Green Acorn Ecology: Professional Ecological Surveys, Biodiversity Net Gain and Planning Support
Welcome to Green Acorn Ecology
Green Acorn Ecology was founded with a simple goal: to provide professional, practical and reliable ecological consultancy services that help clients navigate the planning process with confidence.
Based in the South of England, Green Acorn Ecology specialises in Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, UKHab surveys and habitat mapping, protected species surveys, Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) services, ecological reporting and planning support for a wide range of development projects.
Whether you’re planning a residential extension, a housing development, a commercial scheme or a land management project, our aim is to help you understand your ecological requirements and keep your project moving forward.
Why Green Acorn Ecology Was Founded
Green Acorn Ecology was founded by Lia Hutchinson and John Whelton to provide professional ecological consultancy services that combine technical expertise, practical advice and responsive project delivery.
As planning and environmental requirements continue to grow, we recognised that many clients were looking for ecological consultants who not only produce high quality surveys and reports, but who are also approachable, commercially aware and easy to work with. Green Acorn Ecology was created to meet that need.
Led by experienced Consultant Ecologist Lia Hutchinson, who holds a Biology degree from the University of Oxford, Green Acorn Ecology supports homeowners, architects, planning consultants, developers and landowners across the South of England. Together, Lia and John bring a strong combination of ecological knowledge, field experience and practical understanding of the planning process, helping clients navigate ecological requirements with confidence.
We are committed to delivering clear communication, realistic advice and efficient turnaround times without compromising on quality. As both members of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), we follow recognised industry standards and best practice across all surveys, assessments and reports.
Where specialist expertise is required, we work alongside a trusted network of experienced ecological professionals, including licensed surveyors and species specialists. This allows us to provide clients with access to a broad range of ecological expertise whilst maintaining the personal service and direct communication of a smaller consultancy.
At Green Acorn Ecology, our focus is simple, providing reliable ecological advice that helps projects move forward smoothly, efficiently and with confidence.
Our Ecological Consultancy Services
Green Acorn Ecology provides a wide range of ecological services to support planning applications, development projects and environmental compliance requirements.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal is often the first ecological survey required during the planning process. We assess habitats, identify ecological constraints and provide recommendations for further surveys where necessary.
Biodiversity Net Gain
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements can vary depending on the type and scale of development. We help clients understand the obligations relevant to their project and develop practical strategies to achieve compliance where required.
Protected species surveys
We undertake a range of protected species surveys to identify ecological constraints, inform planning applications and support legal compliance where required, including:
- Bat Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRAs)
- Ground Level Tree Assessments (GLTAs)
- Bat Emergence and Activity Surveys
- Great Crested Newt Surveys
- Reptile Surveys
- Badger Surveys
- Dormouse surveys
Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)
Our Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) services provide on-site ecological supervision during construction works, helping developers and contractors comply with planning conditions, avoid delays and ensure environmental best practice is maintained throughout the project.
Ecological Reporting and Planning Support
We prepare ecological reports, management plans and mitigation strategies to support planning applications and discharge planning conditions. We also provide ongoing ecological advice to help clients navigate ecological requirements throughout the development process.
What Sets Green Acorn Ecology Apart?
Choosing an ecological consultant is about more than technical expertise. Clients need clear advice, responsive communication and a consultant who understands the realities of planning and development.
At Green Acorn Ecology, we pride ourselves on offering:
- Professional ecological advice
- Clear and responsive communication
- Efficient report turnaround times
- Practical, commercially aware solutions
- Direct access to experienced ecologists
- Personal service from start to finish
- Support throughout planning and development
- Access to a trusted network of specialist ecologists
As members of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), we are committed to maintaining high professional standards across all aspects of our work. We also work alongside a trusted network of experienced ecologists and species specialists, enabling us to provide the expertise required for a wide range of projects.
Unlike larger consultancies where projects may pass through multiple teams, our clients deal directly with the ecologists undertaking the work. This allows us to provide a responsive, personal service whilst maintaining the professional standards expected of a modern ecological consultancy.
Whether you’re a homeowner planning an extension, an architect preparing a planning application, a developer managing a project or a planning consultant supporting a client, our aim is simple, to provide practical ecological advice that helps projects move forward with confidence.
Areas We Cover
Green Acorn Ecology primarily supports projects throughout:
- Greater London
- Surrey
- Sussex
- Kent
- Hampshire
- Berkshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Oxfordshire
- Hertfordshire
We are also able to undertake projects across the UK where required.
Looking to the Future
The ecology and planning sectors continue to evolve, with changes to Biodiversity Net Gain requirements, planning policy and environmental legislation shaping how development projects are delivered.
At Green Acorn Ecology, we are committed to staying up to date with these changes and ensuring our clients receive clear, practical advice that reflects current legislation, policy and best practice. We understand that navigating evolving requirements can be challenging, which is why we focus on providing straightforward guidance and communicating any relevant changes that may affect your project.
Acknowledgements
Launching a new business is never achieved alone.
We would like to thank Garry Jones and the team at Solo, a brand of Aspire to Grow Ltd, for their support in helping develop our new website.
Their guidance and support throughout the setup process have enabled us to focus on delivering ecological services whilst building a strong foundation for the future.
As our business grows, our commitment remains the same, delivering high-quality ecological consultancy services, clear communication and practical solutions that help projects move forward with confidence.
Contact Green Acorn Ecology
Whether you’re planning a residential extension, preparing a planning application or managing a larger development project, we’re here to help.
If you’d like to discuss your project or obtain a quotation, please get in touch. We’d be happy to discuss your requirements and advise on the ecological surveys or support that may be needed.