Projects

On this page you will find examples of services and projects undertaken by GPM Ecology.

Fulfilling Planning Requirements

A strong element of GPM Ecology workload is geared towards fulfilling planning requirements for clients on both large and small-scale sites, as directed by Planning Policy Statement 9 and wildlife legislation. Project experience include: private small housing, housing association, pipeline, golf course, public sector, industrial, large residential, infra-structure, recreational and landfill developments

Quarry and proposed landfill site

Ecological Project Management

GPM Ecology has co-ordinated ecological works on many large-scale development schemes. This has included Great Crested Newt surveys and mitigation across Southern England on behalf of Water companies from 2001 to present. A pipeline installation across the Sussex Weald, required over 170 ponds to be surveyed for Great Crested Newts during spring 2002. In subsequent years GPM Ecology has co-ordinated surveys in relation to extensive refurbishment of Waste and Water Treatment Works

Water-colour of Newt Surveyors on the High Weald, by Mary Burgess

Protected Species Surveys

GPM Ecology and associates hold licenses issued by Natural England for handling and surveying protected species. Protected Species Surveys are required to fulfill planning requirements and wildlife legislation (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Protection of Badger Act 1992, Habitat Regulations 1994). Survey expertise includes all UK amphibian and reptile species; Bats; Badger; Breeding-Birds; Crayfish; Dormice; Otter; Water Vole

Adder survey: photo-ID and record of measurements, Surrey 2004.

Mitigation (Protected Species)

GPM Ecology and associates have co-ordinated mitigation schemes for: Badger; Bats; Birds; Crayfish; Dormice; Great Crested Newts; Reptiles; Water Vole

Crayfish mitigation, Sussex 2004

In 2004 GPM Ecology co-ordinated Crayfish mitigation prior to the re-coating of a corrugated metal culvert beneath a road bridge in Sussex, which included diversion of the River; drain-down and capture/release of crayfish

Ecological credits towards BREEAM

Gareth Matthes BSc MSc MIEEM is a member of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and as a full member of IEEM can be considered an experienced Suitably Qualified Ecologist (SQE) as defined in the BREEAM guidelines. GPM Ecology has conducted numerous ecological assessments and carried out mitigation in relation to Housing Association and Eco-Home credits.

Translocation of species-rich acid-heath lawn-turf from a Housing Association site to a heathland golf course, in Surrey during 2008. While it was not possible to score a credit for Protection of this Ecological Feature (Eco 3), the acid-heath lawn was turf stripped and re-planted on a heathland golf-course, as a key recommendation for the Ecological Enhancement Scheme (Eco 2).

Translocating heath/lawn turf

Slow-worm relocation on small Housing Association Development, Winchester, Hampshire. Creation of compost heap release sites and relocation of Slow-worms form part of Key Recommendations towards the Ecological Enhancement Scheme (Eco 2). Provision of home-composting will also make the development eligible for a Composting-credit (Was 3).

Slow-worms on compost heap

Management Plans

GPM Ecology produce habitat management plans and where necessary will seek grant funding to assist with their development.

We have assisted with the development of a prestigious Surrey heathland golf-course since its construction in 1999. From the outset this has included provision of a habitat management plan with supplementary updates each year over a ten-year period.

Heathland Management

Habitat Creation

GPM Ecology has co-ordinated and been involved with numerous habitat creation projects from pond creation, to woodland and heathland management.

Great Crested Newt surveys were conducted at East Surrey Hospital between 2004 and 2007 in association with the construction of a cardio-vascular unit. A new breeding pond was created in the hospital grounds during 2005, with Great Crested Newts having colonised the pond by spring 2006.

Pond creation, East Surrey Hospital

 © 2010 Gareth Matthes Ecology

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