Here's what our Ecologist Sam Mardell from Norfolk says about his time with us this spring and summer:

"As my time with CGO Ecology comes to a close, I thought I would write a few paragraphs about my experiences over the last few months...

"For my first month working for CGO, I was based in Cheshire, along with my colleagues Katrina and Colette, to work on a project to collect water samples from ponds around the local area (over 300 between us!) to be analysed for great crested newt DNA – a new survey technique. I found the work really enjoyable and it was made so much easier by good communication and a high level of professionalism from everyone involved in the project.

"As this was a new method to survey for newts, it wasn't something I had done before; so I was encouraged to use my own initiative, which made the work even more rewarding. Chris (Director & Principal Ecologist of CGO Ecology) also looked after us really well by putting us up in a lovely little cottage in Nantwich, which I believe used to be the old signallers house.

"After successfully completing the project in Cheshire, I have been involved in GCN surveys (the more conventional methods of bottle-trapping, torching, netting and egg searching), report writing, as well as bat and rare reptile surveys. I hadn't actually done much bat and reptile work before joining CGO, but the training I was given was first class, and really helped to develop my survey and identification skills.smooth snake

"Some of the things I have done included carrying out sand lizard breeding burrow surveys on a stretch of dual carriageway for Dorset County Council, dusk and dawn bat activity surveys at a Manor House north of Bournemouth, and handling a smooth snake on Studland heath.

"All in all, I have really enjoyed my time at CGO Ecology. I have gained invaluable experiences that will be really beneficial to my future employment prospects. Even when work has been quiet we have been encouraged to fill our time with voluntary work (paid for by the company!) to continue our professional development. This even included carrying out a nightjar 'churring' survey at Studland, Dorset, for the National Trust's Cyril Diver Project!

"I would like to thank Chris for the opportunity to work with him and the rest of the lovely staff at CGO Ecology!"