

Ecological & Biodiversity: it�s in our hands.
At NaturePlus, we aim to bring clarity, common sense, and practical guidance to the world of ecology. With nature as our first and most important client, we are committed to promoting suitable, sustainable, and responsible practices.
Whether you need ecological support for planning, development, or land management, or you are simply looking to enhance biodiversity at your home or on a project, NaturePlus can help.
BNG requirement support / installations
Biodiversity Net Gain is now an important part of many planning applications and development projects. NaturePlus can help you understand what is required, identify suitable opportunities, and put practical biodiversity enhancements in place.
We can support projects with BNG advice, habitat enhancement measures, installation of biodiversity features, and guidance on how to meet planning and ecological requirements in a clear and achievable way.
Some of the services we offer:
- BNG requirement support / installations
- Consultancy�
- Ecology surveys
- Habitat creation�
- Bat roost inspections
If you can�t see the service you need � reach out to our team to ask.
Ecology & Biodiversity Services we provide:
Consultancy
Ecology can often feel complex, particularly when planning requirements, site constraints, and biodiversity responsibilities are involved. NaturePlus provides clear, practical consultancy to help you make informed decisions from the early stages of a project.
We can advise on ecological constraints, planning requirements, biodiversity opportunities, and suitable next steps, helping to keep projects moving while ensuring nature remains at the heart of the process.
Ecology Surveys
Ecology surveys are often required to assess habitats, protected species, and potential ecological constraints on a site. NaturePlus offers a range of survey services to support planning applications, development proposals, and land management decisions.
We can help identify what surveys are needed, carry them out at the appropriate time of year, and provide clear reports with practical recommendations tailored to your site and project.
Habitat creation
Creating and enhancing habitats is one of the most effective ways to support wildlife and improve biodiversity. From small-scale garden improvements to larger project-based habitat works, NaturePlus can help design and deliver meaningful ecological enhancements.
We can advise on suitable habitat creation, planting, biodiversity features, and long-term management, helping to create spaces that are attractive, functional, and beneficial for nature. From wild swimming ponds and beetle stacks to living roofs and everything in between, habitat creation is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. Creating a home for nature, and then watching wildlife arrive, is at the heart of why we love this work.
Bat Roost Inspection
We provide bat roost inspection support for trees where potential bat roost features may be present, such as cavities, splits, cracks, loose bark, or old woodpecker holes. We can climb the tree to investigate these features at close range and help assess whether they may offer suitable roosting opportunities for bats. This work is carried out carefully and, where needed, alongside an ecologist to ensure that appropriate guidance is followed and any potential ecological constraints are properly considered.
Your Questions, Answered.
What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and does my project need it?
Biodiversity Net Gain is a UK planning requirement that ensures a development leaves the natural environment in a better state than it was before. Most new planning applications now require a minimum 10% gain in biodiversity. We help you calculate your site’s baseline and install practical featureslike wildflower meadows or hedgerowsto meet these legal targets.
When is the best time of year to conduct an ecology survey?
Timing is critical in ecology. Most surveys for protected species (like bats, great crested newts, or nesting birds) are season-dependent. For example, bat activity surveys generally happen between May and September. We recommend contacting us at the earliest stage of your project to ensure surveys are scheduled during the correct “window” to avoid year-long delays to your planning application.
Do I need a bat roost inspection before pruning or felling a tree?
If a tree contains “Potential Roost Features” (PRFs) like cracks, splits, woodpecker holes, or ivy cover, it may be legally protected as a bat habitat. We provide specialist aerial inspections, climbing the tree to inspect these features at close range. This identifies whether bats are present before work begins, ensuring you stay compliant with the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Can Nature Plus help with wildflower meadow installation?
Yes. Wildflower meadows are one of the most effective ways to boost local biodiversity and meet BNG requirements. We manage the entire process, from soil inversion and nutrient stripping to selecting the correct native seed mix for your soil type. Whether its a small garden patch or a multi-acre site, we create meadows that provide vital corridors for pollinators.
What happens during an ecological consultancy session?
Our consultancy is designed to bring “common sense” to complex regulations. We walk your site, identify potential ecological constraints (such as protected habitats or species), and provide a clear roadmap for your development. Our goal is to find a balance where your project can move forward while ensuring nature is protected and enhanced.
What kind of "Habitat Creation" can you implement on my land?
We design and build a variety of habitats tailored to local wildlife. This includes:
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Wild swimming ponds and wildlife scrapes.
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Beetle stacks and “dead wood” habitats for invertebrates.
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Living roofs and green walls for urban areas.
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Native tree and hedge planting to create wildlife corridors.
Are ecology surveys required for small-scale home renovations?
Not always, but if your project involves work on a roof, an old barn, or removing mature trees and hedgerows, the Local Planning Authority may request a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA). We can help you determine if a survey is necessary and provide the professional reports required for your submission.
How does Nature Plus work with licensed ecologists?
While we provide practical guidance and aerial inspections, we work closely with licensed ecologists for high-level mitigation and licensing (such as European Protected Species Licenses). This collaborative approach ensures that the advice you receive is both practically achievable on-site and legally robust.





