An ecological clerk of works, undertaking construction site supervision, is crucial to the minimization of ecological impacts and the success of habitat reinstatement and creation in many development projects. Close liaison and good communications with contractors is vital. Employing an ecological clerk of works can minimize future complications, particularly on sensitive sites.

Specific duties performed by the Ecological Clerk of Works include:

To oversee the construction period and advise on the resolution of ecological issues as they arise, to protect the on-site features, habitats and species.

To provide on-site guidance to contractors, to ensure legal compliance with respect to protected species.

To ensure that all landscaping and ecological works, including habitat creation projects and mitigation for protected species, are undertaken in accordance with the Conservation and Ecological Management Plan and the various method statements agreed with the Local Planning Authority.

To maintain liaison with officers of the Local Planning Authority, with respect to the above.

The provision of an Ecological Clerk of Works undoubtedly prevents unnecessary damage to worksite’s ecological resource during the construction phase. Indeed, a site’s conservation value can actually be enhanced through a range of projects identified on the ground, by the Ecological Clerk of Works.