Chris founded CGO Ecology in 2008, when he was primarily a herpetologist. Since then he has expanded his expertise, and worked in rail and road infrastructure, minerals, renewables, housing, conservation, monitoring, training and research. Previously he managed sand lizard, smooth snake and NARRS surveys for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation; lectured at Coventry University and Bournemouth University; and worked at English Nature (geologist), English Heritage (archaeologist), and Ordnance Survey (cartographer). He has a PhD in the palaeoecology and palaeobiogeography, with specialist skills in the identification of herpetofaunal skeletal remains. He is former Chair of the British Herpetological Society, on the Council of the Conchological Society of Great Britain & Ireland, and a Visiting Research Fellow at Bournemouth University. He co-wrote CIEEM survey skills competency notes for reptiles and natterjack toad. He is a well-known herpetologist, and an accomplished non-marine malacologist, with survey licences covering England, Scotland and Wales. Other competencies include Phase 1 habitats, Hedgerow Regulations, butterflies (WCBS surveyor), fairy shrimps, eDNA, badger, water vole, fish, birds and NVC/botany (FISC level 4), BREEAM, HQM, BS5837 trees. He is an avid music-lover, traveller, and follower of politics and current affairs.
Dr Chris Gleed-Owen
Director & Principal Ecologist

- Qualifications: BSc (Hons), PhD, MCIEEM, First Aid at Work, CSCS Professionally Qualified Person, ROLO H&S, FISC 4
- Specialisms: Sand lizard, smooth snake, reptiles, GCN, natterjack toad, amphibians, non-marine molluscs, heathland, coastal dunes, biogeography, palaeoecology, palaeontology, geomorphology
- Licences: sand lizard, smooth snake, great crested newt CL09, natterjack toad, Roman snail
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/cgoecology
Dr Chris Gleed-Owen
Director & Principal Ecologist
Specialisms: Sand lizard, smooth snake, reptiles, GCN, natterjack toad, amphibians, non-marine molluscs, heathland, coastal dunes, biogeography, palaeoecology, palaeontology, geomorphology
Dan Hawthorn
Principal Ecologist
Specialisms: Dan has both GCN and Bat licences for England and Wales and has over 10 years’ experience working as a professional ecologist from a total of 25 years undertaking wildlife surveys.
Harri Wishart
Ecologist
Specialisms: Harri is particularly interested in reptiles and bats, and is excited to be working towards bat and GCN licences.
Steve Allen
Associate Ecologist & Arborist (Southeast/East Anglia)
Specialisms: Trees, Bats, Woodland, Fencing, Barn owl
Chris Cathrine
Associate Ecologist (Scotland)
Specialisms: Birds, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, collision risk modelling
Noel Bergin
Associate Ecologist & Arborist (Southwest)
Specialisms: Bats, hazel dormouse, reptiles, heathland, woodland, trees, health & safety
Ian Bradley
Associate Ecologist (Northeast)
Specialisms: Great crested newt, amphibians, reptiles, badgers
Alex Flinn-Shephard
Assistant Ecologist (Midlands)
Specialisms: Biodiversity of farmland
More about Alex Flinn-Shephard...
Mike Phillips
Associate Ecologist (Southeast)
Specialisms: GCN, reptiles, GIS/remote sensing, tree/habitat management.