RPS has many years of experience in all aspects of agricultural assessment. We carry out detailed agricultural land classification and soil resource surveys together with on site appraisals of individual farm holdings Based on the detailed survey work undertaken we are able to produce detailed assessments of agricultural effects for environmental statements as well as detailed schemes for the working and restoration of agricultural land and soil resources within mineral sites and as part of the construction planning for major infrastructure projects. We manage land access strategies and liaise effectively with farmers throughout environmental survey programmes.

Fisheries assessments are driven by a range of needs but primarily relate to the significance and scale of effect arising from estuarine, coastal and offshore developments and activities. At RPS, we provide expertise in ecological baseline and impact assessment for fisheries in UK waters and overseas, importantly providing a detailed level of understanding of both ecological aspects and the commercial and socio-economic needs of, and pressures on, the fishing industry.

We support clients across a wide range of sectors including the offshore energy industry, both ‘traditional’ and renewables, and take a proactive approach to both identification and analysis of data, whether through comprehensive literature reviews or evaluation of landings and overflight data. Importantly though, RPS augment this through open but focused engagement with stakeholders to elicit all available and relevant information as well as gaining an equitable perspective on issues facing farmers, crops, stocks and fishermen, something that can only really be achieved through consultation.