Jon Byrd - Director (CEcol, MCIEEM)
Jon is a Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) and a Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (MCIEEM), with over 17 years of experience as an ecological consultant. Jon is an experienced habitat and botanical surveyor, and holds Natural England protected species survey licences for Bats (Class 2), Barn Owl, Great Crested Newt, Dormouse, and White-clawed Crayfish. Jon also holds Natural England Mitigation Class Licences for Bats (BMCL) and Badger, and is able to effectively advise on all aspects of ecological survey work, reporting, mitigation, UK wildlife legislation, and best practice.
Jon has an extensive understanding of and experience with regards undertaking Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments, and often delivers BNG training / presentations to Clients and advises other ecological consultants on complex BNG scenarios.
Outside of work, Jon enjoys staying active through Tang Soo Do martial arts training.
Sophie Smith - Director (MCIEEM)
Sophie is a Director of Allied Ecology and Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (MCIEEM). With extensive experience in devising and leading a range of faunal surveys, Sophie holds Natural England protected species survey licences for Bats (Class 2), Barn Owl, and Great Crested Newt. She has a keen interest in Bats, being an active member of the Cambridgeshire Bat Group, and Water Vole, a species we are fortunate to see a lot of around our base in Lincolnshire.
Sophie has an in-depth working knowledge of terrestrial habitats, faunal ecology, UK wildlife legislation and the UK planning system, and supports Clients with their day-to-day project needs. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments form a routine part of Sophie’s workload and, being the in-team QGIS / graphics lead, is responsible for training and assisting other members of the team in these areas.
Outside of work, Sophie enjoys exploring new places for walks with Daisy and Moss (our friendly ‘office dogs’) and regularly attends restorative Yoga classes to promote physical and mental wellbeing.
Amelia Agnew - Ecologist
Amelia is a consultant Ecologist and Qualifying Member at the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), with a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Glasgow. Amelia joined the team in 2023, and has developed extensive experience in devising and undertaking habitat and faunal surveys, including Phase 2 / detailed survey work for Bats, Badger, Great Crested Newts, Reptiles, Water Vole, and Barn Owl. Amelia is currently working towards gaining protected species survey licenses and also carries out survey work in a voluntary capacity with Cambridgeshire Bat Group.
Amelia has a great deal of experience in the practical applications of QGIS and Coreo mapping software in the field, and is capable of undertaking complex Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) mapping and assessments.
Outside of work, Amelia enjoys hiking and running, and recently completed her first half marathon!
Sarah Lucas - Graduate Ecologist
Sarah is a Graduate Ecologist and the newest member of the team, having joined us in January 2025. Sarah joins us from the Environment Agency, where she worked as part of the Project Management Team to deliver complex internal projects and, with her Master’s degree in Zoology from the University of Sheffield, she brings a great variety of experience and new perspectives to the team.
Sarah has a clear passion for nature, and is already working hard towards obtaining various protected species survey licences and developing her botanical and habitat identification skills. In addition, she is already demonstrating great skills with QGIS and Coreo mapping software in the field, and analysing this data to inform reporting outputs.
Originally from the Lake District, Sarah enjoys hiking, swimming and being outdoors.