Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)

APEM’s specialist field team of aquatic and terrestrial surveyors are trained in Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) and work onsite to observe and maintain your environmental and planning obligations.

The nationwide-based rapid response team cover all areas of development and construction to provide an independent role of an ECoW to ensure that ecological and environmental regulations are monitored and maintained.

The presence of an ECoW is often a requirement of planning, prior to or during construction. By having a ‘boots on the ground’ specialist, your project will receive professional and considered advice to ensure issues such as protected species, pollution (water and land), surface water management and material management are dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

The role of an Ecological Clerk of Works covers:

On site pre-construction inspections with regards to habitats and species present
Working closely with contractors and ground staff to educate and inform
Provide regular reports and updates for stakeholders (including the public) and the wider project team
Continuous monitoring of development and construction works and the environment of the site
Practical and competent guidance and advice on issues that may arise
Identification, implementation, and maintenance of exclusion zones
Planning, managing, and undertaking post-construction monitoring

The APEM team oversee the management of risks when related to biodiversity, and their presence on site makes sure that delays to projects are mitigated and therefore additional costs are not incurred.

For a fast response to urgent issues on site, APEM offer a ‘Virtual’ Ecological Clerk of Works service. Our responsive over the phone/video support is available to provide guidance on what monitoring or subsequent surveys may be required on a site. Call us on 07436 262442 or email to see how we can help.

Solutions we provide on the ground include:

Pollution spillage monitoring and containment
Silt control measures
Implementation of European Protected Species licences, mitigation, and monitoring
Fish rescues and relocations
Invasive species specialist advice
Algae control and oxygenation
Water quality sample collection and analysis
On site ‘Toolbox Talks’

APEM staff member collecting a water sample

Interested in booking a Toolbox Talk for your site team?

Our Toolbox Talks are free and provide an overview of the role of an ecologist on site, covering relevant legislation, demystifying the jargon, providing guidance on European Protected Species licences and permitted and prohibited working practices. Lasting only 20 minutes, they are an interactive session and give you the opportunity to tell us what you are struggling with.

Want to find out more? Please email us and let us know where you are located and roughly how many people are on site and we will be in touch to organise.

Have a question about this service?

The team at APEM would be happy to answer any questions you have, please use the form below to get in touch.