Introducing Echoes Ecology Ltd

Echoes Ecology Ltd is a wildlife consultancy company specialising in bats, birds, badgers, otters and other protected species. Please visit our Ecological Surveys page to find out more. We employ a large team, ranging from skilled office staff, through to qualified field surveyors and specialist sub-contractors. Below, we have shown a selection of our key members of staff.

Neil Middleton AIEEM (Director)

Since first becoming involved with bats in 1994 Neil has gained substantial experience from a vast range of bat related contracts. In addition he has a lifelong experience relating to birds and mammals. Within Echoes Ecology Neil has managed ecological projects at all levels and has also designed and delivered numerous training events. He is well versed in the mitigation and compensation strategies to be adopted when applying for Habitat Regulation's licences (e.g. bats and otters) and other protected species (e.g. badgers). Neil regularly provides expert guidance to many organisations, within the UK and elsewhere, including: Republic of Ireland, France and Cyprus. He is an Associate Member of The Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM), as well as holding Natural England licenses (Bats) and Scottish Natural Heritage licences (Bats and Barn Owls).

Laura Davis BSc(Hons) MSc MIEEM

Laura is a Senior Ecologist working within Echoes Ecology, where she also acts as Team Manager. Laura is a Full Member (MIEEM) of The Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM). She holds a Scottish Natural Heritage licence for bats, as well as being a certified badger surveyor (Scottish Badgers - Level One). In addition, Laura is a qualified tree climber (NPTC), a skill she uses to survey trees for evidence of bat roosting and nesting birds. She has also gained experience in carrying out Otter and Phase 1 habitat surveys. Since joining Echoes Ecology in 2007, she has taken the lead on numerous cases across many trade sectors, as well as co-delivering our training events. Laura has substantial experience with applying for protected species licences and developing associated mitigation and compensation strategies (e.g. bats, badgers and otters).

Jennifer Diack BSc(Hons) (Ecological Science)

Jenny joined Echoes Ecology in 2007 and is an experienced mammal ecologist, including having a Scottish Natural Heritage bat licence. Her roles include desktop studies, field surveying, bat call analysis, report writing and research. Jenny has a strong professional knowledge of bats, otters and badgers, and takes the lead on numerous cases across a wide range of trade sectors. In addition, Jenny is a qualified tree climber (NPTC), a skill she uses to survey trees for evidence of bat roosting and nesting birds. Her other ecological experiences and strengths relate to amphibians (e.g. Great Crested Newt).

Scott Paterson

Scott joined the Echoes Ecology team during 2011 as a Senior Ecologist, whose strengths very much lie in ornithology. He has previously carried out a number of roles within the RSPB, including Site Manager at Minsmere, and latterly developing the RSPB's Inner Forth Futurescape Project. Scott has over 40 years experience studying birds and is very familar with the various survey methodologies that need to be applied in different scenarios. He takes the lead in the ornithological caseload within Echoes (e.g. renewable energy projects), as well as having considerable field experience relating to mammals, in particular Water Vole and Otters.

Rhiannon Hatfield BSc(Hons) (Zoology)

Rhiannon joined our full time team in 2011 and is actively involved in delivering field studies on behalf of our clients. She has over 5 years experience within the ecological sector, including a good practical grounding in surveying across many species groups, as well as a diverse range of skills relating to countryside management. Rhiannon holds a Scottish Natural Heritage licence for bats, as well as being a certified badger surveyor (Scottish Badgers - Level One). In addition, she is involved in field work relating to habitat management, birds, otters, water vole, red squirrels, reptiles and amphibians.

Julie Smith BSc(Hons) (Ecology)

Julie joined our team in 2011 and is an experienced Phase 1 and NVC surveyor with a strong interest in the conservation value of different habitat types. She provides Echoes Ecology with the expertise we need relating to the assessment of habitat and plant communities.  In addition, she is also heavily involved with surveying for other species groups (e.g. bats, otters, badgers, reptiles and great crested newts).  Julie, who has a strong attention to detail, displays considerable knowledge in her areas of expertise, having the ability to learn quickly when faced with new scenarios.

Aaron Middleton

Aaron has worked within Echoes Ecology since 2009. He is an experienced bat surveyor and is heavily involved with the delivery of field work for bats (e.g. transects for wind farm sites, emergence surveys of buildings and AnaBat placement within sites that require remote recording of bat activity). In addition, Aaron is a qualified tree climber (NPTC), a skill he uses to survey trees for evidence of bat roosting and nesting birds. He also provides various support functions within the business, including assisting with surveys for other protected species (e.g. badgers and otters).

Kirsty Morrison HNC (Countryside Rec’ & Cons' Man’)

Kirsty has worked within the environmental sector since 1998 and is employed by Echoes Ecology Ltd on a part-time basis as a specialist bat surveyor and trainer. Kirsty holds a Scottish Natural Heritage licence for bats. In addition to having a strong knowledge of bats, Kirsty has also gained specific experience with surveying for plants, trees, butterflies and amphibians (including Great Crested Newt).