Welcome to Enims
Your trusted partner in environmental and ecological consultancy.
dedicated to minimising environmental impacts
We help our clients make informed decisions that protect and strengthen the natural environment, support sustainable development and create lasting value for people, places and the planet.
From initial advice through to project delivery, we provide practical ecological solutions that help clients navigate environmental requirements with confidence. Our services include species surveys, licensing, mitigation, BNG, HMMPs, CEMPs, Ecological Clerk of Works support and environmental audits, all designed to keep projects moving while delivering measurable benefits for nature.
Ecology Support
Preliminary Roost Assessment
• A PRA is usually carried out at the planning stage of a development and is often requested by the Local Planning Authority or because of compliance pre development
• The surveyor looks for evidence of bats (such as droppings, staining, or feeding remains) and assesses the suitability of structures for roosting.
• The outcome categorises the site’s potential and may recommend further surveys (like dusk emergence or dawn re‑entry surveys) if roosting is considered likely.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal is often the first step in understanding how a development may interact with the natural environment. It provides an overview of the habitats and species present on a site, highlighting any potential ecological constraints that could affect your project.
Through a PEA, we assess the likely impacts of development and identify where further surveys or mitigation may be required. This early insight helps project teams plan confidently, meet Local Planning Authority requirements, and ensure that ecological considerations are addressed from the outset.
Bat Survey
Bats and their roosts are strictly protected under UK law, meaning it is illegal to disturb, damage or destroy them — whether bats are present at the time or not. Because of this, bat surveys are required during the planning process if there is evidence of bats on site or if a building, tree, or structure has the potential to support them.
A survey helps determine whether bats are present, the type of roosts they use, and what mitigation or licensing may be needed to allow works to proceed lawfully.
Great Crested Newt Survey
If your project has the potential to affect GCNs or their habitat, a survey will be required. These surveys confirm whether newts are present and assess the likely impact of development. The findings guide any mitigation measures and, if needed, licence applications to ensure your project complies with legislation.
Reptile Survey
Great Crested Newts (GCNs) are fully protected under UK and European legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations. This protection makes it illegal to capture, injure or kill them, or to disturb or destroy their breeding sites and resting places.
If your project has the potential to affect GCNs or their habitat — such as ponds and the surrounding land — a survey will be required. These surveys establish whether newts are present and assess the likely impact of development. The results guide mitigation measures and, where necessary, licence applications to ensure compliance with the law.
Dormouse Survey
Dormice are a European Protected Species, and both the animals and their habitats are safeguarded under UK law. It is illegal to capture, injure or kill dormice, or to disturb or destroy their breeding sites and resting places.
Dormice are most commonly associated with boundary hedgerows, but they can also be found in woodlands, scrub and other suitable habitats. Because of this, any proposed works that could affect these areas must take dormice into account.
Where there is potential for dormice to be present, surveys are required to confirm their status and assess the likely impact of development. The results guide mitigation measures and, if necessary, licence applications to ensure compliance with legislation.
Water Vole and Otter Surveys
Water Voles and Otters are legally protected under UK legislation, meaning it is an offence to deliberately capture, injure or kill them, or to damage, disturb or obstruct access to their resting places and habitats.
Because of this, any works near rivers, streams, ponds or other watercourses must consider the potential presence of these species. Surveys are undertaken to establish whether Water Voles or Otters are present, assess the suitability of habitats, and identify any risks posed by development.
The results provide ecologists with the information needed to design appropriate mitigation measures and, where necessary, licence applications. This ensures projects remain compliant with the law while safeguarding these important species.
Bird Survey
Bird surveys are undertaken to establish which species are using the areas around proposed development works. This is an important step, as all wild birds in the UK are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with certain species receiving additional protection due to their conservation status.
Some bird populations are in decline, and works that could disturb nesting or roosting sites must be carefully managed. Surveys provide ecologists with the information needed to assess potential impacts, identify constraints, and design mitigation measures to ensure compliance with legislation.
Badger Surveys
Badgers are a protected species under UK law, and any development or land management activity near a sett must be carefully assessed. Our badger surveys provide the clarity you need to move forward with confidence, ensuring your project complies fully with legal requirements while safeguarding local wildlife.
Why Badger Surveys Matter
• Legal protection: Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. Disturbance or damage can result in prosecution.
• Planning requirements: Local authorities often require badger surveys to support planning applications, particularly where works may affect habitats.
• Responsible development: Surveys help balance ecological responsibility with project progress, giving you a clear pathway to compliance.
What We Do
• Site assessment: We identify and map badger setts, foraging areas, and commuting routes.
• Activity monitoring: Using field signs and, where appropriate, remote cameras, we assess the level of badger activity.
• Clear reporting: You’ll receive a concise, accessible report outlining findings, risks, and recommended next steps.
• Licensing support: If works may impact badgers, we guide you through Natural England licence applications and mitigation strategies.
Home Owners – Getting started
We don’t just work on big developments — we’re here for smaller projects too. If you’re a homeowner planning an extension or a small build, we can help you understand any ecological requirements and make sure your project runs smoothly.
Our team can check for protected species, advise on simple steps to look after local wildlife, and suggest easy ways to add biodiversity back into your space. We also help you meet the expectations of your Local Planning Authority, making sure ecological considerations are addressed properly so your application isn’t delayed.
It’s about keeping things practical, straightforward, and supportive — so you can get on with your plans while knowing you’re doing the right thing for nature and for compliance.
Enims partners with architects and planners to provide ecological and environmental expertise for small and medium‑sized developments. Whether you’re designing housing schemes, extensions, or community projects, we help you navigate ecological requirements with clarity and confidence.
Our team delivers surveys, assessments and practical solutions that ensure compliance with planning regulations and Local Planning Authority expectations. From protected species surveys to biodiversity enhancements, we provide the information and guidance needed to keep projects moving smoothly while safeguarding the environment.
We also support those working directly with householders and private clients, offering straightforward advice that makes ecological compliance accessible and achievable. With over 20 years of experience, Enims is the trusted choice for professionals who want reliable ecological input without unnecessary complexity.
Interested in a career with us?
