About E³ Ecology Ltd Personnel

DR RACHEL FREER BSc MSc PHD MIEEM

POSITION: Ecologist (Protected species)

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• BSc Hons Zoology - University of Edinburgh
• MSc Biodiversity & Conservation (Distinction) - Leeds University
• PhD Carnivore Ecology - University of Durham
• Full member of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

CAREER PROFILE

Rachel has a keen interest in animal ecology and conservation management, and her PhD was the first intensive study of the rare felid Oncifelis guigna and centred on a radiotelemetry study of the behaviour, ecology and population status of this wildcat in southern Chile.

During this time she was responsible for the planning and management of the research project, personnel training, production of summary reports and presenting research findings.

Her master's project investigated the foraging and roosting behaviour of Daubenton's bat Myotis daubentonii via a radio-tracking study.

At E³ Rachel has undertaken extensive targeted survey work for protected species including bats, otter, water vole, red squirrel, badger, birds (vantage point surveys), freshwater pearl mussel and native reptiles.

Survey results have been used to inform a wide range of assessments for proposed developments and to develop site-specific recommendations for mitigation.

She is also experienced in carrying out botanical surveys using Extended Phase 1 standard methodologies, the production of BREEAM and CSH assessments, and carrying out licensing works for bats and badger.

Rachel has written and submitted numerous reports to support Natural England development licence applications, planning applications, and Environment Agency consents.

SOME RELEVANT PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN

• A large number of pre-development bat surveys to inform planning applications, analysis of results to inform mitigation strategies, and post development monitoring of bat populations. Sites include commercial, residential and school properties, quarry sites and proposed underground pipeline routes and wind farm sites.
• Freshwater pearl mussel surveys in Scotland and surveys for otter and water vole along watercourses throughout northeast England and Scotland, to inform planning applications and/or mitigation proposals.
• Badger surveys in northeast England and Scotland to inform planning applications and/or mitigation proposals.
• Phase 1 habitat surveys of a number of sites throughout the north of England, including sites which are to be assessed using the BREEAM or CSH criteria for new developments.
• Input into several major Environmental Statements.

PARTICULAR EXPERIENCE AND SPECIALISATION

• Protected Species Survey
• Bats
• Reptiles
• Extended Phase 1 Survey
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Ecological input into BREEAM and CSH assessments
• Wind farms