Ecology

Contents
01 Why Atkins?

02 Drivers for ecology

03 How we can help

Our experience

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04 Cities
05 Mass transit

06 Energy

08 Futures
07 Water

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01
Why Atkins?
Our team of over 60 ecologists, including terrestrial and aquatic
specialists, can provide support at any stage of a project, from
feasibility through to planning, consultation and implementation.

Expert witness

Assessing and interpreting ecological issues provides vital

information to feed into masterplan designs, planning applications,
development frameworks or Environmental Impact Assessments
(EIA). The early identification of constraints and opportunities aids
decision making and is essential in avoiding costly delays during
planning and construction.

Ecological Clerk of Works

We combine the highest technical standards with a pragmatic

approach, ensuring that our clients and biodiversity benefit from
our solutions.

Habitats Regulations Assessment of plans and projects, including

full Appropriate Assessment
Habitat creation, restoration and translocation
Post development monitoring
Habitat management plans
Biodiversity Action Plans
Training workshops
Assessment of habitats and ecosystem services
Ecotourism, protected area and national park management
strategy and planning

Using an extensive range of skills and methodologies across

terrestrial and aquatic environments, our services include:

Environment and habitat management and protection measures

Ecological survey and assessment

Water resources impact monitoring

Advice on protected sites and species

Water level management planning

Supporting statements for planning applications

Ecology input to BREEAM and CEEQUAL

Water quality impact monitoring

Ecological Impact Assessments as part of EIAs

Protected species development licences

02
Drivers for ecology
The key driver for ecology in consultancy work is legislation.
Atkins is a leading international engineering and
environmental consultancy and is involved in infrastructure,
development and maintenance projects throughout the world.
Those projects and works involving land, water and structures
are subject to legal frameworks for designated sites, protected
habitats and species and controlled invasive species.
The role of ecologists in projects includes: managing legal
requirements; reducing risks to project delivery; and finding
opportunities for biodiversity enhancement in the context
of the project. Involving ecologists at the earliest stage of
planning and design is the most efficient and effective way of
achieving these goals.
Biodiversity is the variety of living species and ecosystems.
Biodiversity legislation and policy is generally introduced to
protect rare, threatened or notable habitats and species - or
those with economic benefits. The economic value of biodiversity
is starting to be recognised through ecosystem services that
range from relatively simple services such as crop pollination
to more complex services such as soil formation, natural sinks
for waste and climate regulation. As humans depend on these
services for food, clean water and clean air, ecosystem services
will become a driver for ecological consultancy.

03
How we can help
Constraints and
Opportunities Assessment
Early identification of ecological issues can save
time and money at the planning and construction
stages of any development
A Constraints and Opportunities Assessment identifies any
designated sites that may be affected by a proposed project,
and the presence or likely presence of species that are
protected under legislation. This allows us to assess the risk of
ecological issues causing problems and to make appropriate
recommendations for further survey and mitigation to
manage these risks. The assessment helps clients with robust
site selection and allows mitigation and enhancement to be
considered within design.
A Constraints and Opportunities Assessment is a useful first
step whatever the size of the project, including infrastructure
projects, planning applications and EIAs, masterplanning
projects and permitted development.

Environmental Impact Assessment

Ecology is a vital part of the EIA. It comprises desk study
and surveys to characterise and evaluate existing ecological
features. We then ensure we have a sound understanding
of the proposed development in order to make a confident
impact assessment.

Our ecologists have experience of assessing the ecological

effects of all types of development and of working with
engineers, planners and designers to provide practical and
innovative solutions.

Habitats Regulations Assessment,

including full Appropriate Assessment
A Habitats Regulations Assessment is required where a project
or plan may have a significant effect on a site that is of
ecological importance in a European or international context that is Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation
and Ramsar sites.
Atkins experience of screening for Habitats Regulations
Assessment and of full Appropriate Assessments for
developers and local planning authorities throughout the
UK ranges in scale from new access paths to major urban
extensions, and from Area Action Plans to county-wide
minerals and waste plans.

Protected species
Appropriate survey methods and an understanding
of ecology allows mitigation by design
When a project has the potential to affect a legally protected
species, survey and assessment are required to determine what
the effects are likely to be and what measures are required to
mitigate these effects. In some cases, a licence is required from
the statutory nature conservation agency to permit the works.
Atkins has the expertise to deal with issues relating to all
legally protected species, including surveys of their presence
and absence, population assessments, habitat evaluation,
identification of impacts and recommendations for avoidance
of impacts and mitigation measures. We can obtain licences
from the appropriate statutory nature conservation agencies
and undertake and supervise the mitigation works.

Early ecological consultancy makes it simpler to avoid or

mitigate against compromising our natural heritage. It also
allows an informed Habitat Regulations Assessment screening,
which can often render full Appropriate Assessment
unnecessary and reduce costs.

Green Infrastructure:
habitat creation, translocation
and management
Finding innovative mitigation solutions

Aquatic ecology
We understand that effective, sustainable management of
watercourses, standing waterbodies and wetlands requires
expert and detailed knowledge of freshwater ecology. Our
experienced team provides a pragmatic, flexible approach
to meet the needs of your specific project.
Atkins aquatic ecology group is a skilled, multidisciplinary
team of ecologists, hydro-ecologists, hydrologists and GIS /
remote sensing specialists. Our team is able to work under
a range of consultancy frameworks and contracts and
can call on the skills and experiences of over 16,000 other
employees worldwide. We can always match our skills to
the needs of your project, large or small.

Green Infrastructure provides more than mitigation for

ecological effects. A good Green Infrastructure design
combines a number of important ideas and links some of the
essential components of sustainability including human health
and the resilience of built developments to climate change.
Ecological mitigation that can be incorporated within a Green
Infrastructure design includes mitigation for habitat loss and
habitat severance.
For example, as part of the mitigation for a development
scheme, it may sometimes be necessary to undertake works
that will offset the loss or possible degradation of existing
habitat. Such measures could include habitat creation
or translocation plus associated design, site-supervision,
maintenance and management.

Alternatively, off-site mitigation can be possible where a

suitable solution is either not practicable or desirable within
a development boundary. Habitats which cannot be retained
on a site can be created using tried and tested techniques
which have been incorporated into sector guidance, e.g.
minerals industry, Highways Agency design manual for
roads and bridges.
Hedges, trees and ponds can be moved to new locations
rather than losing these features. Such habitat translocation
retains the key components of ecological resources - the roots
and shoots of plants and trees - which can regenerate and
regrow faster than newly planted or freshly sown habitats.
Innovative techniques such as green bridges to link habitats
over railways and roads and creating green roofs and green
walls on buildings can be employed.
We have the expertise to deal with such issues and to provide
effective and economical advice on habitat management
and monitoring.

Atkins also provides pragmatic, cost-effective freshwater

ecological advice for any project or plan that concerns inland freshwaters. Our approach is flexible and our role can
change from solution focused and short-term to highlyspecialised and long-term. We also have specialists
in coastal and marine ecology.

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04
Our experience
Cities
London 2012 Olympic Park
Client: Olympic Delivery Authority
Consultant for the design of the Olympic Park and site wide
infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Atkins is providing ecological management for the duration of
the Enabling Works of the London 2012 Olympic Park to ensure
adequate protection, mitigation and enhancement of biodiversity as
well as ensuring critical programming requirements are adhered to.
Various aspects of these works include retention and management
of areas of existing ecological value; translocation of a number
of species; the treatment and eradication of invasive species and
the creation of habitats and hibernacula within and outside of
the London 2012 Olympic Park in order to enhance ecological
connectivity through the site and links to adjacent areas.
Within the EIA for the London 2012 Olympic Park, Atkins ecology
team undertook the role of Ecology Challenge Champion. This
role involved technical review during the production of the final
Environmental Statement, checking the scientific robustness of the
ecological work and coordinating communication between the
project ecologists and other consultants.

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Cheesemans Green
Client: Crest Nicholson and Church Commissioners
The Cheesemans Green development is located
near Ashford in Kent. Once complete, it will provide
approximately 1,100 houses and 70,000 m2 of business
floor space with mixed-use, community and commercial
facilities; access roads; footpaths; cycle routes;
landscaping; and public open space.
Atkins has been working on this project for over five
years, working alongside Crest Nicholson, the Church
Commissioners and the Kent Wildlife Trust to ensure
the delivery of a sustainable development with value
for nature conservation. We have been responsible
for the ongoing survey work within the site including
surveys for great crested newts, dormice, otters, bats,
water voles, badgers, reptiles and birds. These surveys
have been used to inform the four reserved matters
planning applications that have been submitted within
the outline planning permission.
Survey work has determined that the site supports
populations of great crested newts, dormice, bats, badgers
and reptiles. There are also habitats of importance within
the site including Captains Wood, which forms part of a
Local Wildlife Site.
Atkins is now working with the client to discharge planning
conditions and to put the necessary protection measures in
place for species and habitats to ensure development gets
underway. This has involved the production of a site wide
ecology strategy, which will outline the green infrastructure
to be provided within the site, including the areas of
habitat to be created and enhanced. The strategy will also
outline how these habitats will be managed to promote the
biodiversity value of the site.

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Coed Darcy
Client: St Modwen Developments Ltd
St. Modwen Developments Ltd (St. Modwen) is transforming the former
BP Llandarcy Oil Refinery, between Swansea and Neath in South Wales,
into the picturesque urban village of Coed Darcy. Crymlyn Bog, part
owned by St Modwen, is an internationally important wetland located
immediately adjacent to the proposed village. As a Ramsar site and
Special Area for Conservation (SAC), its proximity is a prime asset
to the development. This closeness provides challenges for the
remediation of the refinery site as well as the planning, design,
construction and long-term operation of the development.
A key issue for the development is maintaining the quality and
quantity of the drainage inflows to the bog from the site. A
number of studies have been undertaken by the principal
regulators, the Countryside Council for Wales and the
Environment Agency Wales, working closely with St. Modwen,
to understand the hydrological requirements of the bog and
the overall nutrient loading. The results of these studies
were used to develop the remediation programme. A
surface water drainage strategy is being developed such
that any discharges to Crymlyn Bog will be attenuated
and controlled to mimic, as closely as possible, the flow
conditions existing prior to the refinery being operational.
With closure of the refinery, the sources of hydrocarbons
have been removed and remediation of the site will deal
with contamination in the ground, thus improving the
quality of the discharges to the bog.

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05
Our experience
Mass transit
Cross London Rail Links - various sites

Crown Farm Quarry

Client: Tarmac Limited
Atkins was commissioned to produce the ecology chapter for an
Environmental Statement (ES) in support of an application for the
extension of planning permission to allow mineral extraction at
Crown Farm Quarry in Cheshire.
Great crested newts, a European Protected Species (EPS), were
discovered at the site following presence / absence surveys for
the species during the spring. A Natural England development
licence was therefore required in order to allow the continuation
of mineral extraction at the site.
Atkins successfully completed the ecology chapter, and planning
permission was granted until 2014. In addition to this, we
prepared a method statement, including associated mitigation,
and successfully obtained the required great crested newt
development licence.

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Following this original commission, Atkins has continually worked

as Tarmacs ecological consultant at the Crown Farm Quarry site
and has an excellent working relationship with the client. To date,
we have undertaken the following work at the quarry:
Preparation of the ecological chapter of the ES

Client: Network Rail

Crossrail is a major rail infrastructure project involving the
construction of new railway connections under central
London. It is said to be the largest addition to the south
east rail network in 50 years. The project involves a multiple
worksite programme with construction works running
concurrently across the whole route. Atkins is the lead design
engineer for a number of these schemes including Acton
Yard Dive-under, West Track Lowering and North
East Stations.

route. Our ecologists are contributing to the Environmental

Management Plans for each scheme, planning and
programming ecological mitigation to complement the
construction timetable. Atkins, in accordance with the
Crossrail Act 2008, is continuously looking for possible
locations on the schemes where biodiversity enhancement
opportunities are possible.
Atkins has carried out reptile and bat surveys at Acton Yard
Dive-under, Phase 1 walkover surveys at West Track
Lowering and a walkover survey at 10 station
sites linked to the North East Stations
scheme.

In line with the design development, Atkins has undertaken

ecological surveys to verify and update the findings of
the Crossrail Environmental Statement at various
line side and station locations along the

Natural England development licence for

great crested newts
Design and implementation of great crested newt mitigation
Great crested newt population size class assessments
Ecological training of Tarmac site based personnel
Habitat design, restoration and creation
Extended phase one habitat surveys
Bat roost inspections
Biodiversity and habitat management plan
Regular site visits and contact with Tarmac site personnel

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M25 Widening Scheme

Client: Connect Plus for the Highways Agency
Atkins is designing the M25 widening from junctions 16 to 23
and from junctions 27 to 30. The construction commenced in
May 2009 and is scheduled to finish in May 2012.
Atkins has undertaken extensive ecological surveys to verify
the findings of the Environmental Statements and provided
the advance environmental designs. These set out the
works required in advance of the construction, particularly
mitigation for protected species and the ecological designs,
which detail the compensation measures and enhancements
of habitats.
We have translocated reptiles and great crested newts from
the verge into enhanced habitat at receptor sites and closed
outlying setts under licence to prevent injury to badgers.
We have also extended a tunnel that allows safe access for
badgers under the motorway. Measures have been taken to
minimise the impact on water voles and enhancements to
watercourses have been carried out to benefit this species.
We are designing habitat creation schemes, including
calcareous grassland on new embankments and cuttings,
replacing trees and shrubs and extensive hedgerows.
Overall this will provide an increase in biodiversity along the
motorway corridor. Throughout the design and construction
process, consultation has been undertaken with the statutory
environmental bodies and local wildlife organisations.

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A40 London to Fishguard Trunk Road

Improvements at the Kell, Treffgarne
Client: South Wales Trunk Road Agency
Atkins was the consultant for the environmental input
to an offline improvement project of a trunk road in
Pembrokeshire, South Wales. This included Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental Clerk of Works,
Water Quality Monitoring and Post Construction Monitoring.
We identified numerous protected species and vulnerable
habitats during a suite of ecological surveys to inform the
EIA. There were potential impacts on badger setts, otters, bat
foraging habitats and an internationally important river habitat.
The challenge was to deliver the construction of the new road
whilst minimising the short term and long term impacts on the
species identified.

A470 Gelligemlyn Interim and Improvement Schemes

Client: Gwynedd Consultancy
The A470 trunk road is the main north to south route
through Wales. Atkins was appointed on behalf of the Welsh
Assembly Government (WAG) to undertake the ecological
input to the Environmental Statement and to complete the
statement to inform an Appropriate Assessment for both
the A470 Gelligemlyn Interim & Improvement Schemes.
The section of route in question runs through a steep
sided valley, is bordered on one side by the Meirionnydd
Oakwoods and Bat Sites Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
and lies in close proximity to the Afon Eden Cors Goch
Trawsfynydd SAC.

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We provided a wide variety of specialised ecological surveys

including bats, otters, lichens, bryophytes, badgers, breeding
birds, water voles and reptiles which enabled us to fully
assess the potential impact of the schemes, design out
ecological constraints and identify appropriate mitigation
measures within a heavily constrained design and construction
programme. This was aided through continued liaison with
all interested parties including WAG, Gwynedd Consultancy,
the Countryside Council for Wales, the National Trust, the
Environment Agency Wales and the Snowdonia National
Park Authority.

A close working relationship with the Countryside Council for

Wales, the Environment Agency Wales, the site contractors and the
client meant that the mitigation measures could be integrated in to
the scheme design and that mammal tunnels, specialist fencing,
otter ledges and new hedge banks could be installed under
ecological supervision.
Meanwhile, our ecologists worked with colleagues from our water teams
and the Environment Agency Wales to monitor, during construction, the
water quality of the nearby River Cleddau that forms part of the Cleddau
Rivers Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Mitigation was installed and
monitored to control silt run-off during the construction phases.

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06
Our experience
Energy
Alternative sites for new nuclear power stations
Client: Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)
Atkins was commissioned to support DECC in identifying alternative
sites to the 11 nominated sites in the UK governments Strategic
Siting Assessment (SSA) process for new nuclear power stations. This
exercise was primarily carried out to meet the EC Habitats Directive
requirement to consider alternatives if sites are proposed that would
result in harm to the integrity of Natura 2000 sites.
In order to identify alternative sites, Atkins used information from
energy companies, historic site studies carried out by the Central
Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) and in-house technical expertise
to carry out a national screening study of England and Wales.
Detailed knowledge of the Habitats Directive was essential.

Coastal Defence Works for Network Rail

Client: Network Rail
Kyle of Lochalsh
Essential repair works were needed for a number of rock
armour coastal defences on the railway line in the Kyle of
Lochalsh and Duirinish area. Network Rail received a survey
instruction from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to assess
the impact of works on the resident otter population, a
European Protected Species, and also identify the presence
of Biodiversity Action Plan habitats. Atkins undertook the
required specialist otter survey and successfully completed an
application to the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural
Affairs Department (SEERAD) Wildlife Division for a licence
permitting works to proceed.

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Ardgay
Atkins undertook ecological surveys prior to coastal defence
works at Ardgay, including detailed otter surveys. Due to the
works being located within and adjacent to the Dornoch Firth
& Morrich More Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and the
potential for the works to result in a significant effect upon the
qualifying features of the site, a Habitats Regulations Assessment
was undertaken. A detailed method statement was provided as
part of this assessment, which was subsequently agreed by SNH.
The method statement documented the requirement for further
ecological surveys and ecological site supervision. Our ecologists
undertook site supervision works which included the provision of
tool box talks, establishing exclusion zones and advising on best
works practice to minimise the impact on the SAC.

A cutting edge customised GIS system was set up using existing

data sets to allow potential areas to be identified. Expert input was
provided on ecology, as well as other disciplines including flood risk,
population, air risk, coastal erosion, heritage and land-use planning.
Over thirty experts in fifteen different fields contributed.

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Longannet Power Station Life Extension Project

Client: ScottishPower
ScottishPower was proposing to install Select Catalytic
Reduction (SCR) technology to Longannet Power Station in
Fife. The technology, designed to reduce NOX emissions to meet
future European Community Directives, would extend the
operational lifespan of the power station until around 2030.
The life extension would result in the continued production
of fly ash (a by-product of combusted coal during the power
generation process) which was being deposited in purposebuilt lagoons at Longannet and 3km to the east at Valleyfield.
However, as these ash disposal facilities were nearing their
storage capacities, the project also explored options for the
future management and disposal of ash.
Longannet Power Station and the associated ash lagoons are
located on the north shore of the Forth Estuary where the
intertidal mudflats are designated as part of the Firth of Forth
Special Protection Area (SPA) of international importance for
its wetland bird populations.

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The initial ash strategy proposals involved extension of the

existing ash lagoons out into the Forth Estuary. However,
preliminary results from the wetland bird surveys identified
that this strategy was likely to have significant adverse effects
on the SPA and was likely to be of considerable concern to
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). As a result of our advice,
ScottishPower revised their proposals to avoid this conflict.
In addition, the proposals would result in the ultimate loss of
some wetland habitat that regularly supported 700 lapwings,
one of the qualifying features of the SPA. SNH required that
a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) was undertaken,
including winter bird surveys. The HRA assessed the results of
the surveys together with a critical evaluation of the lapwing
use of other retained habitats in the area and concluded that
there would be no adverse effects on the SPA, thus allowing
the proposals to go ahead as planned.

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Wind turbine schemes

Client: Partnerships for Renewables
Partnerships for Renewables commissioned Atkins to provide
ecological input throughout the design and planning application
of two of their wind turbine schemes, one at the Wheal
Jane site in Cornwall and one at Boddington Reservoir in
Northamptonshire. Our initial walkover surveys identified key
potential ecological constraints at both sites and enabled our
specialists to design and implement a suite of appropriate surveys.
Typical key constraints to wind turbine projects involve bat and
bird species at risk of collision with the turning blades and the side
effects of air pressure changes surrounding the blades. Early input
into the scheme allowed us to identify key migrating routes of
birds and commuting / foraging areas of importance to bats and
advise on the micro-siting of turbines in order to avoid these areas.
We mapped bats foraging areas, key commuting routes and
roosts and followed Natural England guidance in siting the
turbines as far as possible from these features. Monitoring
programmes will be implemented during the operational lifespan
of the turbines in order to monitor any adverse effects on bats.

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Adverse effects on birds were

extrapolated from vantage point
surveys, wintering bird surveys and
breeding bird surveys using collision
risk modelling based on appropriate
official guidance. Avoidance and mitigation
measures, including micro-siting of the turbines
and vegetation clearance around the turbines to
deter birds from nesting, were proposed to reduce
the risk to bird species.
Further to this, surveys were undertaken to determine the
presence / absence of other protected species in the area such as badgers and great crested newts. The location of any
evidence was then mapped and the infrastructure associated with
the project was assessed in terms of the effect on the protected
species while appropriate avoidance and mitigation measures
were incorporated into the masterplan. Such measures included
avoidance of key habitat areas, translocation of hedgerows and
implementation of stand-off zones around sensitive features.

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07
Our experience
Water
Environment Agency National Engineering
and Environmental Contract Agreement

We have worked on a number of schemes

under NEECA including the following.

Client: Environment Agency

Atkins is one of six consultants appointed to the Environment
Agency National Engineering and Environmental Contract
Agreement (NEECA). The framework is one of the largest
consultancy frameworks in the public sector. Our ecologists
routinely undertake a range of tasks under this framework
including:

Congresbury Yeo
Atkins ecologists undertook work on the scheme which
entailed the realignment of approximately 500 m of existing
defence along the Congresbury Yeo, 3 km north-east of
Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset. Inputs included: Phase 1
habitat survey; great crested newt and breeding bird surveys;
great crested newt licence application, trapping, translocation
and monitoring; and badger sett licence application and sett
closure. As the site forms a part of the Severn Estuary Special
Protection Area, Special Area of Conservation and Ramsar
site, a test of Likely Significant Effect was completed and
signed off by Natural England. As part of the scheme, 2.7 ha
of intertidal habitat is currently being created.

Phase I habitat surveys

Phase II vegetation surveys
Interpretation of results, identification of impacts and
recommendations for avoidance, management and / or mitigation
Coordination of environmental assessments for flood
risk management schemes
Identification and design of environmental enhancements
Habitats Regulations Assessments for flood risk management
schemes and strategies
Environmental Clerk of Works role
Preparation of Environmental Management Plans

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Hereford Flood Alleviation Scheme

The scheme involved the provision of raised defences on the south bank of the river in the centre of
Hereford. Atkins support included: Phase 1 habitat survey; river corridor survey; otter survey; badger
survey; bat surveys; aquatic invertebrate survey; and white clawed crayfish survey. The team also prepared
the biodiversity chapter for the Environmental Statement submitted with the planning application for
the scheme. During construction we provided emergency conservation work support, including checking
structures for bats prior to the start of works and providing advice on working restrictions in the vicinity
of breeding birds. Enhancements incorporated into the scheme design included the installation of nesting
tubes for birds such as kingfishers and sand martins with the new defence walls.
Other projects
Other projects recently worked on under the framework include the new Tredegar flood alleviation scheme
in South Wales, the Pill flood alleviation scheme in Bristol and the Caldicot defences in South Wales.

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Severn Estuary Shoreline Management Plan

Review (SMP2) and Flood Risk Management
Strategy (FRMS)
Client: Environment Agency and Monmouth Council
Atkins was commissioned by the Environment Agency (EA) to
produce a strategy to guide investment in flood risk management
around the Severn Estuary for the next 100 years. The project
involved the assessment of the predicted changes in the Estuary
and the development of responses to manage the risks to people,
properties and protected sites.
In a parallel, but linked contract, Atkins was commissioned
by the Severn Estuary Coastal Group to develop the Shoreline
Management Plan review for the Severn. This assessed current

and future risk associated with the coastal processes around the
estuary over the next 100 years and identified broad policies for
future management of coastline. In addition to the management
plans, associated assessments were produced, including a Strategic
Environmental Assessment, a Habitats Regulations Assessment and
a Habitat Delivery Plan identifying suitable sites for habitat creation
and compensation.
Issues addressed by the project included the conflict between the
natural and human environment in the context of climate change
and sea level rise, and the need to identify areas for future habitat
creation to offset losses within existing European sites that are likely
to arise as a result of coastal squeeze.

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08
Our experience
Futures
Character Area Climate Change Project
Client: Natural England
Atkins has been assisting Natural England with its flagship climate change
adaptation project since its inception in 2007. Through the Character
Area Climate Change Project, Natural England aims to assess the
natural environments vulnerability to the impacts of climate change
and develop adaptation responses at a landscape scale. The project
involved detailed studies of multiple areas across the country,
starting with four pilots in the Cumbria High Fells, Dorset Downs
and Cranbourne Chase, the Shropshire Hills and The Broads,
followed by eight further studies.
Throughout the project, Atkins has assisted Natural England
in planning ahead to deliver its aim of providing a natural
environment that is healthy now and will remain so in
the future, enjoyed by people and used sustainably. The
main benefit of the project has been the development
of a methodology for assessing the vulnerability of the
character and function of the natural environment to
the impacts of climate change, as well as developing
sustainable adaptation responses at a landscape
scale. By considering ecosystem services in addition
to landscape character, the adaptation plans help
Natural England to build natural environmental
resilience and to safeguard the benefits people
receive from the natural environment.

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Air Quality Assessment for Sensitive Ecosystems

Lydd Airport expansion proposals

Air quality assessment is undertaken as part of the EIA

process where transport or industrial process emissions may
be of concern (impacts on human health, vegetation and
sensitive ecosystems). Air quality criteria for the protection
of sensitive habitats are incorporated into the UK Air Quality
Strategy and are an essential part of predicting the effects
of environmental change in the long-term. It is the policy
of the UK Statutory Nature Conservation Agencies to apply
these criteria at all internationally designated conservation
sites and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), on a
precautionary basis, as a benchmark. Where project proposals
trigger assessment thresholds within specified distances of
sensitive ecosystems, quantitative assessment of emissions is
undertaken, according to relevant guidance. The results of
these assessments are often incorporated into Appropriate
Assessment reports as required under the Habitats
Regulations. Atkins ecologists and air quality specialists work
closely together to provide these assessments.

Client: Natural England

Atkins provided a suite of air quality services to Natural
England in their opposition to proposals for airport
expansion (runway and terminal development) at Lydd
Airport, Ashford. The airport is in an ecologically sensitive
location (particularly with respect to lichen communities)
and is immediately adjacent to several internationally
designated conservation sites. In addition, increased
pollution once the airport is operational could affect the
qualifying features of these sites as a result of increased
nutrient nitrogen deposition and NOX levels.

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Atkins services included: a detailed review of the airports

Environmental Impact Assessment; further modelling
including sensitivity tests of different assumptions; analysis
of trends; active liaison between air quality specialists,
ecologists and airport operators; technical investigations with
the airports consultants; and preparation of public inquiry
material (statements of case, statements of common ground,
proofs of evidence, rebuttals, position papers, planning
conditions, management strategies and specifications for
monitoring plans). Through our work, air quality concerns
were resolved to the satisfaction of both Natural England and
the applicant.

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What our clients say...

Ecological aspects of the report are excellent and stand us in good stead to
begin early consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage
Network Rail
Atkins produced solutions, not more questions, on time and within budget.
Norrie Scott, Asset Planner, Scottish Water
We depend on Atkins to provide pragmatic ecological
advice and innovative solutions that fully integrate with the
ground engineering and remediation works required for
the development of Coed Darcy Village.
Neil Williams, Construction Manager,
St Modwen Developments Ltd
Long term ecological advice at one of our quarries is
giving us real business benefits through the sensible
solutions provided by Atkins.
Grahame Fyles, Estates Manager, Tarmac Ltd
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Atkins
Woodcote Grove
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