Ecology and biodiversity

Now, potentially more than ever, conservation of our natural environment is at the forefront of the agendas of the clients and communities we serve. Wildlife conservation is embedded in UK and international law; Binnies offers an in-depth knowledge of this and proven experience of delivering pragmatic solutions for addressing ecological constraints. We have worked on a wide variety of projects for statutory agencies and the private sector. We have accreditations, certifications and memberships that recognise and maintain our professional standards; these include Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) Registered Ecological Practice; Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) EIA Quality Mark; and Registered Landscape Practice. Our ecologists are all CIEEM members and many are chartered ecologists and/or chartered environmentalists. Our ecological clerks of works are also members of the Association for Environmental Clerks of Works.

Binnies’ ecology team has a wide breadth of experience across the ecological services sector, including all stages of ecological impact assessment, habitat regulations assessment and Water Framework Directive assessments. We have capabilities in surveys, licence applications and mitigation for the whole range of protected and notable species and habitat types.

Binnies provides a truly holistic digital ecological survey service via our tablet-based survey allocation and common data environment system. We use collaborative technology to improve the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement and data management, cost-effective environmental DNA techniques for protected species and fish population surveys, and high-resolution remote sensing and unmanned aerial vehicles for providing detailed surveys. Using our digital platform, in 2020 we successfully and safely scoped, scheduled, completed and quality assured 5000 ecology surveys for the HS2 rail scheme.

Our ecologists work closely with other environmental specialists and designers to deliver integrated and innovative solutions. We are at the forefront of using the Biodiversity Metric for demonstrating biodiversity net gain and are using it to positively influence project design from the outset on the large-scale River Thames Scheme.

Binnies has an excellent track record in the successful and award-winning delivery of complex habitat restoration and creation projects. The Burton Washlands project, which aims to improve the Washlands as a space for both people and nature, was commended for the CIEEM Best Practice Award in Stakeholder Engagement. We also designed and delivered a new wetland as part of the Fairbourne Flood Defence Scheme. This included engaging the local community and key stakeholders to optimise the design, thereby winning a CIEEM best practice in nature conservation award.