As Greenlight continue to go from strength to strength in 2022, we’re expanding the Ecologist team with new recruit Daniel Howes joining as an Assistant Ecologist.
Start of Daniel’s Career
Showing early signs of interest, Daniel started his career by studying Environmental Science during his A-levels. Due to his passion for the natural world and no other subjects igniting his passion like Environmental Science, this was the first sign that this was what he wanted to do for a career. Because of his enjoyment, Daniel decided to pursue it further and gain some practical skills by studying Countryside Management which led to a degree in Ecology Bsc (Hons).
“I love learning more about wildlife, one of the main reasons for my enjoyment in Ecology is the almost endless interesting species and habitats that I can gain knowledge on in the world.”
Previous Experience
Daniel has previously worked in practical Habitat Management & Conservation. Starting off with volunteering for the Broads Authority and Norwich Fringe Project, he acquired lots of hands-on skills, such as using tools and machinery. This additionally led to a job as a season Ranger which involved cutting back areas of heather, shrub and trees to keep the habitat optimal for Dartford warblers.
After working in practical conservation for a while, Daniel decided he would like to further enhance his skills by getting into surveying and consultancy.
“I volunteered at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust conducting breeding bird surveys and got some experience working for and volunteering at a number of consultancies. It was this role that allowed me to work with Greenlight, initially helping them as a subcontractor doing bat surveys this summer, which led me to getting my current position.”
What Does an Assistant Ecologist Job Role Involve?
The role of an Assistant Ecologist involves conducting surveys on development sites to access the species and habitat present, along with the potential for protected species to use/be present on site.
This information is then used to write reports, recommend mitigation and enhancements where necessary, and recommend further species surveys where necessary. These surveys can include Bat, Great Crested Newt, Reptile and more. The report requires other information, such as a data search of the protected sites/species within 2km of the site and mapping of the different site habitats and features.
These reports help the landowners to comply with wildlife related legislation and ensuring that the effects on habitats and species from/during development are limited and even help to enhance the site/area to increase habitat for species. As part of the Ecologist team, Daniel Howes will be using experience previously gained to enhance the process.
“I’m looking forward to joining the Greenlight team on a permanent basis and continuing to learn and help process wildlife during my career. I aim to become an experienced and well-rounded ecologist, including obtaining protected species licenses and generally improving my knowledge of wildlife and habitats, along with gradually increasing my responsibilities and project sizes I take on as I’m really keen to progress.”
Hobbies & Ambitions
Daniel’s love of nature expands beyond his career. During his spare time, his hobbies include going for walks in local nature reserves and enjoying the beauty that they have to offer.
“I really enjoy being in and around nature and a walk like this is fantastic for my physical and mental wellbeing. I’m a member of the Norfolk and Norwich Bat Group and help out at various events and projects. I hope next year to get even more involved with the group. I play a number of sports and enjoy being physically active, such as football, golf and table tennis.”
Greenlight are thrilled to be expanding and are looking forward to Daniel joining the team.
If you need any ecological surveys, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
