Introducing Echoes Ecology Ltd

Echoes Ecology Ltd is a wildlife consultancy company specialising in bats, birds 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. 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 and provides expert guidance to many organisations, within Scotland and elsewhere, including: England, Northern Ireland, France and Cyprus. Neil is an Associate Member of The Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) and also holds Scottish Natural Heritage licences for bats (including Training) and Barn Owls.

Laura Davis BSc(Hons) MSc AIEEM

Laura is an experienced full-time ecologist working within Echoes Ecology, where she also acts as Team Manager. Laura is an Associate Member 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. She also has experience in carrying out Phase 1 habitat surveys. Laura has a long-standing interest in wildlife and conservation, fuelled by a passion for mammals. Since joining Echoes Ecology in 2007, she has taken the lead on numerous cases across a wide spectrum of trade sectors, as well as co-delivering our training events.

Jennifer Diack BSc(Hons) (Ecological Science)

Jennifer joined Echoes Ecology in 2007 and is an experienced mammal ecologist employed on a full-time basis. Her roles include field surveying, Batsound/AnaBat analysis, report writing, research and course administration. Jennifer has a strong professional knowledge of bats and badgers. Her other ecological experiences and strengths relate to Phase 1 habitat surveys, otters, amphibians (Great Crested Newt) and freshwater invertebrates.

Nikki Murray BSc(Hons) (Animal Biology)

After studying Animal Biology at Stirling University, Nikki joined Echoes Ecology early in 2009. She is involved with ecological field surveys, as well as the essential administrative duties required within the business. Nikki also carries out the analysis, using Batsound software, of bat echolocation calls recorded during active season surveys. She is in the process of gaining valuable experience relating to other ecological surveying skills (e.g. otter, water vole).

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).

Chris Gould CEng (Chemical Eng & Environmental Tech)

Chris has had an active interest in bats and the wider aspects of ecology for over 10 years. He is employed by Echoes Ecology Ltd on a part-time basis as a specialist bat surveyor. He is also active with voluntary bat work through Central Scotland Bat Group as well as being their secretary. Further, he was a founding committee member of the BATS & The Millennium Link project in Scotland.  Chris is a Chartered Engineer with a Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology.