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 Ecological Appraisal
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is often required to identify ecological constraints and ensure environmental considerations are addressed early in the planning process.
FIND OUT MORE
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is typically undertaken during the early stages of a development project and is often required to support planning applications and site assessments.
During the survey, an ecologist assesses the habitats and features present on site, looking for evidence of protected species and identifying any ecological constraints that may influence the proposed development.
The appraisal evaluates the ecological value of the site, considers the potential impacts of development, and identifies whether further surveys may be required for protected species or priority habitats.
Where additional survey work is recommended, this may include species-specific surveys, habitat assessments or mitigation measures to support the planning process and ensure compliance with environmental legislation.
Undertaking a PEA at an early stage helps identify potential constraints, reduce planning risks and ensure ecological considerations are incorporated into project design from the outset.
Preliminary Roost Assessment
A Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) is often required to identify whether bats could be present and to highlight any ecological constraints early in the planning process.
FIND OUT MORE
A Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) is typically undertaken during the planning stage of a development and may be required by the Local Planning Authority or to support compliance before works commence.
During the survey, an ecologist inspects buildings, bridges, trees or other structures for evidence of bats and features that could provide suitable roosting opportunities. This may include searching for bat droppings, staining, feeding remains, access points and other indicators of bat activity.
The survey also assesses the suitability of the structure to support roosting bats and categorises its potential as negligible, low, moderate or high.
Where evidence of bats is found, or where suitable roosting features are present, further surveys may be recommended. These can include dusk emergence surveys, or other species-specific investigations to determine whether bats are present and to inform any mitigation requirements.
Undertaking a PRA early in the project helps identify potential constraints, avoid delays during the planning process and ensure compliance with wildlife legislation.
Bat Survey
Bat surveys are often required to determine whether bats are present and to identify any ecological constraints that could affect development proposals.
FIND OUT MORE
Bat emergence surveys are typically recommended following a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) where a building, tree or structure has been identified as having the potential to support roosting bats.
These surveys are undertaken by a team of ecologists during the active bat season (May – September) and involve observing the structure at dusk to record any bats emerging from roosting locations. Depending on the level of suitability identified during the PRA, multiple survey visits may be required to provide sufficient evidence of bat presence or likely absence.
Surveyors use specialist bat detectors and specialist camera equipment to identify bat activity, species where possible, and the locations used by bats to access or leave the structure.
The findings help determine whether a roost is present, the type of roost being used, and the importance of the site for bats. This information is then used to assess the potential impact of the proposed works and identify any mitigation, compensation or licensing requirements.
Undertaking emergence surveys at an early stage helps ensure projects progress efficiently, reducing the risk of delays during the planning process and supporting compliance with wildlife legislation.
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.
FIND OUT MORE
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
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.
FIND OUT MORE
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
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.
FIND OUT MORE
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
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.
emins CASE STUDIES
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?
