In a nutshell

CGO Ecology is an ecological consultancy specialising in high-quality wildlife and habitat surveys, planning and conservation assistance, mitigation and advice. 

Our expertise spans a wide range of ecological disciplines, with many years of experience and a diverse skill-set. We provide expert advice for the non-expert. We are fully licensed and insured across Britain, with a 100% track record in obtaining EPS mitigation licences. We get the job done to an excellent standard, in the timescale we predicted, at the price we quoted.

What we do

We provide expert assistance with ecological matters, reliable advice in relation to planning applications, and help you meet your commitments on planning conditions.

We offer high-quality wildlife surveys (amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, invertebrates, plants), advice and mitigation, Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, Habitat Suitability Index assessments, Biodiversity Checklists, Ecological Clerk of Works, desktop data-search assistance, mitigation strategies and plans, ecology reports, highly-skilled ecological advice, presence-absence surveys, population assessments, and habitat assessments.

We provide mitigation strategies, licence preparation, capture and translocation, exclusion fencing and trapping, habitat and site management, receptor site selection, ecological impact assessments, problem identification and solution, invasive species, population monitoring, research projects, staff training, technical documents, and policy development.

We can guide you through the protected species issues relating to your projects, and help negotiate with statutory bodies and planning authorities. With biodiversity featuring more heavily in planning policy (PPS9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation), clients are under increasing pressure to seek expert guidance in a timely fashion. Call or email to discuss your requirements and ask for a quote.

Where we work

Expertise

CGO Ecology has a highly-skilled and experienced team, covering all ecological disciplines, and fielding an impressive knowledge bank. Whether using staff on our books, or subcontracting our reliable network of associates, we have an enviable reputation for quality and reliability.

The company is directed by Dr Chris Gleed-Owen BSc (Hons) PhD MIEEM. His specialisms are reptiles, amphibians and non-marine molluscs, with a broad interest in other groups. He is fully licensed and qualified to work with great crested newts, natterjack toads, sand lizards and smooth snakes across Britain.

Chris was formerly the research and monitoring expert for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (formerly the Herpetological Conservation Trust) from 2002 to 2007, where he coordinated rare species monitoring programmes, and set up NARRS - the UK’s national herpetofauna monitoring scheme. He managed the training and licensing of hundreds of survey volunteers working with protected species, and provided expertise to statutory agencies and mitigation advice to professional consultancies. Chris is the Research Committee Chairman of the British Herpetological Society (BHS), Southwest England regional representative of ARG UK, and Chair of Dorset Amphibian and Reptile Network. He is a member of the BHS and the Conchological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

(Photographs © Chris Gleed-Owen: natterjack toad, comma, smooth snake, great crested newt larvae, field scabious, green lizard).