Ecology and hydroecology

Using expert knowledge, we provide cost-effective bespoke advice, post-consent services and strategic ecological guidance.

Comprehensive ecological support

Preliminary ecological appraisal

  • Extended phase 1 habitat surveys
  • Bat roost potential assessments of trees and buildings
  • Habitat Suitability Index assessments for great crested newts

Detailed plant surveys

Our ecology team is regularly involved with projects that have the potential to support species-rich plant communities, including:

  • Hedgerow surveys in accordance with the Hedgerow Regulations 1997
  • National Vegetation Classification surveys and analysis of data using proprietary software

Detailed surveys of protected species

Our ecologists are highly-regarded specialists in their field who hold a wide range of protected species survey licences, including:

  • Great crested newt
  • Bats
  • Water vole
  • Otter
  • Badger
  • Dormice

Ecological Impact Assessment and Habitat Regulations Assessment

Our support is fully informed by recent best-practice guidance (notably CIEEM guidance) and we have experts who are preparing ecological impact assessments (EcIA) for formal and informal environmental impact assessments (EIA) and strategic environmental assessments (SEA).

Aquatic ecology and fisheries monitoring

  • Ecological walkovers to support initial assessment of risk
  • Fish habitat surveys
  • Freshwater and estuarine fish surveys
  • Marine environmental baseline surveys
  • Continuous and spot water-quality sampling
  • Ecological impact assessments (EcIA), habitats regulations assessments (HRA) and Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments

Pollution incident response

Specialists in providing support for pollution incidents through scientifically robust methodologies designed to stand up to scrutiny. Our experts have an extensive track record in providing pollution prevention and incident advice through Ricardo's chemical risk expertise and post-incident mitigation.

Fish passage appraisal

With leading experts in river restoration and fisheries, we are able to identify and evaluate barriers to fish migration on a catchment-wide scale. Our staff are experienced in undertaking river walkovers, feasibility studies, fluvial and geomorphological assessments and audits, habitat enhancement, ecological assessments and hydromorphological studies.  

Ecology and hydroecology

Markets

This service is offered within the following sectors.

Discover our case studies

Ricardo supports Natural England to help ensure better health for our rivers and wildlife through updated nutrient neutrality calculators

Read insight

Ricardo supports critical project to unlock sustainable water supply for industrial development and renewable hydrogen energy in South Australia

Read insight

Fish are thriving in Channelsea River says latest 2023 fish survey by Ricardo

Read press release

Ecology and hydroecology Resources

Jessica Bohorquez represents Ricardo at World Water Week

Read article

Ricardo water policy experts release the tenth annual Australian Water Markets Report

Read article

Celebrating World Water Day 2023 at the United Nations Water Conference

Read blog

Mandatory biodiversity net gain targets in England: a tool to identify opportunity areas

Read blog