Independent ecology consultancy Sussex · Surrey · Hampshire01403 906938
Leith Ecology Consulting

Selected project experience

Small details.
Meaningful decisions.

A selection of anonymised Leith Ecology commissions, showing the questions we investigated and the advice we provided.

Clipped hedgerows and managed grassland recorded during a Leith survey

Original Leith Ecology survey photograph; site and client names withheld.

PEA · UKHab · BNG

Healthcare extension

A biodiversity strategy within a working site.

The brief

Support an extension at an established healthcare site, accounting for the complete application boundary and retained landscaping.

Our approach

Combined a preliminary ecological appraisal with Coreo habitat mapping, condition assessment and biodiversity calculations. Reviewed retained trees and hedgerows alongside the proposed footprint.

The advice

Developed an on-site strategy combining retained grassland enhancement and native hedgerow planting, supported by habitat plans and a management schedule.

Roof-space photograph supplied by Leith Ecology, showing rafters and a brick gable

Representative habitat photograph from Leith fieldwork.

Bat assessment · Survey planning

Residential roof alterations

Clarifying bat survey requirements before works.

The brief

Assess the potential for roosting bats where roof alterations were proposed at an older residential property.

Our approach

Inspected accessible roof spaces and external features, considered surrounding habitat connectivity and recorded limitations in areas that could not be reached.

The advice

Identified the need for dusk emergence surveys to investigate potential roost use and inform subsequent mitigation or licensing advice. The assessment distinguished suitable features from confirmed bat evidence.

Grassland recorded during a Leith rural development survey

Original Leith Ecology survey photograph; site and client names withheld.

PEA · Habitat assessment · eDNA

Rural equestrian development

A proportionate appraisal of grassland and nearby ponds.

The brief

Understand ecological constraints for proposed equestrian facilities in a rural grassland setting.

Our approach

Undertook a habitat walkover, reviewed adjacent landscape features and incorporated great crested newt eDNA results for nearby ponds.

The advice

Provided recommendations addressing vegetation, construction safeguards and ecological enhancements. Explained the survey evidence and its limits so that the design team could plan the next steps.

A woodland edge photographed during Leith fieldwork; representative habitat image

Representative habitat photograph from Leith fieldwork.

Ecology advice · Ecosystem services

Low-impact rural tourism

Connecting development design with ecosystem services.

The brief

Explain how a small rural tourism proposal would interact with the natural environment and its benefits to people.

Our approach

Reviewed the development design and existing ecological assessment, considering biodiversity, soils, water, landscape and recreational benefits.

The advice

Set out practical measures including native planting, sensitive lighting and protection of boundary habitats. Linked the proposed measures to ecosystem services and future habitat management.

Case studies describe survey and advisory work. They do not imply a planning approval, a granted licence or completed habitat delivery. Identifying maps, addresses and client details are omitted.

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