About us

Ian is an Associate Director in FPCR’s Ecology team, based in the practice’s York office. With more than 16 years of experience in ecological consultancy and habitat assessment, he specialises in botany, habitat surveying and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), supporting projects ranging from strategic infrastructure and mineral developments to large-scale residential and mixed-use schemes.

A skilled field botanist, Ian holds a BSBI Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) Level 5 and has extensive experience of UKHab, National Vegetation Classification (NVC) and detailed botanical surveys across a wide range of habitats. He has particular expertise in woodland and grassland assessment, habitat condition evaluation and the design of habitat creation and management strategies to support biodiversity enhancement and BNG delivery.

Ian played a key role in establishing FPCR’s York office and now leads the practice’s technical work in botany, habitat surveying and Biodiversity Net Gain across the region. He advises clients throughout the BNG process, from baseline habitat surveys and feasibility assessments through to the preparation of Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans and the development of strategic habitat banks.

Before joining FPCR, Ian spent five years working on the Forestry Commission’s Native Woodland Survey of Scotland, undertaking habitat surveys and woodland mapping to assess community composition, structure and conservation value. This experience continues to inform his approach to habitat assessment and management.

Holding an MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation and a BSc in Geography from the University of Leeds, Ian is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), a member of the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) and a licensed great crested newt surveyor. He also leads internal training on UKHab, NVC and habitat classification, helping to develop ecological expertise across the practice.