Plan for Ecology Ltd

08/01/2026

EXCITING NEWS! 🎉 We are delighted to inform you that Plan for Ecology Ltd has been acquired by RSK Biocensus Ltd, part of the RSK Group Ltd. Joining RSK Biocensus will enable us to increase our capacity, deepen our expertise, and offer a wider range of services—all while maintaining the same expert team and quality of service that our clients know and trust. Our team, and day-to-day operations will remain unchanged, however, the business will now be operating under the RSK Biocensus brand. Thank you to our client’s, colleagues and friends who have supported us. We look forward to many more years of working with you. Read more at the link below:

RSK strengthens ecological solutions in the South West UK as Plan for Ecology joins, enhancing regional expertise and growth under RSK Biocensus.

22/12/2025

✨ Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from All of Us! 🎄

Our office is now closed for the festive season and will reopen on Monday, 5th January 2026.

We wish you a joyful Christmas, a restful holiday, and a bright start to the New Year. Here’s to making 2026 our best year yet!🥂

15/12/2025

As the year draws to a close, we took time last week for the Plan for Ecology team to pause, reflect, and celebrate the season together.

Our Christmas gathering began with pottery painting - an opportunity to slow down, unwind, and enjoy one another’s company away from the usual pace of work. It was a chance to reflect on the year behind us and the projects, ideas, and collaborations that shaped it. The evening continued over shared pizza and bubbles, with a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

We’d like to thank the people, collaborations, and moments that made this year a fantastic success. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to the opportunities ahead in 2026.

19/11/2025

🌿 Meet Dr. Kim Jelbert – Managing Director & Principal Ecologist at Plan for Ecology! 🌿

With two decades of experience in ecology, Kim is the driving force behind Plan for Ecology Ltd. She founded the company in 2013 and brings her extensive knowledge to projects that involve complex assessments, habitat surveys, and protected species licensing. 🌍

Kim’s expertise includes:

🌱 Botanical Surveys & Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs)
🦇 Bats, Dormice, and Badger Surveys and licensing
🌍 Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments
📑 Habitats Regulations & Appropriate Assessments

When she's not managing ecological projects or supervising her talented team, you can find Kim exploring nature on long walks with her family and dog, Ted Bear. 🐾 She’s also always up for learning something new – whether it's tackling a complex ecological challenge or picking up a new hobby. 🌿

16/11/2025

'Nature is not a “blocker” to housing delivery but rather a necessity for building resilient towns and neighbourhoods' finds the cross-party Environmental Audit Committee.

Nature is not a “blocker” to delivering new housing, but rather a necessity for building resilient towns and neighbourhoods, MPs argue in a report published today.

06/11/2025

🌿 Meet Chloe Balmer – Ecologist Project Manager at Plan for Ecology! 🌿

With a combined MSci Honours degree in Conservation Biology and Ecology from the University of Exeter, Chloe is a passionate ecologist with over seven years of experience in consultancy, protected species surveys, habitat classifications, and ecological appraisals. Her research on foraging bats and habitat condition monitoring methodologies with her ability to communicate to a range of stakeholders shows her commitment to advancing ecological understanding and conservation. 🌍

Chloe’s expertise includes:

🌱 UK Habitat Classification & Ecological Appraisals
🦉 Protected Species Surveys (Bats, Badger, Reptiles, Otters, Barn Owls & Dormice)
📑 Preliminary Roost Assessments
💾 Data Analysis & Geographical Mapping
🗺 BNG Condition Assessment

When she’s not managing ecological projects, Chloe is usually found outdoors, whether it is training for her next ultra marathon after completing her first 100km race in July this year (on her birthday!), chilling with a pint (or a cuppa) on a Cornish beach or planning her next adventure (hiking in the Himalayas was it..?!) there's always something keeping her busy!

28/10/2025

🌿 Meet Naomi Scala – Senior Ecologist at Plan for Ecology! 🌿

With a background in psychology and biodiversity conservation, Naomi brings a unique perspective to her role as Senior Ecologist at Plan for Ecology. With 10 years of experience in ecology, she specialises in UK Habitat Classification surveys, protected species surveys, ecological appraisals, and Preliminary Roost Assessments. Naomi has a particular passion for overseeing some of our more complex projects and ecological surveys across the UK. 🌍

Naomi’s expertise includes:

🏞 Accredited River Condition Assessment Assessor
🌱 UK Habitat Classification & Ecological Appraisals
🌼 BNG Assessments
🦇 Protected Species Surveys (Bats, Dormice, Barn Owls, Badger, Otter)
📑 Preliminary Roost Assessments
🏆 Overseeing Ecological Projects & Surveys

When she’s not managing ecological surveys, Naomi is competing in events with her horse, Rory, with her son Finn cheering them on as mascot! 🐴

21/10/2025

Happy International Reptile Day! 🐍🦎

Today, we're celebrating the incredible diversity of reptiles and raising awareness of the many threats that they face.

We were thrilled with our reptile finds during the 2025 survey season and we are pleased to share some fantastic photographs taken by our ecologists! We were lucky enough to encounter:

🦎 Common Lizards

🐛 Slow Worms

🐍 Grass Snakes (including juveniles!)

Why this matters

In England, all native terrestrial reptiles are listed as Species of Principal Importance and are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

These amazing creatures are facing increasing threats, including:

👍 Habitat loss from development, agriculture, and changes in land management.

👍 Predation and disease risks from non-native species.

👍 Climate change.

Let's all take a moment to appreciate these fascinating animals and support conservation efforts to ensure they thrive for generations to come!

17/10/2025

🌿 Meet Caroline Davey – Ecologist Project Manager at Plan for Ecology! 🌿

With 24 years of experience in ecology, Caroline brings extensive knowledge and expertise to her role. Specialising in botanical surveys, ecological impact assessments, and protected species surveys, Caroline has worked on numerous projects, always with a focus on sustainability and conservation. 🌍

Caroline’s expertise includes:

🌱 Botanical Surveys & Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs)
🦇 Bat Surveys & Badger Mitigation Licenses
🌿 UK Habitat Classification & Preliminary Ecological Appraisals
🌱 Leading Botanical Survey & Foraging Training Courses

Caroline is also an avid lover of nature and the outdoors. When she's not working on ecological surveys, she can be found enjoying outdoor pursuits with her three children or on long walks with her dog. 🐾 She’s also a top foraging expert and shares her knowledge through courses that have earned top rankings by Countryfile Magazine! 🌿

01/10/2025

Cornwall Wildlife Trust says it believes the insects could have been blown over or hitchhiked.

28/09/2025

🌍 World Rivers Day 2025 🌊

At Plan for Ecology we’re proud to join the global community in recognising – a time to celebrate the vital role rivers play in sustaining ecosystems, communities, and climate resilience.

This beautiful image was taken in Somerset and is a fantastic example of how our rivers are more than waterways – they are lifelines. These dynamic ecosystems support biodiversity, connect landscapes, and carry the stories of generations.

But they also face growing pressures – from pollution and habitat loss to the intensifying impacts of climate change.

That’s why our work focuses on:

✅ Restoring riparian habitats
✅ Enhancing river connectivity for wildlife
✅ Working with farmers and landowners on nature-based solutions

This World Rivers Day, we celebrate the progress made – and renew our commitment to protecting and restoring our rivers for future generations.

Find out more here: https://worldriversday.com/

23/09/2025

🌱 Following our weekly team meeting, we were delighted to host an in-house training session led by Nicola Dyer, Principal Ecologist, Botanist, and Accredited River Condition Assessment Surveyor.

🌱 The training focused on the practical application of UK Habitat Classification and Statutory Biodiversity Metric Condition Assessment, with a specific focus on ditches, heathland, sparsely vegetated land, and individual trees. We also dipped into the River Condition Assessment methodology!

🌱 This was an invaluable opportunity for the team to share expertise, foster collaboration, consolidate our knowledge and catch-up after a busy summer of data collection.