Conservation management is rarely straightforward. The species present on a particular site may have differing habitat requirements or it may not be clear what management practice may best achieve a desired habitat structure or vegetation community. There may also be conflicting demands on the site from the activities that visitors wish to undertake. We are familiar with such tensions since all our staff come from a background in conservation management and have a broad experience of management issues across a wide range of habitats.
We understand the types of problems that the site managers might face, from nature reserves with national and international conservation designations to small urban sites with modest interest and heavy public pressure. We are able to bring a scientific approach to such cases, drawing on wide experience and involving other experts where appropriate. We can conduct literature reviews and consultation, initiate monitoring and surveys, or the vegetation recording and mapping needed to underpin habitat management.
Examples of our work in these areas include a literature review of deer grazing on heathlands, options appraisals for SSSI and SAC management, and condition assessments. We have recently prepared conservation management plans for several sites, some including multiple ownership or management responsibilities spanning different organisations with varied requirements from the site. These range from designated heathlands and islands to city centre locations with varied public access issues.
