In the ever-evolving sphere of ecological consultancy, maintaining a competitive edge necessitates perpetual adaptation and growth. Somerset Wildlife Trust Consultancy (SWTC), previously known as First Ecology, embodies this ethos of continuous innovation and progression. By rebranding, SWTC aims to better reflect its expanded vision and capabilities, positioning itself at the forefront of delivering comprehensive ecological services that resonate with contemporary sustainability objectives.
Established in 2010 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Somerset Wildlife Trust, SWTC has, over the past 15 years, garnered a formidable reputation for providing high-integrity ecological services to a broad and diverse clientele. These clients encompass local authorities, government departments, utility companies, transport infrastructure developers, urban planners, and numerous landowners. Despite its operational independence, SWTC’s mission remains closely interwoven with the overarching goal of Somerset Wildlife Trust: nature conservation. Significantly, all profits generated are reinvested into the charity, thereby bolstering their conservation endeavours.
The rebranding from First Ecology to Somerset Wildlife Trust Consultancy signifies a pivotal moment in the organisation’s evolution. This strategic decision was driven by the necessity to reflect an expanded suite of services and a closer alignment with Somerset Wildlife Trust. The new brand represents a more integrated and holistic approach to ecological consultancy, capitalising on the extensive expertise of the Trust’s conservation team. This rebrand encapsulates SWTC’s broadened capabilities and their commitment to addressing the complexities of modern ecological challenges.
Integral to SWTC’s transformation is the shifting development landscape and the advent of new nature markets. Legislative changes, notably the Environment Act 2021, have opened new avenues for ecological services. In response, SWTC has augmented its service portfolio to encompass a comprehensive range of ecological and land management consulting services. Their offerings now span from small-scale ecological surveys to extensive land management plans and carbon projects. This diversification ensures they remain at the cutting edge, equipped to tackle both current and emerging ecological issues.
Helen Ward, Consultancy Manager at SWTC, underscores the significance of the new brand in mirroring their capability to deliver sustainable projects that adhere to legislative mandates. The rebrand accentuates SWTC’s unique market position, leveraging the dual expertise of Somerset Wildlife Trust’s conservation team. This synergy of commercial acumen and charitable knowledge renders SWTC a highly credible and reliable partner for any project. Georgia Dent from Somerset Wildlife Trust further highlights the seamless alignment of skills and experience between the charity and its consultancy arm, enabling SWTC to better serve a wider array of clients and meet stringent environmental standards.
A distinguishing feature of SWTC’s service provision is their proficiency in BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) services. BREEAM is a globally acknowledged standard for evaluating the sustainability of buildings. SWTC’s focus on the land use and ecology category within BREEAM ensures that projects not only comply with but surpass environmental performance standards. Their highly qualified ecology team supports clients throughout the entire BREEAM process, from design to post-construction stages, ensuring comprehensive compliance, risk identification, and impact management. This thorough approach facilitates the attainment of high BREEAM ratings, increasingly a benchmark for sustainability in the construction sector.
SWTC’s expertise extends to habitat enhancement, another key strength. They excel in proposing straightforward solutions that maximise BREEAM credits, thereby simplifying the process for projects to achieve higher ratings. Once these habitat features are agreed upon, SWTC formulates a habitat plan for the long-term maintenance and management of the site. This ensures that both new and existing ecological features continue to thrive, enhancing the overall sustainability of the project.
Accompanying the rebrand is a new logo and website, reflecting SWTC’s modern and progressive outlook. The revamped website offers a detailed overview of their services, showcases case studies, and highlights the team’s expertise. It serves as an invaluable resource for clients seeking to understand how SWTC can support their sustainability ambitions.
The rebrand of Somerset Wildlife Trust Consultancy heralds an exciting new era. With expanded service offerings and a strategic alignment with Somerset Wildlife Trust, SWTC is poised to lead in the field of ecological consultancy. Their unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions equips them to meet the evolving demands of their clients and to contribute significantly to a future centred on nature conservation.
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