Meet The Team

Susanna brings extensive experience from her work with a humanitarian charity, where she oversaw landmine clearance operations across Africa—helping to save lives and rebuild communities affected by conflict.

At EMEC, she plays a key leadership role, guiding our talented team of land management consultants, ecologists and arboriculturists, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, specialist services.

She holds a BA in Geography from Newcastle University, along with postgraduate legal qualifications including a GDL, LPC, and LLB from the University of Law.

Ben joined EMEC Ecology in June 2020, initially tasked with overseeing delivery of several high-value environmental projects and later leading the development of a dedicated Project Management department.

With over a decade of industry experience, including seven years as a Civil Engineer on nationally significant infrastructure projects, he brings a robust skill set in complex project delivery. His professional focus spans environmental consultancy and land management, with specialisms in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), process management and the development of national supply chains.

EMEC sponsor Ben through a part-time Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), where he seeks to develop his leadership knowledge, skills and behaviours. Outside of work, Ben enjoys hiking and playing football.

Lauren joined in 2023 to project-manage EMEC’s contracted delivery into the England Ecosystem Survey – one of the largest UK-wide field surveys ever undertaken part of the wider Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme led by Natural England. In addition to coordinating delivery with EMEC’s internal survey teams, she is proud to oversee the contributions of multiple Wildlife Trust Consultancies, ensuring nationwide coverage for Soil Sampling and Vegetation and Landscape Surveys.

Before joining EMEC, Lauren worked for six years as a Key Account Manager across a variety of industry sectors, with a strong focus on commercial landscapes and grounds maintenance. She holds a BA (Hons) from Leeds Beckett University, and since joining EMEC has achieved PRINCE2 and IOSH qualifications to support her role as Project Manager.

Jack brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent eight years at Balfour Beatty as a Material Engineer, where he was responsible for managing projects and providing technical support.

He  holds a BSc in Applied & Environmental Geology and has a strong background in environmental and infrastructure projects. In his role at EMEC, he will be overseeing a variety of projects, including natural flood management, river restoration, and green space creation. His expertise and project management skills will play a key role in delivering EMEC’s commitment to enhancing and protecting the environment.

Alice joined EMEC in September 2020, after returning from a career break in Canada where she worked as a field technician at several bird observatories. Having worked in the ecological sector for over 10 years, Alice has a keen interest in botany, undertaking UKHab surveys and England Ecosystem Survey. She also holds Natural England Class Licenses for bats and great crested newts and has experience of and a range of protected species surveys, including bats, great crested newts, reptiles, badger, water voles, otters, and birds. Additionally, Alice is experienced in conducting Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments using the Statutory Metric, working with clients to achieve 10% net gain and producing Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans.

Vicky joined EMEC in 2022 and has over ten years of experience working in Ecology. Vicky is registered to use the Natural England survey class licences for bats (Level 2) and great crested newts (Level 1), can undertake the role of Named Ecologist for bat mitigation licences and is proficient in bat acoustic analysis for species identification. Although she has a particular interest in bats, Vicky also leads surveys for and reports on a range of other protected species and habitats, in addition to managing projects of varying scale and a team of Ecologists. Vicky holds a BSc (Hons) in Biology and is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

With a BSc (Hons) in Biology and recognition as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, Steve has spent over three decades shaping conservation landscapes across the UK and therefore brings a wealth of experience and expertise in biodiversity and conservation.

His diverse career has included roles such as County Conservation Officer for Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, UK Programme Lead for Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank Project, and Conservation Officer at Ashdown Forest in Sussex. He has also advised on habitat creation for the renewable energy sector and co-managed a wildflower seed company with his wife.

In his role at EMEC, Steve will be advising Network Rail’s Eastern Region Biodiversity Framework on how to manage their trackside land to ensure Biodiversity Net Gain compliance.

Jake has worked in ecology consultancy since April 2018 and started as an Ecologist at EMEC in October 2021, then being promoted to a Senior Ecologist in September 2024. His main area of specialism is Ornithology, having been a birdwatcher from a young age, but has gained a broad range of ecological knowledge and now holds protected species licences for Barn Owl, Bats (Level 1, working towards Level 2) and Great Crested Newt (Level 1), and is a CS38 qualified Tree Climber.

At home, Jake has three indoor cats (Truffle, Chestnut and Praline), a tropical fish tank and many house plants. His favourite book is The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien and currently has nine copies of it (including Polish, German and Dutch versions!) and every Thursday he plays Dungeons and Dragons with a group of friends.

Greg joined EMEC in September 2020, following three seasons with a large consultancy in the North of England. He completed his degree in ecology and land management in 2016 and now looks to bolster his skills within the ecology field. He is experienced in a wide range of ecological surveys for protected species, including reptile and phase 1 habitat surveys and holds both great crested newt and bat survey licences. He has a passion for birds and has gained a great deal of experience in carrying out breeding, wetland and vantage point bird surveys through working on a large national infrastructure project within the Midlands. A trainee bird ringer for a local group, Greg also volunteers on Breeding and Wetland bird surveys for the British Trust for Ornithology in Nottinghamshire. He is also proficient and trained in the use of chainsaw, brush cutter and other habitat management tools through a previous volunteer ranger position.

Joining us in August 2015, Adrian Dutton brings additional skills to EMEC Ecology, with his 30 years experience in invertebrates. He is a valuable asset to the company and has already carried out invertebrate surveys for Natural England across the country, looking at invertebrate abundance in relation to scrub habitat. In addition to the species level identification required for the contract for Natural England, Adrian has been undertaking butterfly and moth surveys at sites in Nottinghamshire and aquatic invertebrate surveys of rivers and streams. The results of these surveys can be used to assess the pollution levels of watercourses.

Having previously worked at a number of other consultancies, Laura has plenty of experience carrying out species surveys, QGIS mapping and Biodiversity Impact Assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain.

She is an associate member of CIEEM and holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Conversation, MSc in Ecology and Conservation, Great Crested Newt licence, a Field Identification Skills Certificate, as well as qualifications in tree climbing and aerial rescue. She is also an accredited Modular River Physical (MoRPh) surveyor.

Laura’s role includes carrying out habitat and species surveys, managing projects, reporting and QGIS mapping. A large part of her work is also carrying out BIA’s/BNG’s from site visit stage to filling out the metric and working with the client to achieve net gain, including MoRPh surveys and the watercourse tab of the metric.

In her spare time Laura enjoys climbing, canicrossing/scooterjoring with her husky Nala, hiking with her friends and reading. She also loves bird watching and just generally being in nature. She holds a T-permit for bird ringing and spends most of her weekend mornings bird ringing with her local ringing group, and is working towards getting endorsements for her full C-permit.

Lauren joined EMEC in 2022 as a seasonal assistant ecologist and has since progressed to an Ecologist within the team.

She holds a BSc (hons) in Zoology and MSc in Conservation Biology, along with a Class 1 Great Crested Newt Licence. She is also a qualifying member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

In her role, she leads small-scale projects and undertakes ecological appraisals and impact assessments, providing technical advice on ecological constraints and opportunities, including in relation to biodiversity net gain.

Lauren is working towards progressing her surveying and reporting skills to enable her to undertake larger-scale projects, and gaining experience to attain a Class 1 Bat Licence.

Outside of work, Lauren is an avid equestrian and enjoys spending her time with her two ponies and sausage dog, Douglas.

Joe studied zoology at the University of Nottingham and once he graduated he was eager to find work in wildlife survey. Joe has been employed in ecology since 2022, having spent two years with another consultancy based in Derbyshire, before starting at EMEC in early 2024.

The start of Joe’s ecology career coincided with the early rollout of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and as such, he has spent much of the last few years working on BNG calculations. Joe holds two class survey licences (hazel dormouse & great crested newt) and is an accredited MoRPh surveyor. Joe also has a keen interest in invertebrate identification and ecology. Outside of work Joe is interested in camping, visiting nature reserves, eating out and playing football.

Chloe holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Wildlife Conservation from Nottingham Trent University and is a Full member of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (MCIEEM). Chloe is tasked with conducting ecological appraisals, including UKHab surveys and BNG calculations, for a range of small scale to large scale developments. She is experienced in working with clients to achieve a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) . She is also proficient in protected species surveys such as for badgers and Great Crested Newts (GCN) and is accredited to undertake Modular River surveys (MoRPh), holds a FISC level 3 and Great Crested Newt class 1 licence. Furthermore, Chloe co-manages on maintaining the data collection software used for survey work at EMEC. Chloe enjoys moth trapping in her spare time and is keen to further her knowledge in lepidoptera.

Edd joined EMEC in 2023 as an Assistant Ecologist and was promoted to Ecologist in 2025. In his role, he leads small-scale projects, carries out ecological surveys, and produces technical reports to help clients meet planning and biodiversity requirements.

With an MSc in Biodiversity Conservation from Nottingham Trent University, Edd made a career switch from the retail sector to follow his passion for conservation. Since joining EMEC, he has embraced every opportunity to develop his skills in applied ecology, underpinned by a strong commitment to protecting the natural world.

Andrew joined EMEC in August 2024 after graduating from the University of Nottingham with a BSc (hons) in Environmental Science – during which time he also volunteered for five years on the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trusts Miner2Major scheme. He works on the EES project as a ‘vegetation & landscape’ and ‘soils assessment’ surveyor.

Andrew also holds a BA (hons) in Photography and Media & Cultural studies from Roehampton University and retains a keen interest in photography, nature, the outdoors and long distance walking.

Gareth joined EMEC in January 2024 as an Operational Ecologist on the Network Rail Eastern Region biodiversity framework project bringing a strong skillset in geospatial and data analysis alongside a background in stakeholder engagement. During the project Gareth undertook UKHAB surveys and BNG recommendations for complex sites in high risk environments, he also researched options for data management solutions that meet the complex needs of the client.

Gareth has an MSc. in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from Edinburgh Napier University and has a keen interest in coastal ecology and working with new and emerging technologies. He is a professional member of the Marine Biological Association and working towards ACIEEM accreditation. Previously Gareth has presented his own research at conferences and contributed to research projects with the Vincent Wildlife Trust as a volunteer.

In his free time Gareth enjoys playing music, surfing, longboarding, snowboarding and going on adventures with his daughter.

Catherine joined EMEC in 2023 as a seasonal assistant ecologist, after working two seasons with another Midlands based consultancy. She then started working as a full-time assistant in early 2025. In her role, she assists other ecologists on projects, carrying out ecological surveys, proof reading reports and completing bat video analysis. Catherine is a member of CIEEM at qualifying level and is working towards her Level 1 Great Crested Newt licence.

Her BSc Hons in Wildlife Conservation from Nottingham Trent University involved a placement year working at a wildlife park overseas, being more involved in the animal husbandry side of endangered exotic species. However, Catherine’s passion for British wildlife made her switch her career path into ecological consultancy.

In her spare time, she is a Nottingham Clean Champion litter picker. She also enjoys swimming, console gaming and modelling clothes for a dress company.

Elise graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a BSc in Animal Biology and an MSc in Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation. She joined EMEC in September 2024 after a three-year position at Sherwood Forest RSPB Visitor Centre. From a young age, her passion for nature has inspired her to pursue a career dedicated to ecology and conservation. Elise has supported the Soil Sampling and the Vegetation and Landscape surveys for the England Ecosystem Survey (EES), working on behalf of Natural England and Defra. She has contributed to Bat Emergence, Otter and water vole surveys, while also supporting cross-departmental activities for various projects. Committed to growth, Elise is building her plant identification skills through FISC assessments and BSIBI programs, aiming to lead the 2026 cycle of vegetation and landscape surveys for EES.

Hannah joined EMEC in 2024 after returning from travels in Australia, bringing with her a strong academic and teaching background. She holds a degree in Environmental Conservation and Ecology, and previously worked as a lecturer at a land-based college, where she taught and supported students in ecological and conservation sciences and delivered a number of practical conservation projects.

Now focused on progressing her career in applied ecology, Hannah has contributed to a wide range of projects including the England Ecosystem Surveys Vegetation and Landscape Survey, bat and badger surveys, great crested newt surveys and quality assurance work. She is a trainee bird ringer with a growing interest in botany and has developed skills in QGIS mapping and desk-based ecological assessments.

Jan joined EMEC in 2022 as a Seasonal Assistant Ecologist, becoming a permanent member of the team in 2025. During her time with EMEC, she has provided support to a number of large-scale projects including Natural England’s EES projects where she has been involved in soil sampling, peat-mapping, vegetation surveys, and landscape assessments. She has also assisted on numerous protected species surveys for bats and great crested newts with prior experience extending to reptile translocation surveys.

Educated to Masters level, Jan has a long-standing interest in nature conservation and prior volunteer experience with the Peak District National Park Authority, Sustrans, Plantlife, and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. She is a career-switcher having previously held research and quality assurance roles within the medical diagnostics and pharmaceutical industries, as well as operating as a Therapy Radiographer in the NHS.

Outside of work, Jan has a passion for the outdoors, nature and wellbeing. She can often be found in the mountains or on a yoga mat, is an active member of the Nottinghamshire Dormouse Group and has conducted butterfly surveys for Derbyshire Wildlife Trust for the past decade.

Josh joined EMEC in August 2024 as a field surveyor. He has a Master of Bioscience in Zoology degree from the University of Lincoln and since joining us he has worked on a number of projects with EMEC, including the England Ecosystem Survey (in both Vegetation & Landscape and Soil Surveyor capacity), bat and endangered species surveys. He progressed to an assistant ecologist role on the Network Rail Eastern Region Biodiversity Framework in August 2025.

In the time since joining EMEC, Josh has added to his professional profile by developing his skills in GIS mapping, conducting UKHab BNG surveys, and completing various ecology based CPD courses.  He is actively working towards endangered species licenses and FISC status while building his ecological skillset to help study, understand, and protect our wildlife.

Owen joined as an Assistant Ecologist in September 2023, then rejoined as a Field Surveyor in August 2025, after a 9-month career break in Australia, where he worked on regenerative farms and agroforestry sites. Owen undertakes soil sampling and vegetation and landscape surveying for Natural England and specialises in botanical ID skills. He attained a FISC Level 3 and attends county recording surveys with his local BSBI group. He is also involved in assisting the ecology team with bat data analysis and has completed project work for Network Rail, in addition to helping the land management team restore brownfield sites.

Owen’s passion for agroecology and restoring landscapes at scale has inspired his career in ecology and drives his desire to integrate the worlds of conservation, ecological restoration, and agriculture together, to bring about maximum positive change. Within ecology, he is also interested in natural capital, and the use of innovative technology to streamline efficiencies in surveying and data analysis.

Dave is responsible for planning and creating projects as well as managing the team. He holds a BSc combined Honours in Countryside Management and Earth Science from Liverpool University. Dave has over 20 years of conservation experience including nearly 10 years as a Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust reserves officer. Dave holds NPTC qualifications in Level 3 chainsaw felling and Level 2 pesticides as well as tree climbing and he has also assisted with European protected species surveys and mitigation projects.

With 33 years of wildlife experience and a tenure at EMEC since 2014, Phil began in land management and now oversees district level licensed ponds across Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, and South Kesteven, while supporting the ecologists with surveys and maintaining our field equipment. Outside of work I stay active in local wildlife groups, travel, catch up with friends, and enjoy a good glass of whiskey.

Vinny joined us after completing an NVQ in Countryside Management and volunteering for the Trust and EMEC. Amongst numerous different jobs with the Land Management team he has helped create over 25 new ponds as mitigation for great crested newts, installed coir rolls to reinforce banks and increase the plant biodiversity of ponds and waterways and installed temporary amphibian fencing (TAF). Vinny has numerous qualifications including NPTC Level 2 chainsaw operator, tree climber, mewp operator, qualified excavator and dumper operation. Vinny is also an approved ECoW and has assisted the ecology team in a wide variety of European protected species surveys. 

Mike is one of our Land Management Operatives. With a strong academic foundation in Countryside Management and a wide range of practical skills, Mike brings a wealth of experience in ecological land management. His previous work includes habitat translocation, reptile and newt fencing, badger sett creation, and large-scale tree planting, as well as estate and parkland maintenance. In his role, at EMEC Mike supports the delivery of a broad range of conservation-focused projects, including wetland restoration, woodland creation, and river work. His hands-on expertise, passion for the countryside, and enthusiasm for sustainability make him a valuable addition to EMEC’s growing Land Management team.

In her role at EMEC, Dace is actively involved in habitat creation, restoration, and ongoing maintenance across a wide range of sites. Before joining EMEC, Dace most worked as a ranger for the NWT Northern Reserves. Previous roles also includes work with a small forestry company focused on habitat management and native woodland creation, running a wildlife-friendly garden maintenance business, working on organic farms, and leading coastal pollution data collection expeditions.

Andy came to us after completing a Wildlife Conservation Degree at Brackenhurst and has gained a wide range of new skills and experience including Level 2 Chainsaw and ATV Driving. He has assisted with a number of protected species projects, in particular GCN pond installation and maintenance as well as numerous practical habitat management projects. 

With over 30 years of experience across a range of industries, including aerospace and pharmaceuticals, Sally brings extensive expertise in Supplier and Key Account Management. She will serve as the primary contact for clients, leading client relationship management to support our ecology , project management, and land management teams.

Kelly joined EMEC Ecology in 2017 as our administrator, coming from a background of charity administration and finance. Kelly ensures the smooth running of day to day office procedures and is always happy to help. Kelly is a member of the Association of Accounting Technicians.