Dice Environmental Unveils Comprehensive Planning-Led Ecology and Biodiversity Offering Amidst Evolving Regulatory Landscape
NOTTINGHAM, UK – [Date of Publication] – Dice Environmental, a leading environmental consultancy, has significantly expanded its service portfolio with the launch of a dedicated planning-led ecology and biodiversity offering. This strategic move aims to equip developers with the specialized expertise needed to navigate the increasingly intricate planning and environmental requirements, particularly in light of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations.
The expansion directly addresses the escalating demand for expert ecological advice, a consequence of the UK’s evolving planning system where biodiversity now plays a pivotal and legally mandated role. Dice Environmental, a sister company to Dice Consulting Engineers, operates nationwide from its offices in Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds, positioning itself to serve a broad spectrum of clients across the country.
The newly introduced ecology services are comprehensive, encompassing a wide array of critical assessments and support functions. These include:
- Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs): Essential initial assessments to identify potential ecological constraints.
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments and Statutory Metric Calculations: Crucial for demonstrating compliance with the new BNG requirements.
- UKHab Habitat Surveys: Detailed surveys categorizing and mapping habitat types.
- Preliminary Roost Assessments and Bat Surveys: Specialized investigations for protected bat species.
- Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs): Comprehensive evaluations of potential ecological effects of development.
- Protected Species Surveys: Targeted surveys for legally protected fauna and flora.
- Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) Services: On-site ecological supervision during construction phases.
- Ongoing Ecological Planning Support: Continuous guidance throughout the development lifecycle.
This new capability seamlessly integrates with Dice Environmental’s existing suite of services, which includes Flood Risk & Drainage, Acoustic & Noise & Vibration, Pre-Planning, and Geo-Environmental expertise. This multidisciplinary approach positions Dice Environmental as a single point of contact for clients, capable of supporting projects comprehensively from initial site appraisal through to planning, construction, and ongoing compliance.
Leading this significant new venture is Rob Halcrow, who joins Dice Environmental as the newly appointed Associate Ecologist. Halcrow expressed his enthusiasm for the new offering and its implications for the development sector.
"The launch of our ecology and biodiversity service is an important step in the growth of Dice Environmental," stated Halcrow. "As planning requirements continue to evolve, particularly around Biodiversity Net Gain, it’s more important than ever that developers, architects, planning consultants, and landowners have access to clear, practical ecological advice from the outset, supported by integrated environmental expertise."
Halcrow underscored the strategic advantages of early ecological engagement in development projects. "By considering ecological constraints at the earliest stages of a project, developers can identify potential planning issues sooner, commission proportionate surveys, reduce programme risk, and improve the likelihood of securing planning consent without unnecessary delays or costs."
He further elaborated on Dice Environmental’s client-centric approach: "Our focus is on making the process as straightforward as possible by providing the right surveys at the right time, helping clients navigate the planning process with confidence while delivering meaningful benefits for both development and nature. I’m pleased to be part of the Dice team and to be leading the development and implementation of our new ecology services."
The introduction of the planning-led ecology and biodiversity service is a key component of Dice Environmental’s overarching growth strategy. This expansion follows closely on the heels of the company’s recent geographical growth, which saw the opening of its Leeds office at the beginning of this year and its move into a larger office space in Nottingham, signaling a period of dynamic growth and enhanced service delivery for the consultancy.
