At Tomson Consulting, our ecological assessments are built on a robust foundation of data which inform the recommendations we make on sites but also, when presented visually, helps break down complex numbers and ideas for clients. Now more than ever, high-quality ecological mapping and data analysis are essential for delivering effective environmental planning - particularly when supporting the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain, where the value of habitats is affected by their strategic significance across a region. Our in-house Geographic Information System (GIS) capabilities and rigorous ecological desk study methods place us in an ideal position to support local authorities, developers, and planners seeking to prioritise and recover biodiversity across their landscapes.

GIS Mapping to Support Environmental Decision Making

We offer advanced GIS mapping services that synthesise a range of ecological, planning, and environmental datasets into clear, interpretable visuals. These maps do far more than show what's on the ground - they help shape better decisions.

Our ecologists can:

• Map habitats to a variety of standards, including Phase 1 Habitat Classification and the UK Habitat Classification (UKHab), with full compatibility with the Statutory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Metric.
• Identify Priority Habitats and biodiversity corridors, integrating data from the Priority Habitat Inventory, Ancient Woodland Inventory, and other key national datasets.
• Incorporate and analyse contextual datasets such as designated sites (SSSIs, SPAs, SACs), Local Wildlife Sites, and connectivity features (e.g. hedgerows, watercourses, tree lines).
• Produce metric-ready outputs for biodiversity calculations, including BNG and ecosystem service evaluations.
• Visualise zones of influence and buffer areas for protected species assessments and policy compliance.

These capabilities are central to our work on projects that require strategic biodiversity assessment and enhancement.

 

Ecological Desk Studies: High-Quality, Policy-Aligned Evidence

Our ecological desk studies form a core part of our baseline reports such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Baseline Assessment and are especially valuable at early stages of planning or strategic development. A comprehensive desk study includes:

• A search for statutory and non-statutory designated sites within a defined radius.
• Priority habitats and ancient woodland screening using tools like MAGIC.
• Data on protected and notable species sourced from local environmental records centres.
• Review of aerial imagery, Ordnance Survey maps, and historic land use.

Desk studies are carried out by our ecologists in line with CIEEM guidance and are designed to integrate seamlessly with field survey results, providing a reliable baseline to inform land-use change, conservation design, and biodiversity enhancement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ready to Support Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) Delivery

As LNRS frameworks are rolled out across the UK, we are ready to help local authorities and stakeholders meet their statutory and strategic duties. Our experience in habitat classification, data integration, and metric-ready mapping makes us an ideal partner for:

• LNRS baseline habitat mapping and opportunity identification.
• Evidence gathering for ecological prioritisation.
• BNG opportunity mapping and tracking.
• Stakeholder engagement through accessible visual data.

Whether working at a site scale or across landscapes, Tomson Consulting Ltd delivers the clarity, rigour and innovation needed for nature recovery.

Contact us today to discuss how our GIS mapping and ecological data services can support your next project.
info@tomsonconsulting.co.uk
www.tomsonconsulting.co.uk