About Ecology Link

Jonathan Panter

BSc (Hons), MSc. MPhil. CEnv, MCIEEM, CBiol, FRSB, M.Arbor.A

Jon has over 30 years professional ecological and environmental experience gained through a research, academic and commercial background.

These skills have been developed through a strong applied background of species identification, ecosystem restoration and site assessment across a range of habitats.

Jon has particular expertise in botanical identification and surveys, in both terrestrial and aquatic communities. Having worked throughout the country in a range of plant habitats, surveys include Phase 1 habitat, National Vegetation Classification and specific community and species monitoring. An experienced invertebrate surveyor, he undertakes both terrestrial and aquatic assessments in a variety of habitats.

He is experienced in carrying out tree survey assessments under BS 5837 recommendations for a range of rural and urban development sites. Tree assessments have included the value and assessment of veteran trees from both an ecological and landscape perspective. He is a member of the Arboricultural Association and co-authored the AIDGAP for the Identification of Deciduous Trees and Shrubs in Winter. Jon has published a number of papers on woodland management and carried out a range of research activities on veteran tree management and new woodland establishment.

Jon has a strong understanding of ecosystem services and economics and the requirements of businesses to fully commit to integrate ecological processes into their business strategies and working practices. This specialist ecological knowledge has been transferred to wider project management within Environmental Impact Assessments, Green Infrastructure design and development planning. The need for developments to be assessed against Biodiversity Net Gain and Urban Greening strategies has further developed his skills over recent years to implement these strategies into development processes.

Helen Parish

BSc (Hons), MCIEEM

Helen’s key area of expertise is the survey and mitigation for protected species, with over 20 years experience in ecological consultancy.

Helen inherited her love of all things ecological from her father, following him around on a variety of surveys and guided walks from a young age. With a preference for critters rather than plant surveys, her specialisms include surveys and mitigation for badgers, water voles, otters, reptiles and amphibians. She holds survey licences for white-clawed crayfish and great crested newts, being an accredited agent for dormice.

An experienced field surveyor, Helen has been in ecological consultancy for over 20 years. She has held numerous badger and great crested newt Natural England development licences and assisted with many more as an accredited agent. This has included bespoke mitigation design, animal exclusion, capture and translocation. She has recently got to grips with the new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation and assessment. An SQE for BREEAM assessments for many years, Helen has also undertaken Urban Greening Factor (UGF) criteria reviews.

Applying her knowledge and expertise of ecological processes, Helen has co-ordinated and compiled Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA’s) and Environmental Statements, producing Ecology Chapters.

Previous experience includes botanical surveys into natural woodland regeneration, hedgerow management practices and the impact of GM field trials. She also spent a year working abroad in New Zealand with a studentship within the horticultural and dairy farming sectors. Whilst in New Zealand, Helen volunteered for the Dept. of Conservation (DOC), which gave her valuable hands-on experience of the management of a variety of habitats and endangered species.