Service 04
Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)
On-site ecological supervision that turns approved mitigation into something the contractor can actually build to.
What is it?
An Ecological Clerk of Works provides the site-level expertise that translates approved mitigation into practice. This includes pre-commencement visits, contractor toolbox talks, supervision of vegetation clearance, checking exclusion fencing, and monitoring during sensitive phases.
When is it required?
Usually secured as a planning condition on consented developments where ecological mitigation or a protected species licence is in place. Often specified for sites in or adjacent to designated areas.
What happens
- 01Pre-commencement site visit and contractor briefing
- 02Supervision of vegetation clearance and sensitive works
- 03Checking exclusion fencing and mitigation features are correctly installed
- 04Records kept throughout for condition discharge
What happens next
The final report is what discharges the condition, so it is written with the case officer in mind.
Related services
Often commissioned alongside this
02
Protected Species Surveys
Species-specific surveys carried out to national methodology, within the seasonal windows planning authorities expect.
08
Reporting & Documentation
Documents written to be understood by the planning officer, not just to be technically correct.
06
Biodiversity & Enhancement
The statutory 10% net gain calculation, and the management plan that keeps it in place for 30 years.
Need ecological clerk of works (ecow) for a project?
Send your site postcode and a short description of the scheme. We will tell you what is required and what it will take.