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Leith Ecology Consulting

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Leith Ecology Consulting

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Leith Ecology Consulting, Environmental conservation organisation, Billingshurst.

We are an independent ecology consultancy located in Billingshurst, West Sussex, featuring a skilled group of ecologists who collaborate with you to address both straightforward and intricate ecological challenges.

30/07/2025

BNG: 3 Things every developer needs to know

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now a legal requirement for planning permission in England, and ignoring it could cost you time and money.

Here are 3 essential facts developers need to keep in mind:

1) 10% uplift is now mandatory
You must deliver and prove a 10% gain using the approved biodiversity units metric. No metric = no approval.

2) Surveys are seasonal
Need a bat survey or great crested newt survey? Miss the window, and you risk delays.
Book your protected species surveys early to stay on schedule.

3) Off-site offsetting is an option - but it’s costly
Buying BNG offset credits adds complexity. It’s cheaper and smarter to design habitat gains into your site from day one.

📩 Need a BNG checklist to get started?
DM us now and we’ll send one straight over.

🔍 Work with a CIEEM-registered ecologist: leithecology.co.uk

28/07/2025

What is a Protected Species Survey?

If you’re planning a development, you may need a Protected Species Survey to check whether rare or legally protected wildlife or plants are present on or near your site.

These surveys are often required by law before planning permission is granted and help prevent unintentional harm to species like:

Bats

Great crested newts

Badgers

Dormice

Otters

Rare plants or breeding birds

The findings can influence your site design, timing, and even the need for a licence.

We carry out fully licensed surveys, provide clear reports, and help you stay compliant, and on schedule.

📩 Not sure if you need one? Get in touch at leithecology.co.uk

25/07/2025

🧭 Planning a development? Make sure your ecologist is CIEEM registered.

Local Planning Authorities, Natural England, and regulatory bodies all expect reports and recommendations to be credible, professional, and compliant.

At Leith Ecology, all our consultants are CIEEM Registered Ecologists, ensuring:
✅ Verified qualifications and experience
✅ Adherence to industry best practice
✅ Legally robust reports and survey methods

🚫 Don’t risk delays, resubmissions, or failed applications.

Work with a team that meets professional standards from the start.

🔍 Always ask: Are they CIEEM registered?

📩 Let’s talk ecology: leithecology.co.uk

23/07/2025

🌙 Out on site at dusk - bat survey season in full swing!
Our team was out this week carrying out a dusk bat survey, monitoring bat activity as they emerge to forage.

🦇 Why at dusk?
Bats are most active around sunset, this is the best time to record their flight paths, species presence, and roosting behaviour. It’s essential data for planning applications and licensing.

📅 Summer is survey season - if bats are on-site, surveys must be done now to avoid costly delays later.

📩 Need a licensed bat survey? We’re ready when you are:
leithecology.co.uk

22/07/2025

What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?

BNG is a legal requirement that ensures new developments leave nature in a better state than before. Under the Environment Act, planning permission now requires a 10% net gain in biodiversity and proof before construction begins.

To comply, you’ll need a BNG plan backed by proper habitat surveys and biodiversity metrics.

Here’s how it works:
📍 We survey your site using UK Habitat Classification
📊 We measure baseline biodiversity
🌳 We assess landscaping + enhancements
🧮 We calculate biodiversity units and % net gain

Need a plan that satisfies your LPA? We’re here to help:
leithecology.co.uk

10/07/2025

🦎 Spotted on-site: a smooth newt!
Our ecologists uncovered this little amphibian during survey this week, the smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris). A real pond-life pro and a sign of healthy habitat!

Here are a few facts we love about this little legend:

🔸 UK’s most common newt often found in ponds, ditches & wetlands
🔸 Males grow a striking wavy crest in breeding season
🔸 Orange belly + black spots = a unique pattern on every newt
🔸 Can live up to 6 years if it stays out of sight of hungry birds!
🔸 Can regrow limbs and organs (yes, really!)

It’s a brilliant reminder of why early ecological surveys matter.

🧪 Want to know what’s living on your land?
We’re here to help: leithecology.co.uk

08/07/2025

Need a fast biodiversity check? Meet our LeithE.

LeithE is our rapid biodiversity assessment service designed for developers, planners, and landowners who need quick answers to keep projects moving.

✅ Instantly flags ecological constraints
✅ Supports smarter, compliant design
✅ Helps you meet biodiversity planning requirements

Whether you're assessing land for purchase or preparing a planning application, LeithE gives you an expert view of ecological risks - fast.

📍 Ideal for site screening
📊 Predicts survey needs & biodiversity enhancements
🌱 Supports sustainable, regulation-ready development

Learn more now at: leithecology.co.uk or call us on 01403 906938

03/07/2025

What Is an EcIA and Do You Need One?

From scoping to mitigation, the Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) ensures your project meets essential ecological and regulatory requirements.

✔️ Identifies risks to habitats and species
✔️ Outlines how to reduce impacts and boost biodiversity
✔️ Demonstrates compliance with planning rules

Whether you're working on a large scheme or a smaller site, if there's a potential ecological impact, your planning authority may request an EcIA.

Need support with an EcIA? We're here to help: www.leithecology.co.uk

30/06/2025

🦇 Ecology Tip: Bat Survey Season Is Now!

Planning a development? Bat surveys must be done in summer.
Miss the season = risk delays to your project timeline.

At Leith Ecology, we offer:
✅ Fully licensed ecologists
✅ Fast, reliable survey delivery
✅ Planning-compliant reports

Surveys typically run May–September - don’t wait until it’s too late.
📩 Book now to stay on track: leithecology.co.uk

28/06/2025

Introducing LeithE: Rapid Biodiversity Assessment 🌿

Need a quick check on the ecological risks of your site?
LeithE is our rapid biodiversity assessment service, built for developers, planners, and landowners who need fast answers without skipping compliance.

✅ Flags key ecological constraints early
✅ Supports smarter design + planning
✅ Helps meet LPA biodiversity requirements
✅ Assesses land for restoration or habitat potential

Whether you're buying land or shaping your site plan, LeithE gives you the insight to move forward - fast.

Ready for a quick risk review?

Get started at 👉 leithecology.co.uk

26/06/2025

Check out what some of our team found on site this week!🦇🇬🇧
These are Natterers bats found on a survey.

Did you know there are 18 species of bat in the UK?
17 breed here - and 1, the greater mouse-eared bat, is so rare we’ve only seen two individuals in recent years!

🦇 Noctules = our largest (they’re huge!)
🦇 Pipistrelles = our tiniest flyers
🦇 Natterer’s bats? They hunker down in winter in cosy spots - like this cellar bat box.

Sometimes, vagrants like the Kuhl’s pipistrelle or parti-coloured bat even pay a visit.

Every species plays a role.
Let’s protect their habitats, roosts & future.

24/06/2025

Need a bat survey? 🦇
Now’s the time - bat survey season runs May to September, and bookings fill fast.

At Leith Ecology, we deliver:
✅ Fast turnaround reports
✅ Licensed ecologists
✅ Fully compliant surveys for planning

Don’t risk delays.
📩 Book your survey now [email protected]

Address

Billingshurst

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://Www.leithecology.co.uk/

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