank you for your swift response to our request. We very much appreciated your efforts to survey the site at short notice, despite the poor weather". |
Malcolm Vincent, Projects Director, Joint Nature Conservation Committee | Desk research and expert consultations were undertaken with a great variety of UK organisations in order to produce web pages for the UK CHM web site concerning funding sources, biodiversity projects and contacts, sources of taxonomic expertise and UK collections of living organisms. | "Good delivery of the required products in accordance with the specification of the contract. The contractor was easy to deal with, kept to time and delivered to price. I was well pleased with the result". |
