Blackstaff Ecology provides a range of ecological services throughout Ireland.
Services for Planners, Architects, Engineers, Local Authorities and individuals.
Our Professional Consultancy Services include:
• Ecological Impact Assessment
• Appropriate Assessment
• Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
• Habitat & Flora Surveys
• Bat Surveys
• Badger, Otter, Red Squirrel & Pine Marten Surveys
• Bird Surveys (including Barn Owl, Curlew & Hen Harrier)
• Herpetological Surveys (i.e. surveys for Smooth Newt and Common Lizard)
• Invasive Species Surveys
Our Team
All Consultants at Blackstaff Ecology are members of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and as such operate in accordance with their Code of Professional Conduct. Blackstaff Ecology holds Professional Indemnity, Public & Employers Liability insurance, and systems are also in place to ensure that high standards of Health & Safety are maintained on all Projects.
CORMAC LOUGHRAN
Director
All surveying and reporting are co-ordinated by Cormac Loughran (CEnv MCIEEM MSc), a Chartered Environmentalist and Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management with over 20-years’ experience. He has coordinated ecological assessments for over 200 projects throughout Ireland, including wind farms, infrastructural projects (overhead power lines, pipelines), and a range of residential and commercial developments.
DR BRIAN SUTTON
Principal Ecologist
Brian has over 20 years’ experience as a professional ecologist. Brian specialises in bird studies, but he is also an experienced habitat surveyor, with experience of most of the habitat types found within Northern Ireland. He has considerable experience in ecological assessments and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAs).
PHILIP LEATHEM
Ecological Technician
Philip has a Basic National UAS Certificate and permission to fly from the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority). Philip primary role is the operation of the eBee (a fully autonomous professional mapping drone used to capture high-resolution aerial photos, 2D orthomosaics & 3D models).
KARL HAMILTON
Senior Ecologist
Karl has extensive experience in providing ecological consultancy advice, including habitat monitoring & management advice for a wide range of native flora & fauna. He has extensive experience in surveying, birds, mammals, herpetofauna, (extended) phase 1 and phase 2 (NVC) habitat survey and other protected species surveys
Jazmin Creaney
Field Assistant
Jazmin has an BSc in Zoology and has undertaken further courses including; Animal Conservation, GIS and Environmental Management. She has a range of experience in conducting field surveys both locally, with organisations such as BTO, The National Trust and TetraTech and abroad through her time monitoring elephant behaviour and habitat damage in South Africa. Since joining Blackstaff Ecology Ltd in July 2021 as a field assistant, Jazmin has strengthened her experience in conducting bat and newt surveys and is in the process of obtaining qualifying membership within CIEEM.
Catriona Porter
Field Assistant
Catriona has an MSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Distinction) and has varied experience in conservation ecology over several years of involvement with organisations including UKOTCF, RSPB and Ulster Wildlife. She also has extensive husbandry experience with domestic and exotic captive wild animals. Since joining Blackstaff Ecology Ltd in May 2021 as a field assistant Catriona has expanded upon existing bat work experience and has gained experience conducting newt surveys.