WILDLIFE CONSULTANCY

John Clare set up the Greenwood Wildlife Consultancy in 1993 in Somerset, but moved to the isle of Mull in 2007.  John has over 20 years experience working as an ecologist and nature conservation adviser. 

P r o j e c t s   i n c l u d e :

HABITAT SURVEYS, MONITORING & MANAGEMENT PLANS

Numerous habitat surveys and management plans for sites including Special Areas of Conservation, National Nature Reserves, RAMSAR Sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, RSNC nature reserves and Local Nature Reserves.  Also ecological surveys of historic parks and gardens, watercourses and the preparation of nature conservation management recommendations for sites including the Longleat and Otterhead Estates, Vivary Park, Ridge Wood Community Gateway Forest, and Somerset Levels SSSI’s/Ramsaar sites.

WILDLIFE SPECIES SURVEYS & MONITORING

Ecological monitoring of specific species or species groups including otters, birds of prey, bats, water voles, badgers, dormice, nesting birds (including common bird census), reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, moths, other invertebrates and plants.

Much of this work has been carried out in relation to planning applications for the development of brown-field sites, barns, bridges and other structures to establish the presence/absence of legally protected and other significant wildlife.  Also the preparation and implementation of mitigation recommendations including obtaining licences to enable development, redevelopment, renovations, etc.  Design of landscaping and management schemes to mitigate for wildlife and enhance the environment of developments to enable planning approval and enhance site value.

NATURE CONSERVATION RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS

Research, preparation and implementation of reports, leaflets, education packs, workshops, etc. on aspects of nature conservation including ancient woodland, orchards, management of nature reserves, bracken, elm hedgerows and individual species including otters, mountain hares, corncrakes and ravens.  Assisting Local Authorities in preparing Biodiversity Action Plans and Nature Conservation Strategies.  Leading nature conservation training events, displays and walks, giving talks and representing nature conservation organisations.

GRANT APPLICATION & RISK ASSESSMENT

Preparation and implementation of grant applications including Woodland Grant Scheme, Countryside Stewardship, Heritage Lottery and the Wildspace Grant Scheme.  Also health and safety risk assessments for sites including the 70 nature reserve estate of the Somerset Wildlife Trust.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Nature conservation management and habitat restoration/creation including coppicing, pollarding, tree planting and felling, hedge-laying, fencing, scrub management, rhododendron management, otter holt construction and nest box erection.

CLIENTS INCLUDE

Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage, RSPB, Environment Agency, Somerset County Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council, Devon County Council, South Gloucestershire Council, Mendip District Council, Forestry Commission, Sgriabh-ruadh Farm, RSK, Somerset Highways (Atkins Highways & Transportation), Hanson Aggregates, the Longleat Estate, Magnus Homes, Architects rma, Turner Holden, Swan Paul Partnership, Broadoak Building Design, Applied Design Ltd, Badminton School, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership and numerous other commercial organisations and private individuals.