In this article, Kate Priestman finds out more about the requirements of an Ecological Clerk of Works…
Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) is a fundamental role on sites where ecological receptors are affected by development. The presence of an ECoW is often a requirement of planning conditions, or a European Protected Species (EPS) licence, whereby the ECoW provides the mechanism to discharge conditions.
What does the role of ECoW comprise?
An ECoW is essentially the eyes and ears of a project on the ground. They generally work independently and ensure that the construction works on a scheme are undertaken in accordance with legislation and best practice, project plans/assessments, EPS licence methodology and mitigation, and stakeholder/regulator requirements.
To date, there hasn’t really been any coherent or overarching guidance about what the role comprises and the skills that an ecologist needs in order to undertake the role successfully. This is currently being addressed by organisations such as the Association of Environmental and Ecological Clerks of Works (AEECoW), which was founded in 2014.
The AEECoW recognises two types of ECoW: Auditor or Adviser. The Auditor role is seen as “a passive means of monitoring compliance with planning conditions, or equivalent. It does not include for proactive support when incidents occur or when the developer may require advice or support in delivering compliance”. An Adviser is “often used on complex sites where risks to environmental sensitivities are higher and/or less well understood. In this situation, the ECoW works with the developer or contractor and provides ongoing advice and support in addition to their compliance monitoring and reporting obligations”.
As an ‘Adviser’ the EcoW’s role is likely to include the following:
- pre-construction checks with regards to habitats and species
- production and delivery of inductions, toolbox talks and communications to contractors
- provision of regular updates to stakeholders and the project team
- completion of relevant documentation on an ongoing basis
- input into meetings
- monitoring of activities
- problem-solving and provision of solutions to any issues that arise during the course of the works
- direction of construction workers
- implementation and maintenance of exclusion zones
- implementation of agreed methodology
- provision of information for the public. The ECoW may also be required to directly engage with the public during the course of the works
- responsibility for overseeing the construction of any mitigation features that are required as part of the project, this can include habitat restoration/construction, the installation of specific structures for species mitigation, and construction of enhancements
- managing and undertaking post-construction monitoring.
What skills are required?
The main skills that are required comprise:
- a sound ecological knowledge about the feature(s) of interest, in addition to sound general ecological knowledge and experience (the unexpected often crops up)
- strong knowledge of and experience in applying legislation and best practice
- the ability to communicate to non-ecologists in a way that is clear, concise and constructive
- the ability to produce and deliver clear tool-box talks and communications to contractors
- an understanding of the engineering/construction requirements and methodology of a scheme
- ability to work independently and make decisions on the spot
- the confidence and experience to direct contractors in their operations
- flexibility to change ways of working, adapting method and approach accordingly
- the confidence and experience to know when to halt work if necessary
- input into design and methodology as the scheme progresses
- the ability to be practical and come up with solutions and advice where necessary
- Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) registered (or equivalent), which is often required for development related site work.
Overall, the ECoW role is a fulfilling one. It is hands on, challenging and interactive and delivers a sense of achievement to see a project come successfully to fruition.
About the Author: Kate Priestman (CEnv, MCIEEM) has over sixteen years experience as an ecologist. Prior to setting up her own consultancy business in 2012, Kate worked in London for over a decade, providing the lead ecology role for a number of high profile projects. Kate works as an artist, author, writer and editor.
