Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)

Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) is a fundamental role on sites where ecological receptors are affected by a development.

The presence of an ECoW is often a requirement of planning conditions, or a European Protected Species (EPS) licence, whereby the ECoW provides the mechanism to discharge conditions.

When an Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) is required to oversee a project, Veon Ecology can assist with the management and compliance of all ecological aspects of the scheme’s activities (pre-, during and post- development, as required). We also provide monitoring of sensitive habitats, protected species, and breeding birds.

Veon Ecology’s competent ECoWs can effectively oversee the management of the risks on development sites associated with managing biodiversity to ensure a compliant and cost-efficient process.

Our Ecologists can work as independent ECoW’s or manage all aspects of the Environmental Clerk of Works roles. We can guide and advise you on how to avoid or lessen potential impacts through the supervision of ecological mitigation and compensation.

Our team are Safe Pass qualified and highly experienced.

We can communicate ecological and/or environmental method statements to all contractors, project managers, and staff working within the site through site inductions, toolbox talks and staff meetings to ensure compliance.

An ECoW is essentially the ‘eyes and ears of a project’ on the ground.

Veon Ecology’s ECoW services include:

• Ecological site inductions/toolbox talks and outlining method statements to all relevant personnel

• Site monitoring and overseeing works to monitor for protected species and ensure method statements are carried out effectively and in compliance with environmental legislation

• Advice on protected species

• Advice on watercourse protection

• Direct field surveys for protected species and nesting birds in areas prior to work commencement

• Provision of regular updates to stakeholders and the project team

• Completion of relevant documentation on an ongoing basis, including detailed reports on all site activities

• Input into meetings

• Problem-solving and provision of solutions to any issues that arise during and post-development

• Provision of information if the ECoW is required to directly engage with the public during the course of the works

Veon Ecology’s ECoW staff are members of the Association of Environmental Clerk of Works (AECoW) and The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Day and Consultancy Rates available on request.