Ecology : the study of relationships between living organisms and between organisms and their environment.

The UK has particular species of plants and animal which are protected through legislation such as the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 as well as other legislation.

As well as species-specific protection, there is also protection afforded to key habitats designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserves, Special Protection Areas, Ramsar sites or Special Areas of Conservation across the UK.

Wildlife management and conservation is not just about protection. The wider landscape ecology approach is essential to the integrity and long-term viability of populations and habitats that if protected only in isolation will be adversely affected.

PPS9, Biodiversity and Geological Conservation, sets out planning policies on the protection of biodiversity and geological conservation through the planning system. Specific recognition of this wider ecological mosaic of habitat networks is made.

The need to ensure appropriate ecological surveys are carried out is a key principle of successful species and habitat protection.

UE Associates provide general and specialist surveys for a broad range of species and habitat types. We also provide habitat management and restoration advice.