Assistant Ecologist Laura Vint based in our Dorking office has just completed a Masters in Species Identification and Survey Skills, at Reading University. Laura started the course last year in September after working a 6 month contract with us here at FPCR as an Assistant Ecologist over the 2017 survey season where she spent 6 months on campus completing the taught part of the MSc, doing modules in invertebrates, vertebrate surveying, vertebrate conservation, GIS, Professional Skills, botany and field trips. After completing those modules at the end of March she moved onto the placement element of the course. Laura started with us at FPCR again in April this year with a permanent contract as an Assistant Ecologist. With a deadline of 31st August to write a 35-page portfolio detailing the ecology, legislation, licensing, survey methodologies, mitigation options and her experience with all of the protected species that she had worked with during her placement, Laura had a wealth of experience from her time with us. On the 13th September all the students then met in Coventry at the RSK office to give presentations on a protected species of their choice (Laura talked about otters), to a mock client explaining the impacts of a hypothetical development on the species and the mitigation/compensation options available.

Laura says “I really enjoyed the whole course and learnt a huge amount. It was nice doing a course that was so tailored to my career, and the experience I got at FPCR before I started the course was a big help”.

If you’re interested in starting an exciting career in ecology, get in touch with us: https://www.fpcr.co.uk/contact-us/