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    Acer Ecology Ltd offers a full range of specialist habitat and vegetation surveys including: * Phase 2 National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys * Hedgerow surveys * River Corridor and River Habitat surveys * Invasive plant surveys including Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed * Rare Plant 

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    There are four widespread species of British reptile comprising grass snake, slow-worm, adder and common lizard which are all commonly encountered on development sites. These animals are given so called ‘partial protection’ under UK law, and it is an offence to deliberately kill or injure individual 

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    Otters and their habitats are fully protected under UK and European law and developments affecting otters or their resting places will require a European Protected Species Licence prior to the start of bank-side works. Our ecologists are experienced in otter survey, European Protected Species licens 

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    Relatively few invertebrates are protected under UK law, although several are listed as Biodiversity Action Plan species and as such, planning authorities expect these to be considered in ecological impact assessments. We use a variety of techniques for surveying invertebrates depending on the habit 

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    Great crested newts are fully protected under UK and European law and are frequently encountered on development sites. It is an offence to kill, capture, or disturb them, or to damage or destroy their ponds or the adjoining terrestrial habitats. The habitats within 500m of a breeding pond are genera 

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    Dormouse are fully protected under UK and European law and it is an offence to kill, capture, or disturb them, or to damage their habitats. There are three main methods of surveying for dormouse comprising nest box, tube surveys and nut searches. Nest box and tube surveys involve erecting nest boxes 

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    Nearly all birds, their nests and eggs are protected under UK law and some especially rare species are given enhanced protection from disturbance during the breeding season. Almost all development sites have the potential to support nesting birds and this can impose seasonal constraints on site clea 

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    Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, which makes it illegal to kill, injure or take badgers or to interfere with a badger sett. Badgers are often affected by development projects and a licence from the statutory agency is needed if disturbing work is planne 

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    Bat related survey work and advice forms a major component of our workload and is an area of particular expertise. Our licensed bat specialists are experienced in survey, European Protected Species licensing and mitigation design and implementation. 

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    As Suitably Qualified Ecologists, Acer Ecology is able to advise of the likely Land Use and Ecology credits available under both BREEAM and CSH schemes. Acer Ecology are experienced in all aspects of ecological appraisal for BREEAM and CSH and can ensure that you gain as many points as practical. In 

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