Cambridge Ecology - Wicken Fen
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info@cambridgeecology.com Wicken Fen
Fen are a unique and once typical habitat of Cambridgeshire. Wicken Fen is one of Britain’s oldest nature reserve the first areas being acquired by the National Trust in May 1899. The nature of the Fen has been shaped by topography, hydrology, and in particular, by centuries of use by man. The wetland has played an important role in the social and economic life of the area. As a result 29 species of mammal, over 200 species of birds, 1000 species of moth and butterfly, 1000 species of beetle, approaching 2000 species of fly and 25 species of dragonfly have been recorded from the Fen. The Fen therefore is a refuge for a very large number of UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. As a consequence the Fen is a National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area of Conservation and a Ramsar site.

"Providing our clients with solutions that allow their projects to proceed on schedule and which also deliver an ecological strategy that they can market"

Green Woodpecker
Green Woodpecker - Picus viridis
The green woodpecker is the largest of the three woodpeckers that breed in Britain and found throughout the UK in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland. On the UK's Birds of Conservation Concern this species list amber listed.

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ORNITHOLOGY/BIRD SURVEYS

Cambridge Ecology comprises licensed (Natural England Schedule 1 license holders) and qualified staff and associates providing ornithological services to the public and private sector in various industries throughout the UK and overseas. Cambridge Ecology has substantial experience of a wide range of survey techniques, using standardised operating procedures to ensure that consistent, cost effective, high standards are maintained that meet client’s needs within budget and on time.

Novel survey techniques and data acquisition have been also developed that are able to meet the requirements of the diverse assignments undertaken. Bespoke digital data collection methods using hand held computers allow the effective collection in the field, and efficient processing and analysis of data in the office eliminating transcription errors.
Cambridge Ecology has comprehensive knowledge of bird ecology (including the publication of papers and reports), which enables accurate data analysis and impact assessments to be carried out. We have gained an excellent reputation with our clients, statutory agencies and conservation organisations for producing impartial, high quality work leading to sustainable solutions.

Specialist Ornithology Expertise

Cambridge Ecology has a wide range of skills required in this specialist area. These include the use of various standard and specialised bird surveys methods such as:
• Generic breeding bird surveys using CBC, BBS and registration mapping techniques.
• Generic winter bird surveys using WeBS and farmland bird survey methods.
• Through-the tide estuary bird surveys using WeBS methods.
• Specialist habitat surveys – e.g. upland bird surveys
• Specialist techniques – e.g. vantage point surveys, off-shore boat surveys, nocturnal surveys using Image Intensifier and Infra-Red camera equipment.
• Specialist species surveys – e.g. Barn Owl, Black Redstart, Stone Curlew, Woodlark and Nightjar.
• Specialist habitat surveys – woodland, grassland, upland, marine and coastal
• Monitoring methods – mitigation, construction, operation, post-construction and environmental management plans, site and species surveillance.

Specialist data analysis and assessment
• Ecological survey data analysis.
• Spatial and temporal distributional analysis, using GIS mapping techniques.
• Behavioural analysis.
• Windfarm collision risk modelling and assessment
• Independent Ornithology ES review of chapters submitted to statutory agencies.
• Ornithology Impact Assessment (OIA) using industry standard methodologies.
• Studies to inform Appropriate Assessment and provision of advice on the EU Birds Directive, Habitats Directive and UK Conservation Regulations.

Habitat creation and mitigation
• Species action plans, e.g. Artificial nest creation for Swifts at new residential sites
• Habitat design and construction supervision e.g. shallow open water, reedbed, grassland and woodland creation and nest box design and installation.
• Collision avoidance measures e.g. power line bird deflectors
• Disturbance reduction measures e.g. site zonation, noise and light reduction measures

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