Dale has worked for us since 2012 and has played an instrumental role in establishing the Exeter Office since its inception the same year.

He is experienced in the project management requirements associated with the ecology on medium to large scale developments. He is well-practised in advising and leasing with clients, design teams, local authorities and statutory consultees on a wide range of ecology issues, as well as producing the written work required for successful outline and reserved matters planning applications. His written work includes Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, preliminary and full Ecological Appraisals, Landscape and Environmental Management Plans, Method Statements and Ecological Constraints and Opportunities Assessments. He is also experienced bringing projects through to build completion as Ecological Clerk of Works, and this has recently included the successful translocation of over 100 slow worms and a great crested newt reasonable avoidance scheme close to a known population that avoided the need for an EPS licence.

Much of Dale’s work has been on residential schemes close to European Protected Sites. This includes numerous complex projects situated close to Special Areas of Conservation requiring Habitats Regulations Assessments for Annex II bats throughout the South West. He also provides specialist input in relation to birds on a range of large-scale residential schemes close to Special Protection Areas across the South and South East.

Prior to completing his Masters in Environmental Consultancy in 2012, Dale worked in various site ranger and education ranger roles including six years at Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve as bird and education ranger. Dale has more than 14 years’ experience conducting bird surveys both voluntarily and through his employment, and since 2013 he has conducted an annual lecture to Masters students at the University of Plymouth on the subject. Dale is proficient across a range of practical field skills including Extended Phase I habitat survey, “Phase II” plant surveys (NVC), hedgerow surveys, and targeted protected species surveys including birds, dormouse, badgers, bats, great crested newt, reptiles, otter and water vole.