The Thomson Ecology Handbook

UPDATED JUNE 2017

The world's biodiversity is highly valued but is also highly threatened by various types of human activity. As a consequence, statutory measures are in place to protect habitats and wildlife. These measures range from global to local, and give protection to whole ecosystems or single species.

Because there are now legal obligations in place for proposed developments to enhance the biodiversity of the site, and many species are protected by law, it is essential that project managers understand the importance of considering ecology early on in a project. Failure to address these issues can lead to expensive and lengthy project delays.

The Thomson Ecology Handbook provides a general overview of current wildlife legislation, guidance and practical techniques, and is aimed at helping project managers understand and plan for ecology.

The book describes in simple terms, essential advice about the law on ecology in relation to construction and development. The book also offers practical advice on protected species, helping the project manager to understand more about what ecological surveys and mitigation may be needed. The book can be referred to on site or in meetings and makes sense of what could be seen as a complicated and unknown area for many project managers and people working in construction and development.

The book describes wildlife law (planning law, animal welfare law, and case law), planning policy and guidance, protected sites, species and habitats, surveys for each species, mitigation and biodiversity enhancement, and practical techniques for each species, including bats, badgers and great crested newts.

You don't need to read it cover to cover, just go straight to the section which you need help with - when you need to.