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 advice on ecological matters. From planning assistance to land management, mitigation work to research and policy development.

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, watching briefs, desktop data-search assistance, mitigation strategies and plans, ecology reports, ecological advice, presence-absence surveys, population assessments, habitat assessments, BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes assessments, and biodiversity audits.

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, planning authorities and other stakeholders. With biodiversity featuring more heavily in planning policy, 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, non-marine molluscs, palaeoecology, archaeozoology, landscapes and geomorphology. He  holds survey licences for great crested newts, natterjack toads, sand lizards and smooth snakes across Britain. Our other staff and associates cover all other species groups and disciplines.

CGO Ecology's Director & Principal Ecologist was the research and monitoring officer for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation from 2002 to 2007, where he coordinated rare species surveillance, set up NARRS, trained and sub-licensed hundreds of surveyors, provided expertise to the statutory agencies, and advised ecological 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 recently co-wrote two survey skills competency notes for the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM), and has written several book chapters. He is a member of IEEM, the BHS, and the Conchological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

CGO Ecology Limited is a private company limited by shares, registered in England and Wales (company number 06532052).

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