Almost a decade ago the Cornwall Wildlife Trust found that the demand for professional conservation advice was growing. Since the level of trading which the Trust as a charity can undertake is limited, a new trading company was set up to provide this service. This company was formerly known as Environmental Consultants (CTNC) Ltd.
As we enter the 21st century the demand for ecological advice is steadily increasing and the consultancy has expanded to employ six members of staff: two Consultancy Managers, three Project Managers and an Admin Assistant. We have decided that the consultancy is long overdue for a facelift and so the company is being re-launched as Cornwall Environmental Consultants Ltd with a new image and website.
Over the next decade we hope to build on our positive contribution to nature conservation within Cornwall, both through the project work that we undertake and by continuing to return all profit we make to the Trust to support its conservation work. The consultancy has so far contributed over £200,000 to the Trust. We also hope to work beyond Cornwall both nationally and internationally.
The objectives of the consultancy are closely allied to those of the Trust. It seeks to further the cause of conservation in the wider countryside. Over the years the company has undertaken and facilitated over a thousand projects throughout Cornwall. These projects have involved providing expert advice to enhance the
wildlife value of land and, where development is proposed, providing recommendations for minimising any potential impacts on the environment. In this way we are seeking to protect and conserve habitats and species across Cornwall which do not have the benefit of the kind of protection that land within the Trust's nature reserves enjoys.
Our clients range from the County and District Councils to utility companies such as South West Water, Transco and Western Power Distribution. There are also private landowners, Government agencies such as English Nature and the Environment Agency, and charities such as the National Trust and Gaia Trust. All our advice is impartial, based on the most recent conservation research and guided by wildlife legislation.
All of our consulting staff are qualified to postgraduate or postdoctoral level and are members of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM). In addition to our core staff, we have access to a network of specialists who can offer expert advice in a range of environmental disciplines. We work closely with Trust staff and with conservationists from local groups such as the Cornwall Bat Group and the Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society (CBWPS).
Examples of our recent work and its contribution to conservation are given below:
Empty Picture Box Ecological Assessments of mine
sites in Cornwall, where we have advised the
County Council on minimising the impact of restoration works on the nature conservation value of the sites. Many of these sites are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) so our role has been to ensure that none of the features for which the sites were designated are damaged.
Empty Picture Box Five-year Management Plans for each of the Wildlife Trust's reserves. These plans are an invaluable tool for reserves staff for effective conservation management.
Empty Picture Box Ecological Assessment of pipeline and electricity line routes. Our role has been pivotal in advising on the design of routes which minimise the impact of the work on any habitats and species of nature conservation importance.
Empty Picture Box Farm Conservation Plans and Countryside Stewardship agreement applications. These plans have a positive conservation benefit for the wider countryside.
Caroline Arkley
 
Please call, e-mail or visit our website if you would like to find out more about Cornwall Environmental Consultants.
Tel: (01872) 245511
e-mail: enquiries@cec.gb.com Website: www.cec.gb.com
Cornwall Environmental
Consultants Ltd
Our staff are available to give expert and impartial advice, based on the most recent conservation research and guided by wildlife legislation. Pictured L to R are: back row Janet Dinsdale, Caroline Arkley, Nicola Roberts; front row Janine Wilkins, Eula Eliades, Pat Clark.