Our small experienced team of Ecologists provide specialist support for Suffolk County Council's own development by carrying out preliminary ecological appraisals on over 300 projects a year. The majority are development related, although implications for maintenance projects are also covered to avoid wildlife crime and maximise opportunities to enhance biodiversity.

The development related projects range in size from classroom extensions for schools to fulfilling the role of BREEAM Ecologist for major projects, the preparation of Habitat Regulation Assessments and supervising specialist ecological surveys. To ensure an efficient and cost effective service for our clients, work is carried out in-house.

All our Ecologists have enhanced CRB clearance for work on school sites. 

Requests for Ecological Services 

If you work for Suffolk County Council (SCC) or you are a contractor for a SCC project and need any of the above ecological services, please follow the relevant link below to generate an email that will log your request with the Ecologists: 

• pre-application ecological advice

to front load the planning process for SCC development applications to minimise any negative impacts on biodiversity;

• initial biodiversity surveys & assessments

to provide concise appropriate reports to validate planning applications for SCC development and advise if any additional ecological surveys are required; 

• specialist ecological advice 

to provide expert guidance on protected species and habitats, including precautionary method statements (e.g. for maintenance operations) to avoid delays and wildlife crime; to identify biodiversity opportunities for SCC owned land wherever possible. 

Alternatively, if you do not require further guidance you can download a request form and email it to ecology@suffolk.gov.uk.