Since kicking EP Ecology off properly in July this year, it’s been a bit of a wild ride. Leaving a comfortable, decent paying job with colleagues that you like and get on well with for the uncertainty of self-employment is maybe a little bit mental at the best of times, but to do it in the middle of a global pandemic? Oh my…

All that being said – it’s quite probably the most fulfilling thing that I have ever done. I started off helping out a fellow self-employed ecologist with one of their larger projects, doing some ecological clerk of works supervision and nocturnal bat surveys. Since then I’ve found myself here, there, and everywhere! A trip to the Isle of Arran was great, topped off with dinner from a chippy in Brodick. Since then things have gone from strength to strength with various projects so far in Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Midlothian, The Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, West Dunbartonshire, North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, and South Ayrshire. From preliminary ecological appraisals and bat preliminary roost assessments to badger surveys and otter surveys with quite a lot in between, it’s been great fun and I’m excited about the challenges and project wins (fingers crossed) that 2021 will bring. The year is rounded off with some admin tasks… submission of a PEA report to a client and completion of an online BALI ROLO health, safety, and environmental awareness course so that I can renew my CSCS card at the start of next year.

So, sincerely, thank you to everyone who has offered advice and support to me in this exciting new venture, and to all of my clients who have opted to commission EP Ecology to help with project work.

I wish you all, a safe festive period and hope to see you all in the new year!

On that note, from Wednesday 23rd December 2020 to Monday 4th January 2021 inclusive, EP Ecology will be closed.

However, where project matters are urgent, I will be available to discuss. Otherwise, have a lovely time and look forward to the newt season!