Services

As the projects listed demonstrate, our experienced staff offers a broad range of expertise in the areas of Ecology, Botany, Environmental Science and Conservation Biology. The company has access to a wide range of resources in terms of data sources, data analysis techniques and information technology. We place an emphasis on high quality research and use the best practices available.

Safety and good professional conduct while carrying out our duties are of paramount importance to the company. In addition to a comprehensive safety policy and adherence to the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management's Code of Professional Conduct, we have Professional Indemnity, Employers Liability and Public Liability insurance.

BEC Consultants provide high quality services in the following areas:

	Ecological Studies
		Field Surveys Field surveys are a major component of many projects undertaken by BEC Consultants, such as the Study of the Royal Canal Vascular Plant Flora. All members of staff at BEC Consultants are experienced in field survey.The primary focus of expertise is on botanical survey, and the team also has experience in surveying for various Irish mammals. Other major survey projects completed by BEC Consultants include The National Survey of Native Woodland in Ireland and Semi-natural Grassland Survey of Counties Roscommon and Offaly.
		Botanical Identification Carrying out high quality botanical surveys is a core service provided by BEC Consultants. All our staff are trained and experienced in these skills. In addition to vascular plant surveys the company also conduct bryophyte surveys and lichen identification. Projects we have completed which have required intensive botanical identification include The National Survey of Native Woodland in Ireland, the Semi-natural Grassland Survey of Counties Roscommon and Offaly and the Rare, Threatened and Scarce Vascular Plant Survey of Counties Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Westmeath
		Zoological Identification BEC staff are trained in surveys for a range of Irish mammals including otters, badgers, pine marten and bats. In addition, BEC staff is trained in the identification of birds and in carrying out freshwater crayfish surveys.
		Water Sampling The Company carries out routine water sampling and can test water samples in situ for temperature, pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen. Further testing, such as BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), and turbidity can be carried out on request.
		Soil Sampling The Company carries out routine soil testing and can record soil pH in situ. Further tests, such as total N (Nitrogen), total P (Phosphorous), and % organic content can be carried out on request.
		Vegetation Classification As part of the National Survey of Native Woodland in Ireland, BEC Consultants has developed a vegetation classification for woodlands in Ireland. This is based on a systematic and nationwide survey and includes data collected from 1667 releves. This vegetation classification system will be available during early 2008. A preliminary vegetation classification of Irish grasslands has been developed as part of the Semi-natural Grassland Survey of Counties Roscommon and Offaly with a view to developing this on a national scale.
		Habitat Mapping One of BEC Consultants' core services is carrying out habitat surveys and producing high quality mapping and reports. BEC ecologists have experience of working in habitats throughout Ireland. Recent projects for which habitat mapping was the main focus include Killarney National Park Habitat Mapping, County Monaghan Wetland Survey and the Semi-natural Grassland Survey of Counties Roscommon and Offaly.
		Ecological Monitoring An effective programme of ecological monitoring assists with management decisions for sites of conservation interest. This can occur for a species, or at a habitat specific level, or through more generic management. BEC Consultants has ongoing monitoring programmes for rare plant species such as Triangular Club-rush (Schoenoplectus triqueter) and Opposite-leaved Pondweed (Groenlandia densa). BEC Consultants also carry out on-going monitoring for lands within the Aughinish Alumina site, Askeaton Co Limerick, as well as a number of rare plant translocation projects.
		Literature Reviews As many of the projects conducted by BEC Consultants are research based, a thorough literature review forms the basis for many of them. Staff members keep up-to-date with current research through Continuous Professional Development, included within this is attending conferences and workshops, participating in training courses, and reading current scientific journals.
		Habitat Management Plans Well written Management Plans are an effective tool for the communication of ecological data and management strategies. Through consultation with steering committees, local authorities, the Heritage Council and National Parks and Wildlife, BEC Consultants have produced management plans for Balrath Wood ,Co Meath and SAC lands at Aughinish Alumina, Askeaton Co. Limerick.
		Environmental Education BEC Consultants are committed to raising awareness of nature conservation, biodiversity, and ecology in Ireland. Many of our reports are made available here on the company website. In addition we have carried out recent lectures at the Botany Department Trinity College Dublin on rare plant translocations, the The National Survey of Native Woodland in Ireland, Semi-natural Grassland Survey of Counties Roscommon and Offaly, and career opportunities for botanists in Ireland. In addition BEC staff give regular lectures on botany, plant diversity, plant chemistry, ecology and conservation at University College Cork and at the Irish School of Natural Healing, Port Laoise.
		Biodiversity Action Plans The development of Biodiversity Action Plans requires detailed understanding of the processes which affect threatened habitats and species. BEC Consultants has extensive knowledge of Irish habitats, including high conservation value habitats. The Company also has a proven record in recording and conserving threatened species. Expertise in these areas makes BEC Consultants an ideal candidate to carry out Biodiversity Action Plans for threatened habitats and species.
		Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) Ecological Impact Assessment requires the ability to prioritise habitats in terms of conservation value, devise mitigation and impact reduction strategies, and evaluate the likely success of these strategies. BEC Consultants have worked on a number of EcIAs for projects including road developments, pipe-line installations and wind farms.
	Conservation Biology
	Databases
	Project Management

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