Specialist Ecology Services in Scotland
High-quality, professional ecological surveying, reporting and mitigation from leading UK bat experts.
About Us
We are an ecological consultancy based in the Scottish Borders providing high quality, cost effective surveys for private and commercial entities. We have over 17 years’ experience and a proven track record of successful applications and mitigation.
We deliver effective conservation with high standards, good value, professionalism and approachability at our core.
Services
-
We offer a full suite of mammal, bird, amphibian and reptile surveys covering all protected species. Species covered include bats, badgers, otters, water voles, great crested newts, pine martens, and other protected species.
-
We provide high quality, easy-to-read reporting on all of our ecological assessments. Covering Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Phase 1 Habitat Surveys and Extended Phase 1 Surveys, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), and National Vegetation Community (NVC) surveys.
-
After your surveys, we will support you through all stages of licensing, mitigation, and subsequent monitoring where required.
-
We are specialists in large-scale or advanced bat surveys and complex licensing processes, as well as bat call analysis, survey planning, tree surveys, passive monitoring, and radio tracking.
-
For industry professionals we offer handling and licensing training through workshops and masterclasses.
We provide cross-industry training and CPD for architecture, pest control, construction, forestry, and other adjacent industries.
Our Mission
We are on a mission to simplify ecology for our clients while maintaining high standards and effectively conserving UK wildlife.
We do this by providing cost-effective, bespoke quotations for all work, providing clear guidance on the surveys you need and next steps, and by being there to answer your questions as they arise.
We are firmly committed to preventing and reducing habitat destruction, protecting our clients from bureaucracy and ‘cowboy ecology’, and ensuring all mitigation measures are effective and evidence-based.
Testimonials
“David has routinely provided timely, proactive and helpful advice to assist and enable building fabric projects to progress in a compliant manner and remains my first point of contact for any ecological requirements.”
Craig Mattocks, Cademuir Building Consultants, Peebles
“Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has used David Dodds Associates and their services for projects that required their extensive and specialist expertise. David has not only assisted in a prompt and professional manner he also provided welcomed insight into the world of bat protection, articulating how best to approach situations to ensure SRUC deliver projects whilst the species, environment and landscape remain protected.”
Leanne Price, Scotland’s Rural College, Penicuik
“Montgomery Forgan Associates has worked with David for many years on planning projects for mutual clients. David’s work is first class, always delivered on time and is keenly priced.”
David Queripel, Montgomery Forgan Associates, Cupar
“Thank you for your help in doing the survey, and the speed of your response. Charlotte seemed very knowledgeable. She was very helpful and happy to respond to our questions! Your report gave us all the answers we needed.”
Chris Gunstone, Tyningham Village Hall Committee, East Lothian
“Rural development commonly intertwines with ecology and it is possible for both to co-exist. David Dodds Associates assist with compliance in this area, whether it be survey, licence, report or practical intervention, their advice and expertise is second to none.”
Jamie Murray, Murray Land and Buildings, Melrose
“We have worked with David and his team on many projects, and he is a real expert in the field. From enquiry, to survey, to receiving the report, they are always professional and provide a high-quality service.”
Arancha Arnal, Blythe & Blythe Consulting Engineers, Edinburgh
Read our latest articles
