info@naturespaceuk.com
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Tom Tew is the founding Director and CEO of NatureSpace. With an ecology PhD from Oxford.
Tom spent half a lifetime working for Natural England and its predecessors, with his last statutory role on Natural England’s Executive Board as their Chief Scientist. Tom was then CEO of Environment Bank for 5 years before setting up NatureSpace in 2016. Tom has held a number of non-executive roles – he chaired the Vincent Wildlife Trust for a decade and currently sits on the Boards of the National Trust and Heritage Lottery Fund.
With a law degree and postgraduate studies in ecology, Sarah has specialised in protected species licensing for over ten years. Previously the European Protected Species Specialist and Senior Adviser in the licensing team at Natural England, and with experience in local government and in the private sector, she is committed to finding and using effective solutions to manage development and protected wildlife issues.
Sarah is the Conservation Director for NatureSpace and has been a key component in the NatureSpace family. She supported the set up of the business, has written and managed key aspects through this new scheme. Currently Sarah is working with new authorities on joining the scheme and working with our partners in the delivery of the compensation strategy.
Ali has a background in environmental data management and conservation. She is responsible for data management within NatureSpace, ensuring high standards for data access, quality and integrity are maintained throughout the organisation. She also works to develop and manage data-orientated systems to meet the dynamic needs of the company and its clients.
Emma is an experienced Town Planner with an environmental management background, who has worked in both the public and the private sectors. After completing her degree in Environmental Studies and Geography she went on to gain a Postgraduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning, working for several local planning authorities before jointly running a private planning consultancy for over 10 years. She joined NatureSpace in May 2021, initially as the regional Newt Officer for Staffordshire and more recently as Senior Planning Specialist. In this latter role Emma provides planning advice, support and training for all the NatureSpace District Licensing Scheme areas, as well as feeding into national, regional and local strategies.
Maria studied Marine Biology to Masters level at university, then worked in multiple South Atlantic Overseas Territories. Here she carried out the assessment of Key Biodiversity Areas across four of the territories and was part of multiple cetacean population assessment projects. More recently she has completed a Masters in Geographic Information Systems. She joined the NatureSpace technical team in April 2022.
Andy has held a number of roles within the partnership dating back to the initial concept phase. He is currently responsible for scheme evaluation, overseeing the Biodiversity Net Gain work stream, development of new work programs and the statistical analysis on which the District Licensing scheme is based. Andy’s roles within the partnership have been wide ranging and has included delivery of habitat creation, developing and delivering protocols for scheme monitoring, provision or ecological and other technical advice, and data analysis, including the creation of the risk zone and landscape connectivity models. Andy has a PhD in great crested newt ecology, survey and monitoring from the University of Kent and has a considerable number of peer reviewed publications on the subject. Outside of the scheme Andrew has held roles as an ecological consultant, university researcher, and university lecturer.
Amy has a degree in Geography and has joined the team to support all areas of the growing business. Amy brings a wealth of knowledge in office management, including websites, databases, finance, communications, research and international event organisation. Amy joined NatureSpace in April 2022 as Business Support Officer.
Scott joined NatureSpace as the West Oxfordshire and Cotswold District Council’s newt officer in January 2021, before joining the core NSP team as a Data Officer in November 2021. He has a background in Environmental Science and Wildlife Conservation, having studied both subjects at university as an undergraduate and a mature student. Prior to returning to full-time education, Scott worked for a FTSE 100 Wealth Management company as a Funds Analyst. He now incorporates this knowledge and experience into his role as a Data Officer for NatureSpace.
Caitlin has a background in Marine Biology, with a masters in Ecosystem Management and a focus on statistical analysis. She is a keen scuba diver and has undertaken field surveys of coral reefs in Honduras during her postgraduate degree. Caitlin has worked as a data analyst in the pharmaceutical industry building her data management skills before deciding to return to conservation and joining NatureSpace in January 2023.
Becky has a degree in Public Relations where she focused on political communication and digital media. She has spent the start of her career in client services for a global advertising agency, gaining experience in social media and performance marketing in addition to relationship building and account management. Becky joined NatureSpace in January 2023 to drive forward NatureSpace’s marketing communications.
Aidan is an experienced ecologist with an in-depth knowledge of spatial ecology. Within NatureSpace Aidan’s role is to model the distribution of great crested newts and create impact risk zones (IRZs) which assess habitat suitability for great crested newts. Aidan developed his interest in modelling during his PhD research which used species distribution modelling to investigate the relationship between native amphibian species and a non-native frog. Prior to joining NatureSpace Aidan worked as an environmental consultant for 14 years and gained expertise in a range of ecological survey planning and techniques.
Karolina graduated from Warsaw University of Life Sciences with an MSc degree in functioning and protection of the natural environment and has developed a passion for amphibian conservation, identification, and surveying techniques through undertaking research and commercial development surveys. She proceeded to work on several EU-funded species conservation projects as Finance Officer in the NGO sector. Prior to joining the NatureSpace team in July 2023, Karolina gained experience in GIS, working with ornithological radar systems and spatial distribution of protected species.
Mike studied Zoology and Biodiversity Conservation at university, focusing on endangered amphibians and reptiles. He pursued herpetology in expeditions in Madagascar, Sikkim and DR Congo. After graduating, Mike continued focusing on herpetology in ecological consultancy and undertook systematic literature reviews for a research company. Mike now heads up the NatureSpace Technical team, dealing with enquiries, assessing developments using our approved metric and managing client’s casework.
Rowan comes from an Environmental Management and GIS background and joined NatureSpace in August 2019 as Technical Officer. He handles enquires about district licences and undertakes the technical assessments of development proposals, which underpin the District Licensing Scheme. Rowan also leads in the Network Rail Organisational District Licence project for NatureSpace working on new exciting projects.
Marcus has a background in Geography and joined NatureSpace as a Technical Officer in September 2020 after completing a Masters in GIS in the Netherlands. As part of the technical team, he carries out technical assessments of a wide range of development projects and liaises with clients throughout the District Licensing process. As the scheme expands, Marcus is involved with the integration of Biodiversity Net Gain, and leads on annual reporting and new region licence applications from a technical perspective.
Sarah has a background in Zoology, with a masters in Biodiversity and Conservation. She joined the technical team at NatureSpace in May 2021, handling district license enquiries and carrying out technical assessments of proposed developments.
Tom has a degree in Ecology and Conservation and has over 5 years experience in ecological consultancy, surveying for protected species and European protected species license contracting works. Tom completed his MA in Wildlife Documentary Production in 2018 and has since gone on to join the teams of several large scale factual wildlife entertainment programmes. He joined the NatureSpace technical team in June 2021, handling district license queries and carrying out technical impact assessments for proposed developments.
Lara has a Zoology with Conservation degree and has previously worked in both nature conservation, carrying out on the habitat management, and ecological consultancy roles, with experience in protected species surveys. Lara joined NatureSpace in April 2022 and carries out technical assessments of development proposals using GIS and our metric.
Emily has a degree in Conservation Biology, where she focused on statistical analysis and prediction modelling. From there, she worked as a research assistant in the high-altitude forests of South America. Most recently, after working as a data analyst at the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic, Emily was keen to focus her skills back to conservation. Emily joined NatureSpace in April 2022, managing district license enquiries and carrying out technical impact assessments for proposed developments.
Frances is an environmental scientist with a masters degree in Freshwater and Marine Ecology. Before joining NatureSpace as Technical Officer in September 2022, she worked as an ecologist in environmental consultancy and as a research scientist, where she worked to develop novel DNA-based solutions to issues associated with traditional biomonitoring approaches.
Jennifer has over 10 years’ experience in ecology and conservation research, principally at ZSL and the Natural History Museum, specialising in the spatial and statistical analysis of species’ distributions. She recently undertook a course in ecological consultancy, focused on protected species surveying and wildlife legislation, and has field experience surveying newts, bats and birds. Jennifer joined NatureSpace as Technical Officer in September 2022, assessing the impacts of development proposals on great crested newts.
Ed studied an Environmental Hazards Bachelors degree before completing a Masters in Biodiversity Conservation. His postgraduate course was focussed on protected species surveying, and for his research project he assessed the survey protocol of a nation-wide hedgehog survey scheme. After this he worked with an ecological consultancy, predominantly on a large amphibian and reptile translocation project, before working for a major UK conservation charity coordinating a national public engagement scheme. Ed joined the technical team in September 2022.
Robbie has a BSc in Biology and an MSc in Environmental Science, with a focus on geospatial analysis and research. Robbie has volunteered for conservation projects abroad in Costa Rica and the Seychelles and most recently worked as a real estate sustainability consultant. He joined the NatureSpace technical team in October 2022.
Mel is an ecologist with over 21 years’ experience in local government, having previously worked for Caerphilly County Borough Council, Wiltshire Council, Cotswold District Council and West Oxfordshire District Council. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences and Geography, a Master of Science Degree in Ecology and Management of the Natural Environment and is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), currently sitting on the Professional Standards Committee. She was also actively involved with the UK Committee of the Association of Local Government Ecologist (ALGE) until leaving local government to start this job, but she will continue to liaise and collaborate with the committee on relevant issues through her role with CIEEM. Mel has held a great crested newt survey licence since 2004 and has carried out surveys in Gloucestershire and South Wales as a volunteer. Mel joined NatureSpace in March 2022 as Operations Manager, leading the team of Newt Officers that provide support and specialist advice to the local planning authorities that are covered by the district licensing scheme.
Indea comes form a biological sciences background and is a trained secondary school teacher. She changed career and moved to NatureSpace in 2018 as a project Officer supporting both Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough Councils. In April 2019, Indea changed roles to become more involved with NatureSpace and began to manage the South Midlands GCN Licence projects, including the expansion across the region. During this time, Indea has also worked with the Newt Conservation Partnership to support and co-ordinate approaches across the organisations. Since returning from Maternity leave in June 2021, Indea is now the Senior Project Officer in the Operations Team, supporting the Newt Officers and the Operations Manager with their responsibilities and the progression of the District Licence across operating areas.
Matt has a background in biology and ecology, and has worked as a wildlife surveyor, an aquarist and an ecological consultant. Matt joined NatureSpace in June 2021 as the Berkshire Newt Officer. He supports planning authorities to ensure that impacts to great crested newts are appropriately considered in planning applications, and promotes and facilitates the district licensing scheme in Berkshire
Connie graduated from the University of Chester, where she studied Conservation Biology. Connie has gained experience working on conservation efforts in both Grenada and Spain. Most recently, Connie has been working as a field surveyor for an Ecology company, collecting data on a range of protected British species. Connie Joined the NatureSpace team in September 2021.
Imogen studied Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge before heading to the tropical rainforests of Borneo and Costa Rica. Her interest in amphibians grew as she conducted research into tropical frog call behaviour and this lead on to a Master’s degree in Applied Ecology and Conservation at the University of East Anglia. She conducted research assessing the level of biodiversity on Solar PV farms across the UK before joining NatureSpace in September 2021.
Katie has a master’s degree in Environmental Science and has previously worked as an ecological consultant undertaking protected species surveys and compiling ecological reports. She joined NatureSpace in September 2021 as a County Newt Officer.
Chloe studied Zoology with Psychology at University going on to work in science communication. She then went on to carry out a Masters in Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Evolution focusing on utilising data to create prediction models to tackle conservation issues. Chloe has since worked within ecological consultancy, ultimately focusing on Great Crested Newt mitigation projects. Chloe joined the NatureSpace Team in November 2021.
Tara recently graduated from university having studied Marine Biology, specialising in Elasmobranch populations across the Indian Ocean Territory. Promoting sustainability and conservation has always been of great importance to her. She joined NatureSpace in September 2022 as the first County Newt Officer for Surrey. She is embedded into Surrey Wildlife trusts team of ecologists giving detailed guidance on the District Licence Scheme and great crested newts.
Rosanna studied Zoology at University and went on to spend a year in the Bornean rainforests carrying out multiple research projects on tropical wildlife conservation. Since completing her degree, Rosanna continued to work in the field of conservation, mainly through outdoor learning projects. More recently, Rosanna has worked for local councils and charities focusing on land management and habitat creation to increase biodiversity. She joined Naturespace in October 2022.
Georgina studied Zoology with Conservation at university and went on to work as an ecological consultant, with a focus on great crested newts and reptile mitigation projects. Georgina joined NatureSpace in October 2022 as the East Sussex Newt Officer.
Paul has a BSc in Environmental Biology and an MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation. He has extensive experience in the ecological sector, having worked in both ecological consultancy and for the RSPB, where he specialised in urban biodiversity and working with developers to deliver more wildlife-rich spaces. He co-authored the NHBC’s Biodiversity in new housing developments guidance book. He joined NatureSpace in October 2022.
Madeleine completed her MSC in Applied Ecology and then went on to work as a Field Ecologist. During Madeleines first season as a field ecologist, she obtained her Class 1 GCN surveying license and gained a multitude of experience with protected species surveying and as an Ecological Clerks of Works. Madeleine also has experience in habitat management and conservation including pond restoration through her many volunteering role and her extended level 3 diploma. Madeleine joined NatureSpace to kickstart her career development in October 2022 as an Assistant Newt Officer.
Jennie has a BSc in Animal Behaviour and an MSc in Zoo Conservation Biology. During her time as a postgraduate, she undertook field surveys of frogs in Ecuador and collected environmental data to better inform habitat conservation. She went on to lecture in further and higher education, with a subject specialism of ecology and conservation. She is a council member of the British Herpetological Society and volunteers with national herpetological research projects. She joined NatureSpace in January 2023.
Katherine studied Zoology at the University of Exeter where her keen interest in promoting conservation really took off. Since completing her degree, Katherine has worked as an Assistant Ecologist where she completed numerous ecological surveys of different species from water voles to great crested newts. Katherine has also volunteered as a part of the RSPB education and event teams where she helped engage members of the public with the nature on their doorstep. She joined NatureSpace in January 2023 as Assistant County Newt Officer for Hampshire.
Jonathan has always had a passion for wildlife and studied his BSc in Zoology at Bangor followed by MSc in Conservation Biology at Manchester Metropolitan. During this time, he travelled to Kenya to study and experience the incredible wildlife of Africa. This stimulated a desire for travel, and he has been lucky enough to visit many countries and continents including New Zealand, the Middle East, more of Africa and working for a year on a conservation project in Costa Rica. Following this he has developed a career in conservation working for the RSPB, local government and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, mainly focused on his specialism in ornithology but covering a variety of subjects such as habitats, botany, planning ecology and GIS. Jonathan is also actively involved as a volunteer in local projects and is has been a Regional Organiser for the BTO for 7 years. Jonathan spent 2022 working with Newt Conservation Partnership delivering new pond creation in Staffordshire, and in June 2023 joined NatureSpace as Newt Officer for Staffordshire.
Charley graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a BSc (Hons) in Biology. Prior to joining NatureSpace she worked in ecological consultancy carrying out a wide range of protected species and habitat surveys for four years. She holds a great crested newt and bat licence and is a qualifying member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). She joined NatureSpace in 2021 as the Newt Officer for Buckinghamshire and assumed the role as County Recorder for the Buckinghamshire Amphibian and Reptile Group (BucksARG). She left NatureSpace at the end of 2022 to travel Australia and New Zealand volunteering as a Keeper at Australia Zoo. She has since returned and is providing support to the Newt Officer’s as the Operations Team Assistant. Charley is also actively involved with the Chiltern Rangers where she helps to conserve the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Sam studied at Bangor University graduating with a BSc in Zoology with Conservation. During his time at university, he carried out fieldwork in the Western Ghats in India which is a well-known biodiversity hotspot and perfectly complemented his interest in herpetology. He then progressed to lecture in further education at a wildlife hospital, dealing hands on with a range of different British wildlife from Newts to Badgers. Sam joined Milton Keynes Council as a Countryside Officer specialising in District Licensing in September 2022 and works within the NatureSpace Operations Team.
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