Having joined the EcoNorth team, as a trainee at the peak of the survey season, my time here so far has been pretty hectic. However, it has also been very educational and interesting. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to get thrown in at the deep end!
The first couple of days were spent in the office getting to know the team, and the basics of how the organisation works, but I was soon out and about, undertaking surveys on a variety of different sites. I have already assisted with several bat vantage point surveys (and learnt the importance of taking lots of layers and a good midge repellent), a BREEAM, a reptile survey, invertebrate surveys, and a large (and at times very soggy) phase 1 habitat survey. Despite being extremely busy, everyone in the team has been very helpful and keen to share their wide range of expertise, so I have already learnt plenty.
I have also had the opportunity to help out with report writing and discovered the intricacies and complexity of scheduling surveys and with up to 60 sub-contractors on our books it is no small undertaking! With no sign of things quietening down anytime soon, I am looking forward to plenty more opportunities to get involved in various aspects of the business over the coming months.
If you are interested in becoming a sub-contractor for EcoNorth and join our ever expanding team please email me at surveys@econorth.co.uk outlining your experience.
By Gemma Ryan, Trainee Assistant Ecologist