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Churton Ecology is a Shropshire-based ecological consultancy offering a range of specialist surveys for conservation and development, covering habitat and species surveys and the newly introduced Biodiversity Net Gain. 

Our focus is on ensuring that our clients’ projects meet their ecological planning requirements. We prepare, submit and carry out a range of European Protected Species Mitigation Licences. These are often for bats, great crested newt and dormouse.

We do projects for a range of clients including homeowners, developers, architects, landscape architects, land agents, foresters and planning and environmental consultants. It’s also not unusual for us to work for county councils, statutory nature conservation organisations, charities and conservation bodies.

Founded in 1998 by Dr Kate Thorne MCIEEM, the company expanded to include partner Robert Thorne in 2005. We both hold National Resources Wales and Natural England licences to survey for a wide range of protected species.

With offices in central and south-west Shropshire we operate primarily in Shropshire and the surrounding counties. These include Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Powys, Gwynedd, Carmarthenshire and Denbighshire. We have also undertaken a small number of projects as far afield as Northern Ireland, Devon and Cumbria.

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bat surveys Shrewsbury

Protected Species Surveys

To avoid costly delays to projects, it’s best to consider the impact on protected species early in the planning process. We are licensed to undertake surveys on protected species such as bats, dormouse, great crested newt, barn owl and white-clawed crayfish.

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specialised botanical surveys

Specialised Botanical Surveys

Where required, we can carry out more specialised botanical surveys focusing on target or individual species of critical and Schedule 8 taxa. Detailed botanical surveys are carried out in spring and summer, typically between the months of May and September.

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bat surveys Shropshire

Ecological Impact Assessments

An ecological impact assessment determines the potential effects of actions on ecosystems through habitat surveys and surveys of species. Statutory bodies such as councils and the Environment Agency are required to use these to inform major planning decisions.

EIAs
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SURVEY CALENDAR

Avoid project delays by finding out about the best times of year for ecology and protected species surveys.
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Client Testimonials

“The National Trust (Shropshire) has several years’ experience using Churton Ecology for ecological survey and advice. I have been very impressed with the standard of work from both Kate and Rob, both in their technical knowledge and customer care. Kate is a superb botanist who has been monitoring NVC grassland communities on the Long Mynd SSSI, and Rob has done some excellent work around protected species for us, including surveys for bats, amphibians and reptiles.”
Andrew PerryEcologist, National Trust
“As an architect working on mostly domestic projects throughout Shropshire, I have built up a long term working relationship with Rob at Churton Ecology who continually provides an excellent service offering clear guidance during design phases and well-presented, concisely-detailed informative ecology assessments to accompany planning applications. I would have no hesitation in recommending Churton Ecology to other professionals or private clients in need of assistance with anything ecology.”
Simon WhiteArchitectural Technologist, Batch Valley Design
"Churton Ecology has been the principal ecological consultants to the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust for nearly 20 years (with particular involvement in monitoring of the Trust’s woodland and grassland sites), and still provide protected species advice. Their work has helped us to build a firm ecological foundation."
Russell RowleySevern Gorge Countryside Trust Manager
Having used Churton Ecology on many projects I would highly recommend them. Their turnaround times have always been very quick & their comprehensive understanding of the construction industry enables them to provide flexible working solutions for any mitigation that needs to be incorporated into designs.
Ben PayneBRP Architecture Ltd
Churton Ecology has carried out many vegetation and fauna surveys and/or monitoring on SWT Wildlife Sites and Reserves, most notably at Catherton Common and wetlands around The Stiperstones. Work is always carried out to a high standard, and the findings and recommendations used to guide management. Churton Ecology has played a key role in guiding management for reptiles on Catherton Common and the Clee Hill Commons.
Fiona GomersallConservation Officer, Shropshire Wildlife Trust
"We contacted Rob Thorne from Churton Ecology with regard to advice on bat population in the roof area one of our properties in July. Rob very kindly gave us a very clear explanation as to what was happening and why, which helped greatly to put our minds at rest. Bats and humans are now happy. Thank you Rob for your very informative visit."
Local Estate Manager
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Planning something?

Speak to us about bat surveys, great crested newt surveys or our range of other ecological consultancy services.