I am happy to support other ecologists as a subcontractor, working collaboratively to achieve positive results, and always respect existing client relationships.

What Subcontract Support involves and when you might need it

Every consultancy has ‘bumpy patches’. These might be the result of staff shortages, sickness, maternity/paternity leave, late commissions or discoveries, project changes and Regulation 25 ‘requests for further information’.

Every consultancy has projects that drift into uncharted territory. This might be the result of additional areas of land being added or unexpected discoveries.

Sometimes people just need an extra pair of eyes, ears or hands to secure an objective without upsetting a tired team.

How I approach subcontract support

I support ecologists and consultancies collaboratively and professionally, helping deliver technically robust and efficient project outcomes. How do I do this?

First, I keep myself fit. I don’t drink, don’t smoke and workout five days a week.

Second, I keep myself up to speed with scientific discoveries, wildlife policy and wildlife law.

Third, I deliver on time every time. I am widely known for my ability to turn jobs round fast. If I take a commission, you will not be chasing me for the product.

With more than two decades of consultancy experience, I have worked across all levels of ecological practice, from field survey work to technical leadership and project management and through crisis situations that resulted from accidents that were impossible to predict.

In particular, I enjoy mentoring and supporting less experienced ecologists, encouraging practical field skills alongside ecological understanding and critical thinking. I encourage survey teams to think beyond simple data collection by considering habitat change, species ecology, environmental conditions, and the wider purpose of ecological data within each project.

My approach combines: a) practical efficiency in the field; b) careful ecological observation; c) problem-solving; and, d) knowledge-sharing.

Finally, I well understand the importance of professionalism, reliability, technical competence, and (in particular) respecting existing client relationships and reporting structures.

My specialist skills and experience in the delivery of support

Many ecologists will already be familiar with my work relating to tree and subterranean bat roost ecology, although my experience extends across a broad range of ecological surveys, mitigation works, monitoring programmes, and Ecological Clerk of Works roles.

I am fully equipped, insured and operationally self-sufficient in the field, with my own:

• Drone;
• Climbing equipment;
• Great crested newt traps etc.;
• Reptile refugia (tins, Onduline and ply);
• Bat survey and ultrasound recording equipment;
• Endoscopes and infrared cameras;
• Camera traps;
• Habitat survey tools (including tree callipers, clinometer, laser measure);
• Environmental monitoring equipment;
• Chainsaw and Brushcutter; and
• An ecological reference library that may Universities would envy.

This allows me to mobilise efficiently and work effectively across a wide range of project types and field conditions.

What you can expect from me in a supporting role

What do you need? That is what you can expect.

In simple terms, you can expect a calm and confident service from an affable and well-mannered professional. I’m not going to try and steal your client or undermine your authority. I know when to speak and when to hold my tongue.

My role is to make you and your consultancy look good, and when my contract is fulfilled, I will fade into the background.

I have worked alone in remote situations and as part of a wide range of teams and will fit into your environment and structure. Whether providing survey support, technical input, ecological supervision, mentoring, or assistance with complex field operations, my objective is always to deliver reliable, technically robust, and professionally presented work that integrates smoothly into your wider project framework.

I aim not only to provide the outputs requested, but also to add value through practical problem-solving, knowledge-sharing, and careful ecological observation wherever possible.