Grads on the Ground – Graduate Ecologist, Dom Harley

“Hi Grad on the Ground Dominic here!

I have been working in the Ecology team in Leeds for about four months now and so far I’ve had experience working across lots of different projects. I’ve been involved in bat surveys from Livingstone to London and passed many Toby Carveries along the way…

There isn’t a typical working week in Ecology during the summer as this is when we’re busiest. Our days include lots of late nights and early mornings, with activities ranging from trying to catch a glimpse of a bat emerging or returning from its roost to identifying badger dung!

Back in June we had a Botany Training Day at Hope Wood in Lincoln. This was a great way to re-cap on some plant species identification, whilst looking into the detail of species that I don’t often get a chance to have a closer look at. It was also a great opportunity to meet other members of the ecology team for the first time as we’re based all around the UK.

It’s been a great season so far, learning lots about different bat calls, conducting environmental DNA samples, surveying breeding birds and being on site as an Ecological Clerk of Works assisting in vegetation clearance whilst looking for active nests. Now that we’re moving into autumn, I’m sure I will be seeing lots more of the office and playing catch up with report writing. It should also be a good chance to catch up on some sleep! 

I’m really looking forward to developing more office-based skills and relationships with clients and other colleagues across the Lucion Group too.”

Our Ecology & Arboriculture Services 

Our team of specialist ecologists and arboriculturists work for public and private clients on a wide range of projects across all sectors, including industrial, residential, retail, commercial, renewable energy, transport and waste. We are proud of our track record in providing high quality technical advice to our clients and working with them to enhance the prospects for successful outcomes for their Projects.

The Ecology team supports clients, particularly those involved in the acquisition, management or development of land, who require expert advice and practical implementation of ecological mitigation to challenging ecological constraints. The Ecology Team are members of the Chartered Institute of Ecological and Environmental Management (CIEEM). Find out more about our Ecology and Arboriculture services here. 

Interested in Joining Our Ecology Team?

We are currently recruiting for a number of positions within the ecology team, throughout the UK. Explore our careers site and view our current ecologist vacancies here. 

We’d be interested in hearing from ecologists at all levels, so please do get in touch if you are an ecologist looking for a new opportunity and you can’t see a role available at your level or in your location.