Welcome to Enims
Your trusted partner in environmental and ecological consultancy.Â
dedicated to minimising
environmental impacts
Since 2006, we have been dedicated to minimising environmental impacts while upholding the highest standards for our clients across the UK. Our responsive and pragmatic approach supports your project goals with unwavering commitment and quality services. Guided by our core values of Sustainability, Respect, Professionalism, and Inspiration, we strive to make a positive difference in every project we undertake.
TRANSPORTATION
 Enims is a trusted partner in delivering ecological expertise across transportation projects and schemes. Our versatility and depth of experience mean we can provide practical, on‑site support as well as strategic guidance, ensuring compliance and keeping works moving smoothly.
Our transportation services include:
• Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW),Â
• Environmental Assessments: Phase 1 and Phase 2 Protected Species surveys
• Secondment servicesÂ
• Ecological structural assessments
• Aerial tree inspections
• Biodiversity enhancements
• Ecological method statements
• Protected species licence applications
We provide targeted species surveys to identify potential constraints and advise on mitigation requirements.Â
ECOLOGY
Enims is an experienced ecology and environmental consultancy, providing expert advice and practical solutions to help clients navigate complex ecological requirements with confidence.
We specialise in ecological and environmental management across a wide range of sectors, supporting projects from early planning through to delivery. Our role is to resolve constraints, ensure compliance with national guidance, and identify opportunities to enhance biodiversity and restore environmental value.
With over 20 years of experience, we combine technical expertise with a pragmatic, supportive approach — helping landowners, developers and project teams achieve outcomes that are both responsible and achievable.
PUBLIC SECTOR
Enims is the trusted partner for public sector organisations, providing ecological and environmental consultancy services that ensure compliance, sustainability, and positive outcomes for communities.
We work with hospitals, schools, and local authorities to deliver clear, practical solutions that balance development needs with environmental responsibilities. From ecological surveys and mitigation strategies to biodiversity enhancements and long‑term management plans, our team ensures projects meet legislative requirements while supporting wider community and environmental goals.
BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN
Biodiversity Net Gain is now a mandatory requirement under national planning policy, and every project must demonstrate compliance with the latest guidelines.Â
At Enims, we make this process clear and achievable. We work with landowners and developers across housing and highways to embed BNG into their projects in a way that is both compliant and practical.
By assessing the specific needs of each site, we identify opportunities for ecological enhancement and guide clients through the steps required. Our approach is pragmatic and supportive — helping you meet national standards while maximising the biodiversity value of your project.
AQUATIC SUPPORT
Enims provides a comprehensive range of aquatic ecology services to support projects at every stage. Our team can deliver surveys and assessments that identify the ecological value of watercourses, ponds, lakes and other aquatic habitats, ensuring compliance with planning requirements and environmental legislation.
Where risks or constraints are identified, we work pragmatically with clients to design mitigation strategies that protect biodiversity while keeping projects on track. From early scoping through to detailed reporting, our approach is practical, supportive and aligned with national guidance — giving you confidence that aquatic considerations are fully addressed without unnecessary complexity.
LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT
Enims provides expert management for woodlands, hedgerows, wetlands, waterways and grasslands. Our services include:
• Creation and implementation of Landscape Management Plans
• Habitat Management Plans
• Invasive and injurious weed management
• Ground maintenance tendering and procurement
• Landscape strategies
• Site clearance plans, specifications and supervision
We combine ecological expertise with practical delivery, ensuring landscapes are managed sustainably and projects run smoothly.
MITIGATION LICENSESÂ
Certain protected species in the UK — such as bats, Great Crested Newts, dormice, otters, water voles and some birds — are safeguarded under national and European legislation. This protection makes it illegal to disturb, injure or kill them, or to damage or destroy their breeding sites and resting places.
When development works are likely to impact these species or their habitats, a mitigation licence may be required. Licences are issued by Natural England (or the relevant authority) and allow works to proceed lawfully, provided that appropriate mitigation and compensation measures are in place.
Why and when licences are needed:
• Why: To ensure legal compliance and to safeguard protected species during development.
• When: If surveys confirm the presence of a protected species, or if there is a high likelihood of disturbance or habitat loss as a result of the works.
Other requirements that may be needed alongside licences:
• Detailed mitigation plans — outlining how impacts will be avoided, reduced or compensated.
• Habitat creation or enhancement — such as new ponds for Great Crested Newts, bat boxes, or hedgerow planting for dormice.
• Timing restrictions — ensuring works avoid sensitive periods like breeding or hibernation seasons.
• Monitoring programmes — to demonstrate that mitigation measures are effective over time.
• Method statements — clear, practical instructions for contractors to follow on site.
At Enims, we guide clients through the entire process: from initial surveys and licence applications to designing practical mitigation strategies. Our role is to make compliance achievable while keeping projects on track and protecting biodiversity.
Preliminary Roost Assessment
• A PRA is usually carried out at the planning stage of a development and is often requested by the Local Planning Authority or because of compliance pre development
• The surveyor looks for evidence of bats (such as droppings, staining, or feeding remains) and assesses the suitability of structures for roosting.
• The outcome categorises the site’s potential and may recommend further surveys (like dusk emergence or dawn re‑entry surveys) if roosting is considered likely.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal is often the first step in understanding how a development may interact with the natural environment. It provides an overview of the habitats and species present on a site, highlighting any potential ecological constraints that could affect your project.
Through a PEA, we assess the likely impacts of development and identify where further surveys or mitigation may be required. This early insight helps project teams plan confidently, meet Local Planning Authority requirements, and ensure that ecological considerations are addressed from the outset.
Bat Survey
Bats and their roosts are strictly protected under UK law, meaning it is illegal to disturb, damage or destroy them — whether bats are present at the time or not. Because of this, bat surveys are required during the planning process if there is evidence of bats on site or if a building, tree, or structure has the potential to support them.
A survey helps determine whether bats are present, the type of roosts they use, and what mitigation or licensing may be needed to allow works to proceed lawfully.
Great Crested Newt Survey
If your project has the potential to affect GCNs or their habitat, a survey will be required. These surveys confirm whether newts are present and assess the likely impact of development. The findings guide any mitigation measures and, if needed, licence applications to ensure your project complies with legislation.
Reptile Survey
Great Crested Newts (GCNs) are fully protected under UK and European legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations. This protection makes it illegal to capture, injure or kill them, or to disturb or destroy their breeding sites and resting places.
If your project has the potential to affect GCNs or their habitat — such as ponds and the surrounding land — a survey will be required. These surveys establish whether newts are present and assess the likely impact of development. The results guide mitigation measures and, where necessary, licence applications to ensure compliance with the law.
Dormouse Survey
Dormice are a European Protected Species, and both the animals and their habitats are safeguarded under UK law. It is illegal to capture, injure or kill dormice, or to disturb or destroy their breeding sites and resting places.
Dormice are most commonly associated with boundary hedgerows, but they can also be found in woodlands, scrub and other suitable habitats. Because of this, any proposed works that could affect these areas must take dormice into account.
Where there is potential for dormice to be present, surveys are required to confirm their status and assess the likely impact of development. The results guide mitigation measures and, if necessary, licence applications to ensure compliance with legislation.
Water Vole and Otter Surveys
Water Voles and Otters are legally protected under UK legislation, meaning it is an offence to deliberately capture, injure or kill them, or to damage, disturb or obstruct access to their resting places and habitats.
Because of this, any works near rivers, streams, ponds or other watercourses must consider the potential presence of these species. Surveys are undertaken to establish whether Water Voles or Otters are present, assess the suitability of habitats, and identify any risks posed by development.
The results provide ecologists with the information needed to design appropriate mitigation measures and, where necessary, licence applications. This ensures projects remain compliant with the law while safeguarding these important species.
Bird Survey
Bird surveys are undertaken to establish which species are using the areas around proposed development works. This is an important step, as all wild birds in the UK are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with certain species receiving additional protection due to their conservation status.
Some bird populations are in decline, and works that could disturb nesting or roosting sites must be carefully managed. Surveys provide ecologists with the information needed to assess potential impacts, identify constraints, and design mitigation measures to ensure compliance with legislation.
Badger Surveys
Badgers are a protected species under UK law, and any development or land management activity near a sett must be carefully assessed. Our badger surveys provide the clarity you need to move forward with confidence, ensuring your project complies fully with legal requirements while safeguarding local wildlife.
Why Badger Surveys Matter
• Legal protection: Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. Disturbance or damage can result in prosecution.
• Planning requirements: Local authorities often require badger surveys to support planning applications, particularly where works may affect habitats.
• Responsible development: Surveys help balance ecological responsibility with project progress, giving you a clear pathway to compliance.
What We Do
• Site assessment: We identify and map badger setts, foraging areas, and commuting routes.
• Activity monitoring: Using field signs and, where appropriate, remote cameras, we assess the level of badger activity.
• Clear reporting: You’ll receive a concise, accessible report outlining findings, risks, and recommended next steps.
• Licensing support: If works may impact badgers, we guide you through Natural England licence applications and mitigation strategies.
Home Owners – Getting started
We don’t just work on big developments — we’re here for smaller projects too. If you’re a homeowner planning an extension or a small build, we can help you understand any ecological requirements and make sure your project runs smoothly.
Our team can check for protected species, advise on simple steps to look after local wildlife, and suggest easy ways to add biodiversity back into your space. We also help you meet the expectations of your Local Planning Authority, making sure ecological considerations are addressed properly so your application isn’t delayed.
It’s about keeping things practical, straightforward, and supportive — so you can get on with your plans while knowing you’re doing the right thing for nature and for compliance.
Enims partners with architects and planners to provide ecological and environmental expertise for small and medium‑sized developments. Whether you’re designing housing schemes, extensions, or community projects, we help you navigate ecological requirements with clarity and confidence.
Our team delivers surveys, assessments and practical solutions that ensure compliance with planning regulations and Local Planning Authority expectations. From protected species surveys to biodiversity enhancements, we provide the information and guidance needed to keep projects moving smoothly while safeguarding the environment.
We also support those working directly with householders and private clients, offering straightforward advice that makes ecological compliance accessible and achievable. With over 20 years of experience, Enims is the trusted choice for professionals who want reliable ecological input without unnecessary complexity.
Consultations
Active Clients
Written Articles
Cups of Coffee
Interested in a career with us?