River Corridor Assessments

We provide River Corridor Assessment (RCA) by qualified Assessor who holds River Corridor Survey (RCS) certification, enabling us to deliver professional assessments of river and riparian habitats in line with recognised industry standards.

This service provides a detailed evaluation of channel form, bank structure, in-stream features, riparian vegetation, and surrounding land use to identify habitat quality, geomorphological condition, and opportunities for enhancement or restoration. River corridor assessments can support ecological appraisals, habitat management plans, biodiversity enhancement strategies, planning applications, and wider watercourse conservation objectives. These surveys also support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) by informing the condition assessment of watercourse habitats required within the statutory metric, as well as wider ecological appraisals, habitat management, and planning applications.

Ecological Services

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Using the Defra Biodiversity Metric, we assess the biodiversity value of habitats and linear features before and after development to determine net loss or gain. This establishes a robust baseline and identifies how habitats can be retained, enhanced, replaced or created to achieve measurable biodiversity improvements and wider ecosystem benefits.

Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)

We undertake Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA) and detailed habitat surveys for urban, suburban and rural sites. All surveys are carried out in accordance with recognised guidance and legislation, providing clear advice on ecological constraints and the need for further survey work.

Protected Species Surveys

Targeted surveys for protected and notable species including bats, birds, badgers, dormice, water voles, otters, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates, using appropriate methodologies and seasonal survey windows.

Ecological Impact Assessment & Mitigation (EcIA)

Assessment of the ecological effects of development proposals, including PEA and EcIA, with advice on mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures. We provide defensible ecological evidence for planning, appeals and public inquiries.

Shadow Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA)

Advice and ecological input to HRA screening and appropriate assessment, including evaluation of potential impacts on European designated sites (SPA, SAC and Ramsar), identification of likely effects and development of avoidance and mitigation measures.