Category: Ecological Surveys

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COVID-19 Update 25 March 2020

Corona Virus

Our work continues!

Our professional body The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) continues to work hard on our behalf, liaising with the Government, Statutory Nature Conservation Organisations, #developers and #planners to determine the best way forward to undertake planning-related ecological surveys and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) services while protecting the health and well-being of our staff, customers and the wider community.

Following the new restrictions announced by the Government on Monday 23rd March, CIEEM have updated their guidance for #ecologists, available here: https://cieem.net/i-am/covid-19/?utm_source=GDPR+CIEEM+List&utm_campaign=80001cafce-CIEEM+eNews+2020.03.2424%2F3%2F20+4%3A44+PM&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6b23f028b5-80001cafce-148763793

Current advice is that ecological surveys can continue, “where necessary and where there is no clear risk to either the ecologists, other workers or the wider public. Under the new measures, travelling to and from work is still allowed, but only where this work absolutely cannot be done from home.”

Where ecological surveys can take place safely, they can proceed while observing all relevant current advice and restrictions including the avoidance of all face-to-face contact, handwashing, and maintaining at least 2m distance from other people at all times. The requirement to maintain a distance of at least 2m from other people means that where ecological surveys require more than 1 ecologist to be on site, they must travel in separate cars. This will result in some small increases to our costs but, as I’m sure most people will agree, this is the only way to ensure we can avoid transmission of the virus.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to all our clients for their understanding as we work together to #StaySafe #SaveLives

#WereInThisTogether

#StayHome #Covid-19 #Covid #Coronavirus #CoronaVirusChallenge #OpenForBusiness #KeepItLocal #WorkingFromHome #NorthernIreland #Ireland #Ecology #Ecologists #Nature #Planning #Architecture

Posted on

COVID-19 Update 18 March 2020

Corona Virus

We all have people in our social circles that may be at higher risk from COVID-19. To protect ourselves, our loved ones and our clients as far as possible during these challenging times we have changed some of the ways that we work. These are all minor changes that allow us to remain #OpenForBusiness, albeit in a more virtual, digital capacity. We can continue to provide GUARANTEED surveys for our customers to the same high standards we have always provided, on time and on budget.

The main changes we have made are:

  • We will be working from home as much as possible. We are fortunate that a large proportion of our business can be conducted remotely. Many other businesses may not have that option.
  • We will be avoiding face-to-face contact as much as possible. So instead of face-to-face meetings, we will be using online video conferencing, phone calls and emails.
  • Ecological surveys can continue with appropriate safeguards in place including avoidance of face-to-face contact where possible.

Many of these changes may actually bring improvements that result in their retention even after we have beaten this virus!

Through all of this, we will continue to support our local businesses and communities. We will provide updates as more information becomes available and as guidelines and advice is updated. In the meantime, we wish everyone peace, health and happiness! #WereInThisTogether

#StaySafe #Covid-19 #CoronaVirus #HappyToHelp #KeepItLocal #CoronaVirusChallenge #WorkingFromHome #NorthernIreland #Ireland #IrelandVsCovid #Ecology #Ecologists #Nature #Planning #Architecture