Baker Consultants

Access and Recreation

Are domestic animals a threat to wildlife?

Providing healthy outdoor leisure opportunities and access to green spaces in and around new developments is important but can raise environmental issues. The impact of recreation upon wildlife is often overstated and not always based on sound, peer reviewed data. We can help you devise operational and strategic approaches that are evidence-based and tailored to the site or circumstances. This can involve the design and creation of a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) on a particular site, or identifying existing local SANGs.

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Robust data fully scrutinised

At Baker Consultants our approach is built on a full knowledge of the published data which gives us the authority to challenge the perceived wisdoms.

In addition to our high-quality ecological surveys (birds, protected species, etc), we also carry out research and analysis to build up a reliable picture of local recreational activity. These recreation surveys can include face to face visitor surveys, cost effective remote sensor counts of users and pets, and data processing and post code analysis using GIS. This allows us to understand patterns of use so that we can come up with effective solutions to influence recreational behaviour and so provide reassurance over any long-term impact from new development.

Our access and recreation input includes Habitat Regulation Assessments, as well as providing expert witness at public inquiries. Unlike other access and recreation consultants we work for both the public and private sectors and our work is not biased by preconceptions or perceived wisdoms. Whether the regulatory authority is worried about dogs and dog walkers or cats, use the best quality data and include access and recreation in the design phase of your project to give it the best chance of planning success.

Access and Recreation

Why Baker Consultants?

With experience in achieving planning success for projects adjacent to designated sites we offer an integrated service that brings together experts in the fields of conservation and recreation to find the most innovative and bespoke solutions. our evidence-led approach and fresh thinking can successfully address potential conflicts for the benefit of wildlife, developers and recreational users alike.

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Our services

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Environmental Impact Assessments

No planning without EIA.

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Species and Habitat Surveys

Wildlife is not a barrier to development.

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Habitat Regulations Assessments

Our team of highly skilled ecology consultants has a reputation for innovation...

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Expert Witness

Our team of highly skilled ecology consultants has a reputation for innovation...

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