About Us
Environmental Consultancy
Specialising in Aquatic, Terrestrial and Avian Ecology, Hydrology, Peat, Environmental Advice, Ecological Clerk of Works, Hydrological Clerk of Works, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and Drone Survey.
At Gavia Environmental, we’re pragmatic, but highly professional environmental consultants. We’ll provide the same robust, practical service whether you need a bat or great crested newt survey, a flood risk assessment, water resource assessment or peat risk assessment – and we deliver a high-quality service as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
Gavia Environmental: how it all began
Christopher Baker (Managing Director) first established the business as a sole trader (then CB Consulting) in 2006; increasing to three staff by 2012 and now operating at 15 staff. Chris is a Chartered Engineer and highly-respected hydrological consultant in development and environmental circles, he built up the business through a plethora of word of mouth recommendations.
Gavia Environmental: Rigorous, Rapid, Robust
We provide prompt, pragmatic, cost-effective, and importantly, robust environmental solutions to real world ecological and hydrological constraints. Because of this, we are appointed consultants for a diverse array of project developers and contractors.
Our Unique Approach: Engineering-based Ecology & Hydrology Solutions
It’s unusual for an environmental consultancy of our size to combine ecology, hydrology and engineering expertise in the way that we do, and because of this, Gavia Environmental provides a unique approach.
Ecology, Hydrology, Engineering
- What surveys & assessments are required by law?
- What are the constraints?
- What are the opportunities?
- What do the authorities/stakeholders want?
- What are the development challenges?
- Can it be built?
- What are the construction challenges?
- What are the post-construction challenges?
- Will it achieve what it’s designed to do?
The value to our clients? We develop comprehensive solutions that work.
Our unique approach has achieved major cost savings for numerous respected clients, whilst maintaining the highest standards of compliance and legislation.
Licensed ecologists
We hold licences for the following protected species:
- Bats
- Otter
- Great crested newts
- Freshwater pearl mussel
- Badger
- Water vole
- Schedule I birds
- SFCC electro-fishing
Full Project Life-cycle Support
We support clients through their entire project journey: from planning application to construction.
We’re in it for the long-term. We develop strong and lasting client relationships, providing swift, immediate resolution but also developing long-term strategies underpinned by:
- Collection & incorporation of robust & defensible data
- Incorporation of well researched background data
- Implementation of pragmatic & robust enhancement & mitigation measures
Quality Assurance
Our ethos is governed by CIEEM’s Code of Professional Conduct - demanding professional integrity, honesty and compliance with legislation and ethical conduct.
Our Directors galvanise a culture of continuous improvement, directly mentoring staff on the path to Chartership and leading the way in innovative practice.
We invest in our staff through training, the application of novel methods/technology, and continuing professional development. Our staff are members of: