Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Why are dates important for trapping and mitigation works?

Some activities can only be carried out at certain times of the year. For example, tree felling cannot take place when breeding birds are nesting. Trees and hedgerows need to be planted in the winter when dormant so they can establish their roots before the spring. Water voles are much less active in the winter and breed from May to August, so cannot be trapped in these seasons. Great crested newts head for water to breed from February to June, so any trapping or work on ponds needs to allow for this.
The requirements of the different species are complex and vary. See the survey and mitigation calendars on the link on the right of this page for details.

As part of a development, we have to create two ponds for great crested newts. Who will know if we don’t?

In short, the licence holders and Natural England.
The licence holders will be an ecologist or environmental consultant, and a manager in your company. They are licensed by Natural England to carry out works which affect European protected species based on an agreed approach. If the works are not completed as agreed and when agreed, the licence holders will be liable and can be prosecuted by Natural England.

At what stage are you called in to a project?

The earlier the better. At an early stage we can discuss requirements, make sure that any complications are allowed for and recommend the most cost-effective approach. Sometimes we are called in at the last minute and can still deliver, but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to get teams and equipment organised in time, and the costs may be higher than if we had had time to agree approaches and plan in detail. In addition, seasonal restrictions may prevent us from carrying out the works; see the mitigation calendar for details.

Do you undertake small jobs as well as large projects?

We are happy to quote for any size of job from half a day for one man to a complex project involving several specialist teams and large plant taking several months. In either case we will follow the same procedure: we will agree the details of the project, issue a quotation and have a file on site with details of the job, staff, risk assessments and specific requirements.

How do we know you will do a good job?

Thomson Habitats was set up specifically to offer an ecological contracting service that is responsive not only to our clients’ needs and legislative requirements, but also is sensitive to wildlife and their habitats.
Our teams are qualified and experienced and our systems ensure we work to the brief, to time and to the appropriate quality standards. Without our seeking feedback, clients and Natural England have commented positively on what we have achieved.