Professional Background
Years of Experience
Jan 2009 - Present
Owner GW Ecology
Carrying out survey work and leading public events and training workshops.
Mar 2012 - Present
Consultant Ecologist, David Dodds Associates Ltd.
Consultant ecologist carrying out extended habitat surveys as well as bat, badger, red squirrel and reptile surveys.
Oct 2011 - Apr 2019
Centre Manager, The Wildlife Information Centre
Overall responsibility for the delivery of TWIC’s work programmes and management of staff, volunteers and resources.
Lead role in
liaison with customers
development of business opportunities
preparing policies
promotion of the Centre
fundraising
May 2006 - Oct 2011
Biodiversity Officer, Midlothian Council
Co-ordinating the implementation of the Midlothian Local Biodiversity Action Plan.
Developing a variety of biodiversity projects with different Council departments, community groups and external biodiversity partners and securing funding to carry out these projects.
Carrying out habitat and species surveys for various Council departments, including badger, bat and otter.
Reviewing biodiversity screening reports on all planning applications produced by the Local Records Centre and advising planning officer where required.
Reviewing ecological reports that accompany planning applications and advising planning officers.
Commenting on Environmental Statements of large developments, such as windfarms, and ensuring that protected species and habitats have been taken into consideration.
Inputting into the development of natural heritage planning policy.
Producing guidance such as Biodiversity Guidance for Developers in Midlothian.
Representing the Council at public inquiries.
Chairing the Midlothian Local Biodiversity Sites System Group.
Organising and running training events including wildlife surveying and habitat management.
Assisting in developing various local wildlife surveying projects.
Drawing up tender documents, assessing bids, appointing consultants and overseeing contract delivery.
Representing the Biodiversity Officer Network on the Scottish Biodiversity Committee’s Action Coordination Group.
Feb 2003 - May 2006
Environmental Community Development Fieldworker, Scottish Borders Council - Scottish Borders Rural Partnership
Encouraging and supporting community groups to carry out environmental projects.
Providing information and training to community groups, including surveying and management planning.
Assisting in accessing funding for community based projects, including assisting with grant applications.
Sitting on appropriate committees including Access Forum and various LBAP groups, including chairing the Urban Habitat Working Group.
Providing specialist knowledge and information on environmental matters including natural heritage, renewable energy, energy efficiency and waste minimisation to community groups and other team members.
Jun 2002 - Jan 2003
Environmental Education Coordinator/Gardener in Charge, Paxton House Trust
Planning and leading school groups and other community groups in outdoor environmental activities.
Planning and leading summer activities.
Maintaining the grounds and gardens in a fit state.
Mar 1997 - Apr 2002
Various Positions, Scottish Wildlife Trust
Started as a trainee then a project supervisor, moving on to be a lifelong learning coordinator and finally as the site manager at a reserve.