Exeter-based Acorn Ecology Ltd has announced it is to expand, with two new branch offices opening in Bristol and Surrey this month.

Steph Attwood MSc DIC BSc (Hons) MCIEEM will be heading up Acorn Ecology's Bristol branch, bringing eight years' experience in ecological consultancy and the public sector. She is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

Sarah Lyne CEnv, BSc (Hons), MCIEEM will be leading the south east office, based in Guildford, Surrey. Sarah brings over 14 years of ecological consultancy experience to the branch. She is a Chartered Environmentalist (Society for the Environment) and a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

Acorn Ecology offers a wide range of ecological surveys for developers, architects and land owners, with all surveys being conducted to industry standards, but tailored to the objectives of the specific project. In addition to this, Acorn offer professional development courses for ecologists, planners and developers. Acorn Ecology is one of the top providers of ecology training in the UK.


Sue Searle, managing director of Acorn Ecology said: "This is a very exciting time for Acorn Ecology. We have been planning the expansion of the business over the last couple of years and have already seen an increase in enquiries from these new regions. We are calling the new branches 'Little Acorns' and we are expecting large oak trees to grow!

"Steph, who will be managing our Bristol office, is a highly experienced ecologist with specialist knowledge and extensive experience in protected species surveys, in particular bats. She is experienced in Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, National Vegetation Classification Surveys and European Protected Species Licenses.

"Sarah, who will develop our Guildford branch, will be a great asset to the Acorn Ecology team as she has extensive experience in all methods of habitat and protected species surveys, Ecological Impact Assessment, Habitat Regulations Assessment, ecological input into supplementary planning guidance, preparation of local biodiversity action plans, mitigation and management strategies, habitat creation and enhancement and European Protected Species License applications.

"I am very excited about the expansion and working with these amazing and highly skilled ladies. The expansion of the business into Bristol and the south east is an important move for Acorn Ecology. Our highly professional team currently covers Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset with other localised work across the south, the new offices will enable us to cover a much wider region whilst remaining competitive and strengthening our position as one of the leading ecological consultancies in the South of the UK."

Both Steph and Sarah echoed Sue's enthusiasm: "We're eager to get the ball rolling, and work with Sue. The whole team will take an active interest in all projects, so every client receives a personal, professional and efficient service based on their specific needs and sound ecological principles."

www.acornecology.co.uk