We have extensive experience in the preparation of Conservation Management Plans (CMPs) for a range of clients including those in the commercial sector, local authorities and non-governmental organisations.

CMPs can be produced in a number of formats although use of the Conservation Management System (CMS) is a specialism. The CMS framework and associated software (CMS2000/ CMSv7) has been designed to highlight key ecological objectives and provides a structure for:

Planning to achieve the desired state.

Recording what is undertaken to achieve it.

Monitoring to ensure that management is effective.

The CMS planning format is based on ‘features’, with the most important features providing a focus for the planning process. An ‘objective’ is developed for each feature, drawing on the following key concepts:

The desired state – ‘favourable status’, defined on a site-specific basis.

All significant ‘factors’ affecting the ability to manage the feature together with ‘operational limits’ – a range of acceptable values for each factor.

‘Attributes’ that provide evidence and allow the current condition and status of the feature to be determined.

The ‘rationale’ outlining the management required to keep factors within stated ‘operational limits’ and to address any differences between current and desired states.

Monitoring both the factors and attributes is fundamental to the process. Developing measurable objectives enables a holistic and adaptive management approach.



Kent County Council:

We have produced CMPs in Kent using the CMS framework for sites that are variously designated at national and county levels e.g. SSSIs, SNCIs, Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Ancient Woodland. For each site the CMP was designed to create workable objectives to manage the nature conservation features, whilst maintaining public access and enhancing enjoyment. We have also developed woodland management plans for Kent County Council to enable certification under the UK Woodland Assurance Standard as part of the requirement of the new English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS).

The National Trust, Weston Estate and Newtimber Hill:

Both of these projects involved biological surveys and nature conservation evaluations, along with the provision of site management strategies to assist the National Trust in developing management plans. Weston Estate is internationally protected as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), whilst Newtimber Hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Tring Park:

We provided the ecology input to management of an historic Bridgeman landscape with overriding nature conservation interest. Tring Park incorporates ancient woodland and chalk grassland that is designated as an SSSI and is subject to considerable public use.