Services · Core

Ecological Clerk of Works

An Ecological Clerk of Works provides on-site ecological supervision during construction, ensuring that planning conditions, protected species licences and environmental commitments are met throughout the build programme.

When neededDuring construction

RoleOn-site supervision

EnsuresLicence & condition compliance

IncludesToolbox talks & reporting

Overview

An Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) is a qualified ecologist who provides on-site ecological supervision during construction and land management activities. The ECoW ensures that all ecological mitigation measures, planning conditions, protected species licence requirements and environmental commitments are properly implemented on the ground.

ECoW duties typically include pre-commencement checks (confirming exclusion zones, protective fencing, timing restrictions), ongoing monitoring during ground clearance and construction, toolbox talks for site staff to ensure awareness of ecological sensitivities, and regular compliance reporting to the LPA or Natural England as required.

Many planning permissions and protected species licences include a condition requiring an ECoW to be present during specific phases of work — particularly vegetation clearance, demolition, earthworks and any activities near protected species habitats. We provide ECoW services ranging from single-day attendance through to full-time on-site presence for the duration of the construction programme.

When you need this

A planning condition or protected species licence requires ecological supervision during construction
Vegetation clearance, demolition or earthworks are taking place in ecologically sensitive areas
Construction is happening near active badger setts, bat roosts, nesting birds or other protected species
Your project requires toolbox talks for contractors on ecological responsibilities and legal obligations
Post-construction monitoring and compliance reporting are required by the LPA or Natural England

Our approach

01
Pre-commencement review
We review the planning conditions, licence requirements and ecological mitigation strategy to establish the scope and programme of ECoW attendance needed.
02
Site induction and toolbox talks
Briefings for site managers, contractors and operatives on ecological constraints, exclusion zones, protected species identification, legal obligations and incident reporting procedures.
03
On-site supervision
Presence during ecologically sensitive phases of work — vegetation clearance, demolition, earthworks, lighting installation — to ensure mitigation measures are correctly implemented and to respond to any ecological issues in real time.
04
Compliance reporting
Regular written reports documenting compliance with conditions and licences, any ecological incidents encountered, actions taken and recommendations. Reports are submitted to the LPA or Natural England as required.

Survey season

Year-round (aligned with construction programme)

Optimal: N/A — driven by build schedule

ECoW attendance is determined by the construction programme rather than ecological survey seasons. However, certain activities are seasonally constrained — vegetation clearance is best avoided during the bird nesting season (March–August) and sett closures are restricted to July–November.

Regulatory context

Planning conditionsMany planning permissions include conditions requiring ecological supervision during specific construction phases. Failure to comply can constitute a breach of planning control.
European Protected Species LicencesEPS licences for bats, dormice, GCN and other species frequently require a named ecologist or ECoW to supervise works that could affect protected species or their habitats.
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981The ECoW ensures that construction activities do not result in offences under the Act — including disturbance of nesting birds, killing or injuring of reptiles and damage to badger setts.

Related services

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Frequently asked questions

01When is an ECoW required?+

An ECoW is typically required when a planning condition or protected species licence specifies ecological supervision during construction. Even where not formally conditioned, an ECoW is good practice for any development in ecologically sensitive areas — it reduces the risk of legal breaches and costly delays.

02Does the ECoW need to be on site full-time?+

Not always. The level of attendance depends on the ecological sensitivities and the construction programme. Some projects need full-time ECoW presence during critical phases; others require periodic visits at key milestones. We tailor the programme to what the site actually needs.

03What is a toolbox talk?+

A toolbox talk is a short briefing delivered to site staff covering ecological constraints, legal obligations, species identification and what to do if a protected species is encountered during works. It is a standard requirement of most ECoW programmes and many protected species licences.

04Can the ECoW stop construction work?+

If a protected species is discovered or a licence condition is being breached, the ECoW has the authority to halt the relevant activity until the issue is resolved. This is a safeguard against legal offences and is a standard part of the ECoW role.

Get in touch

Have a site that needs surveying?

Tell us about the project. We'll come back with a clear scope, timing and a fixed quote.

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