Frequently asked questions.

Environmental DNA is genetic material shed by organisms into their surrounding environment through cells, mucus, faeces, and other biological material. In water, soil, or sediment, this DNA persists for hours to days, and can be collected, extracted, and sequenced to identify which species have been present, without needing to physically capture or observe them.

Studies have shown eDNA to generally be equally or more sensitive than traditional methods, particularly for rare, elusive, or low-density species. We’re happy to advise on the right approach for your specific objectives.

In water, eDNA typically degrades within hours to a few days, depending on temperature, UV exposure, and microbial activity. This means that the DNA captured is representative of what has been in an area recently. In soil, eDNA can persist for longer, making soil eDNA particularly useful for historical biodiversity baselines.

Not directly. Research suggests that eDNA read counts correlate with abundance, but read counts can also be influenced by species-specific shedding rates. For precise population counts, traditional survey methods remain more appropriate.

Acceptance varies by application and regulatory body. eDNA great crested newt surveys are formally accepted under Natural England’s District Level Licensing scheme. We work closely with clients to ensure outputs are appropriate for their specific regulatory context.

Bacterial source tracking uses whole-microbiome profiling (16S rRNA sequencing) to characterise the entire bacterial community in a water sample. Because different pollution sources carry distinct microbial signatures, we can attribute pollution to its origin using statistical source-mixing models. Additionally, qPCR can be used to quantify specific species of interest. Get in touch with us to discuss which method works best for your project.

Our Trace Bacterial Pollution and Assess Freshwater Health services are designed primarily for freshwater environments. Our Explore Biodiversity service additionally covers terrestrial environments through soil eDNA and bulk invertebrate metabarcoding.

In many cases, yes. Water samples can be split at the point of collection for different analytical pathways. We’ll advise on sample volume requirements when scoping your project.

No. Our sampling kits are specifically designed for use by non-specialists. Kits include clear illustrated instructions, all necessary collection and preservation materials, and return packaging.

We’ll schedule a 30-minute call with one of our scientists to discuss your objectives, sample design, and any regulatory or reporting requirements. Within a few working days, we’ll send a tailored scope and quote.

For most projects, from sampling kit dispatch to final report delivery is 6–8 weeks. The laboratory analysis and reporting component is typically 4–6 weeks from sample receipt.

Both options are available. Many clients collect samples themselves using our kits, with remote support. We can also deploy our own field scientists for complex surveys or where sample integrity is critical.

Every project includes a 30–60 minute debrief call with our scientists to walk through findings and answer questions. We’re also available by email for follow-up questions in the weeks after report delivery.

Pricing is project-specific and scales with sample volume. Per-sample costs come down significantly for larger programmes. Book a free consultation and we’ll provide a detailed, transparent quote within a few working days.

Yes. Many of our clients run annual or multi-season monitoring programmes with us, and we offer preferred pricing for committed monitoring partnerships.

Yes. We’re experienced in working within public sector procurement frameworks and can provide the necessary documentation for tender processes and framework agreements.

Yes. We work with clients to ensure outputs are formatted appropriately for their specific needs, whether that’s a report structured for an HRA, a WFD submission, or a summary brief for a non-technical audience.