Kurt has over 16 years postgraduate experience in ecological consultancy and management, and is responsible for co-ordinating and undertaking a wide range of complex ecological surveys. His responsibilities include managing the majority of the bat / great crested newt surveys, required for input for environmental assessments / Environmental Statements within the practice and the design of mitigation schemes for small to large-scale housing developments and mineral extraction schemes.
Kurt’s main area of expertise is protected species including bats, badger, great crested newts, reptiles, water vole and otters. He has extensive expertise in the legal protection for protected species and the implications of both the Conservation of Habitats & Species Regulations 2010 (as amended) and the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) to proposals when protected species are identified. Kurt has proven experience and knowledge of the Natural England licensing system and the mitigation measures required to secure a licence approval. Other proven experience and knowledge in phase 1 habitat surveys and other botanical survey methods.
Proven experience also extends to providing ecological expert witness evidence at several public inquiries involving protected species including species listed under Annex II species.
Written experience includes the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments, detailed protected species reports for development and planning, Natural England European Protected Species Development Licence Applications, Method Statements, Extended Phase 1 reports, Mitigation Strategies, Habitat Creation and Management Plans and Proofs of Evidence.
Kurt also has extensive experience of liaising and complex negotiation with statutory bodies such as the Environment Agency, Natural England and Wildlife Trusts particularly with regards to the required input into EIA’s and licensing. He is currently working on a wide range of housing schemes, managing the ecological input into master planning design and EIAs for large scale mineral extraction and residential and mixed use developments of up to 3,500 residential dwellings.