Qualifications: PG Cert – Biological recording and Species Identification; MSc – Biological Recording – Collection and Management; CS38 - Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue; IPAF – MEWP (Cherry Picker), Scissor and static Boom Lift; LANTRA – Chainsaw and brush-cutter operation; BC – 1* & 2* (white water canoeing).
Competences: Ecology survey, habitat survey, Veteran / Ancient tree survey, Hedgerow Regulations survey, great crested newt survey and Licensing, peregrine survey, barn own survey, reptile survey and Licensing, badger survey and Licensing, dormouse survey and Licensing, bat survey and Licensing, comprehensive Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) input.
Licences: Jersey cudweed (historic project Licences), great crested newt (Class Licence), smooth snake (Survey Licence), sand lizard (Survey Licence), badger (historic project Licences), dormouse (Class Licence), all bats (Class Licence).
I have been working as an ecologist since 2003.
I began my career working in Northern Ireland from a base in Somerset. Having tired of the travelling, I focussed on quarry projects in England and (taking over from my father) I built-up a consultancy practice. As my family grew, four children with a range of educational needs saw a move from Bridgwater to Barnstaple.
Then COVID brought about a realisation that I had subconsciously drifted into a role that was part Human Resources and part higher-level consultancy, with almost no time actually being a field ecologist. Since 2023 I have reclaimed a balance between field and academic practice.
However, the years before were not wasted, and I am still (I hope) respected for an in-depth knowledge of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and the legislative mechanisms that underpin both EIA and Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA).
I am also well regarded for my use of scientific rigour, but I am careful to translate data into a meaningful narrative. Two decades of writing have also taught me how important it is to present that narrative in plain English, and to provide the context of responsible conservation practice, planning policy, and wildlife law.
I have established a modest standing in the scientific community through the founding of the Bat Tree Habitat Key (BTHK) and Bat Rock Habitat Key (BRHK) projects. These initiatives have led to two books published by Pelagic Press: Bat Roosts in Trees and Bat Roosts in Rock. Alongside this work, amongst other papers and reviews, I have collaborated with other specialists to produce the Bat Prey Species Associations (BPSA) framework and the Derived Roost System Radius (DRSR) method for predicting proportionate Root Protection Areas for Ancient and Veteran trees.
I continue to contribute data to a wide range of other projects, and to maintain enthusiasm I chose a particular species as a CPD project each year. I believe in knowledge sharing for the good of biodiversity, and all my project reports are available for download on the Resources page of this website.
In my free time, I relax by doing exactly what I do at work, only in biotopes or with species that are not a part of my professional life, such as exploring rockpools and moth-trapping in my garden at home.
How I Support Other Ecological Consultancies
- Subcontract field surveys (habitats and protected species), including specialist tree-roosting and subterranean bat habitat assessments
- Protected Species licensing support (including DEFRA Policies)
- Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) on complex or sensitive sites
- Technical mentoring of junior staff to build-up confidence, and quality assurance through peer review of desk-studies, survey designs and interpretation of data
I am known for being reliable, good humored whatever the weather, and respectful of existing client relationships (sharp practice is not in my nature; you are my client and I want to keep your custom).
