Welcome to GPM Ecology
Gareth Matthes Ecology is an ecological consultancy that has been running since 2002,
with offices based in Surrey, Dorset and associates across the UK. Over the
last decade clients have included housing associations, private developers,
private land-owners, local authorities, utility companies, government agencies,
and nature conservation groups. GPM Ecology and associates can provide
for the following ecological services:
- Fulfilling Planning Requirements and Project Management
- Protected-Species Surveys and Mitigation
- Ecological credits for BREEAM Schemes
- Management Plans and Habitat Creation
- Training
- Research
Latest News October 2012 - SAND-BANK RE-CREATION FOR COMMON COLLETES BEE During September 2012 First Wessex Housing Association constructed a kriblock retaining wall with a sand bank on top, utilizing sub-soil from a bank previously located on site, following surveys by GPM Ecology. This bank was colonised within two months of construction by the colonial bee Colletes succinctus, which can live in aggregations of 100's or 1000's of bees. While Common Colletes is not threatened it can be perceived as harmful and thus destroyed by house owners. Hymettus has provided an Information Sheet on this harmless species. Photos below show the kriblock wall, sand bank on top and newly colonised Common Colletes. September 2012 - MANAGED RETREAT OF REPTILES USING GRAZING LIVESTOCK During August and September GPM Ecology was involved in two reptile surveys where grazing livestock were considered appropriate control methods to passively encourage reptiles to disperse off development sites. This method is only recommended for sites where there is a low or establishing reptile population, due to a recent change in management. Using livestock should reduce labour costs and materials, compared to the conventional method. Photos below show the change in vegetation structure during September and October, following the introduction of 14 Jacob Sheep onto a 1ha field that previously supported a small slow-worm population (high count of 3 slow-worms). August 2012 - ADDER TRAINING WITH BIONOMIQUE DF CLARK On 1st August we organised an Adder training day at Stanner's Hill, specifically designed for five ecologists from DF Clark Bionomique Ltd. All participants were provided the chance to handle adders safely (see photos below), with one of the ecologists admitting to a slight phobia, which they overcame. In total we observed three adders, 21 slow-worms, one grass snake and one viviparous lizard during a transect walk, with sightings recorded as part of long-term monitoring for Surrey Amphibian and Reptile Group. See April 2012 News, when this monitoring site was set-up. Later that day Wiggins won cycling time-trial Olympic gold! News extra - ALL YEAR ROUND GPM Ecology on Twitter! Click on the link below to begin following. We also proudly support IUCN - click the logo to visit their 'Amazing Species' page. Click here for for the News Archive.
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