DIRECTOR AND PRINCIPAL ECOLOGIST

Graduating from the University of Reading with a Botany degree over 25 years ago, Dan had an ecology career in a range of roles, including working for the Environment Agency as a freshwater ecologist, as Technical Director for a multi-disciplinary consultancy and a local planning authority ecologist.

He set up his consultancy in 2017 to specialise in planning-led ecological surveys and protected species work, finding pragmatic solutions that help both nature thrive and building projects progress. He has a clear understanding of what planning authorities expect to see and remains closely involved in projects from initial survey through to delivery and licensing. He holds a number of protected species licences including Bats (level 2), GCN (level 1) and White-clawed crayfish (level 1). 

DIRECTOR AND LANDSCAPE GARDENER

From a farming background, Beth originally qualified in horticulture in 2005 at Sparsholt College Hampshire and worked as a garden design consultant for 15 years. Now she uses her knowledge of plants, soils and native species to inform habitat enhancement schemes that will benefit biodiversity and people. She also leads the day-to-day running of the business, co-ordinating surveys and helping clients understand the survey process, what is needed and when.

ECOLOGIST

Meg has a BSC (Hons) in Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation from University Centre Sparsholt and is an experienced field surveyor on PEA (preliminary ecological appraisals), BNG (biodiversity net gain) and protected species surveys (bat, badger, breeding bird, dormouse, GCN, reptile). Meg also has a hazel dormouse license (class 1) and volunteers as a ‘toad patrol’ monitoring amphibians in the New Forest. She’s a keen botanist, with a broad of knowledge of plants and their habitats. 

CONSULTANT

Joe gained an MSc in Neuroscience and BSc in Biochemistry at the University of Sheffield. His side-step into ecology followed an ambition to become a medical journalist, but his writing, data-collection and analytical skills have made him our champion when applying to Natural England for protected species licences as well as writing bat emergence reports (BER). He also completes preliminary bat roost assessments (PRA), preliminary ecological appraisals (PEA) and biodiversity net gain (BNG) assessments and reports.   

ECOLOGICAL PROJECT MANAGER

Ash has an MRes in Ocean Science from the University of Southampton and a BSc degree in Applied Bioscience and Zoology from the University of the West of Scotland. Ash works as a field surveyor, collecting data to inform preliminary bat roost assessments (PRA) and preliminary ecological appraisals (PEA), collating data and writing the variety of survey reports needed by planning authorities. She is passionate about conservation, protecting native wildlife and habitat enhancement for all UK protected species.

GRADUATE ECOLOGIST

Sam gained a BSc in Zoology with Primatology at Bangor University and has been a life-long enthusiast for wildlife around the world. In the UK, he’s a knowledgeable and practical field ecologist and report-writer, focussing on preliminary bat roost assessments (PRA) and biodiversity net gain reports (BNG). He’s motivated by a passion for wildlife conservation yet understands the importance of sustainable development for people too.   

ASSISTANT ECOLOGIST

Aaron has an MSc in Environmental Biology: Conservation and Resource Management and BSc in Zoology from Swansea University. He’s an enthusiastic botanist and volunteers with several wildlife charities in South and West Wales, focussing on dormouse, bats, badgers, habitat creation and eradicating invasive plant species. 

ADMINISTRATOR

Holly supports the day-to-day running of Wessex Ecology, coordinating projects, client communication and reporting processes. She plays a key role in ensuring enquiries are handled promptly and that projects run smoothly from first contact to completion. With a strong focus on organisation, clarity and client experience, Holly helps ensure that every client understands what is required, when it is needed and what happens next.

CONSULTANT

Chris took the opportunity to take early retirement from a 30-year career in the financial industry and is now able to dedicate more time to his long-standing interest in native wildlife, supporting us with preliminary bat roost assessments (PRA), surveying and report-writing, as well as leading some of our bat emergence survey teams. Additionally he volunteers for his local bat group, assisting with their conservation work.