Publications

Technology and biodiversity are two concepts that are usually viewed as polar opposites.  However, the source of technical advances are often inspired from the natural world. A recent example is the discovery that limpets’ teeth consist of the strongest biological material ever tested.  

Rewilding is an increasingly popular concept which involves restoring large areas back to their natural state, and the reintroduction of species that have recently been extinct. A recent study in the Velebit Mountains, located close to a Rewilding Europe site, has indicated that rewiding is welcomed by local communities.

Ecosulis tree climbers climb over 90 trees in Preston, Lancashire, undertaking a climb and inspect bat survey. 

After 25 years in business, Ecosulis shares some of the secrets of its success as the most experienced ecological consultancy and contractor in the UK. 

Bristol has been awarded European Green Capital for 2015, and has launched its programme to celebrate this. Features range from recycling initiatives to sustainable architecture and biodiversity. Ecosulis have a range of core values, including increasing biodiversity, rewilding and improving health through enhancing green spaces. 

The National Planning Policy Framework requires all schemes to show an ecological enhancement. This can sometimes cause problems when designing masterplans especially if layouts have been fixed before ecological input is sought. We have provided a summary of easy wins and dos/don’ts when designing your development layout. 

For the 2015 survey season Ecosulis have plans to provide eDNA testing of ponds for presence and absence of Great Crested Newts. eDNA, or environmental DNA, testing is ideal for developers with a long lead time on projects who are looking to scope out potential great crested newt populations and give full consideration to ecological requirements within the scheme, particularly those with multiple ponds. 

There is an increasing optimism throughout Europe with the concept of rewilding that can benefit people as well as biodiversity. With an approval from Natural England to release beavers into the wild in England, this exciting approach takes a significant step forward. 

Natural England have recently changed their licensing process, which is now more stringent and requires an increased level of detail. The following information aims to give a clear summary of what is required. 

Recent research shows that Europe’s four large carnivore species – wolves, brown bear, lynxes and wolverines – can co-exist with humans.

Ecosulis attended the 2015 Oxford University Biosymposium which focused on the functions and values of biodiversity. The symposium presented several viewpoints on this topic, from biologists to chemists and economists, to deliver a holistic viewpoint of the role of biodiversity. In addition, lively debates followed on how to use information and viewpoints to conserve and improve biodiversity. The key message that I have taken from the symposium is that we have a lot of viewpoints and data from a range of projects and that still too many disciplines are operating in silos. However, there is now an urgency to establish a way to implement these ideals to make a difference to our biodiversity, because we cannot live without nature and therefore it is right to value it. 

There are a few ways of surveying for dormouse which include nest searches, hair tube surveys, live traps and dormouse nest boxes.