Groundco provide Ecological Consultancy Services, an ecological consultancy based in Godalming, Surrey, covering the South East. We undertake surveys and site evaluations for a range of protected species and specialise in surveying for Reptiles, Rare Birds and Bats.

Groundco Ecological Services has a broad client base ranging from homeowners, architects, small/medium-sized development, planning & ecological consultancies, local authorities, the Environment Agency, Forestry Commission and the National Trust to large engineering and construction firms. Our scope of work includes large infrastructure schemes such as roads, wind farms, urban expansion or new town developments as well as localised alterations to domestic dwellings and farm buildings. We provide training in all aspects of bat survey techniques, including training other consultants for survey licences.

Specialists in;

Bats:

Dormouse;

Great crested newt;

Sand lizard;

Smooth snake & Lizards

Barn owl.

THE LAW REGARDING BATS

In Britain, all bat species and their roosts are legally protected by both domestic and European legislation. This means that under Regulation 43 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) you may be committing a criminal offence to disturb, destroy an bat or its habitat. see; https://www.bats.org.uk/advice/bats-and-the-law

THE LAW REGARDING REPTILES IN THE UK

All native UK reptiles (Adder, grass snake, smooth snake, sand lizard, common lizard and slow worm) are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), making it illegal to intentionally kill or injure a common reptile.