About us
Since 1993, we have been operating under the ownership of Essex Wildlife Trust, providing advice and support through the application of extensive experience and knowledge within the field of ecological conservation. Our simple yet professional approach enables clients to progress their projects at pace in an efficient way.
We are based at Abbotts Hall Farm, the Head Office of Essex Wildlife Trust near Colchester. Most of our work is carried out across Essex, East Anglia and the South East, but we can carry out our work anywhere in the UK.
We understand how crucial the timely completion of survey work is, especially as clients are often reliant on receiving our reports before they can progress to the next stage of their project. The team will always look to agree ambitious timelines with clients and take pride in going above and beyond to deliver on our promises. Delivering on our promises is important to us.
We are members of “Wildlife Trust Consultancies” and operate to the standards and principles expected from the group. We have the conservation and promotion of wildlife at the heart of our core values and work with clients to achieve conclusions where all stakeholders accomplish fantastic outcomes. All our profits are used by Essex Wildlife Trust, to carry out great work in improving habitats and promoting the conservation of wildlife.
Meet the team
Pat Hatch MCIEEM
Pat is our principal ecologist and has worked with us since 2006. Before joining us, Pat lived in Ireland and worked as a researcher at a marine research station. On his return to the UK, Pat carried out a similar role to the role he has with us, with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Pat is one of the leading bat experts in the county and has carried out research on an international level to further his education within the field. Pat also uses his knowledge to train others in the field of bat ecology, with the aim of helping them to achieve their bat license.
Adele Devonshire BSc (Hons), MSc, MCIEEM
Adele works with us as an ecologist and joined us after working with various other organisations in similar roles, including working at a marine laboratory in New Zealand as a researcher. Previously, Adele worked in the environmental sector as field officer. Adele has a high level of competence across all our areas but has specific knowledge relating to trees and tree surveying. Away from work, Adele enjoys spending time with her two children and getting active in her many hobbies, which include horse riding, swimming and scuba diving which she developed a passion for while studying for her degree in marine biology.
Martin Pugh BSc MCIEEM
Martin has worked with us since 2005 and is currently a senior ecologist . Before joining us, Martin worked with The Environment Agency carrying out river catchment surveys in Cumbria. Martin has a wide degree of experience across a multitude of areas but has developed specialisms in crayfish conservation which has enabled him to educate others on a national level and has even worked with Ray Mears! Martin has two young sons and enjoys spending time at the family cottage in the Yorkshire Dales, connecting with the amazing nature that part of the country has to offer.
Colin Austin BSc (Hons) PG Dip Arch
Colin has been with us from the outset, his first involvement being to carry out a phase 1 habitat survey across the whole of Essex, which involved him walking hundreds of miles across all the highways and byways over the county. Before joining us, Colin worked as an archeologist, his work included supervising multi phased urban excavations in and around Colchester, the UK`s oldest record town. Colin has an interest in botany across the country and has an extensive photographic library that he has developed over the years. Colin enjoys travelling, especially in West Asia, he also enjoys reading the classics.
Hayley Dean BSc (Hons), MSc, Student Member CIEEM
Hayley is our assistant ecologist and joined us after carrying out various activities with other organisations as a seasonal ecologist. Hayley has always had a passion for ecology and previously worked as an eel conservationist with Cordoba University in Spain and is currently developing her language skills as part of a Spanish language club. Hayley has learnt quickly while she has been with us and already has her great crested newt licence and is also a member of the Essex Bat Group. Hayley is an avid rugby fan and supports Wales and England equally, she is also into fitness training and loves to cook.
Charlotte Smith BSc (Hons) QCIEEM
Charlotte is our assistant ecologist and joined us in 2020 after previously being an intern in 2018. Charlotte has always loved the outdoors after growing up near the nature reserve where her dad was warden, and followed in his footsteps as a warden with Essex Wildlife Trust and the RSPB. Charlotte has a deep interest in birds and entomology, especially beetles, and has carried out novel research on hummingbirds in Costa Rica! Outside of work she enjoys making the most of the Essex coastline by sailing and kayaking, and also partakes in bouldering and painting.