Meet the Team

Erica Kemp - Managing Director

Erica is an accomplished and compassionate environmental business leader, with over twenty years experience in the environment sector. Prior to founding Envance, she spent 10 years on the board of Ecus Ltd as Managing Director and formerly Commercial Director, where she was responsible for significant growth of the company.

Her strategic and operational experience spans the renewables, rail, highways, construction, minerals and development sectors.  She excels in the development and delivery of implementable solutions to complex problems that meet the needs of both the client and the environment.

With a passion for sustainable business improvement, her advice is based on a high level of technical knowledge combined with a deep understanding of corporate drivers and challenges.

Erica is a chartered environmentalist with a keen interest in corporate and social responsibility, which she pursues outside of work in her role as Chair of Governors at Hade Edge School.

“Starting something new is tremendously exciting, if a little daunting.  I feel immensely privileged to be in a position where I can pursue the things I believe in – helping companies to thrive as they embrace sustainability and deliver projects in a greener economy. ”

Chris John - Managing Director

Chris has over twenty years’ experience of working within the environment and sustainability sector. Prior to founding Envance, Chris was the Business Development Director of Ecus, where he successfully grew the company’s revenue streams. Chris is a confident leader, a good communicator and enjoys building relationships with his clients. He is commercially minded and has experience of both executive and non-executive board roles. His advice is based on his breadth of experience as well both environmental and legal academic qualifications. Chris has extensive experience of working in a variety of sectors including rail and transport infrastructure, residential development and central and local government.

“I am genuinely excited about the transition to a greener economy and believe it presents a huge opportunity to deliver both increased business value in the short term and a better future for the coming generations.

I am particularly interested in developing strategies that are integrated into processes and value chains to simplify corporate reporting”.

Paul Wolstenholme - Associate Director Data Ecology

Paul is an experienced Environmental Consultant with a background in environmental data analysis and ecological survey. He has worked across a wide range of infrastructure and development sectors including rail, highways and residential development.  

Paul has an interest in a range of environmental disciplines and is experienced in the development of bespoke digital tools and data interpretation. Paul is a competent project manager and has experience of managing projects throughout their lifecycle, including health and safety management, organisation and co-ordination of surveys, data management, liaising with clients and providing progress updates and completion of all deliverables.   

“I am really interested in developing innovative digital solutions to help clients use their survey data for outcomes reporting".

Fraser Allan - Senior Environmental Consultant

Fraser is a graduate consultant who originally joined us on a work placement as part of his MSc Environmental Consultancy studies and quickly established himself as part of the team. Prior to working with Envance, Fraser graduated with an environmental science degree and was employed as a support advisor under DEFRA.  

As part of the Envance team, he has worked on a variety of projects including, health impact assessments, managing contractor environmental compliance, net zero reporting and natural capital accounting.  Fraser has recently obtained an Association of Project Managers PFQ certificate and is helping clients ensure environmental compliance within their projects.

Fraser has a deep enthusiasm about the relationship between businesses and the environment in which they operate in and is keen to develop his professional experience in the sector. 

“At the beginning of my environmental career, I think it’s wonderful to be a part of a thriving sector providing sustainable solutions to businesses – the future looks bright"

Dermot McKee - Principal Ecologist

Dermot is an expert in ecology with over twenty years’ experience in the commercial and academic sectors. He is a skilled natural historian with expertise in ecosystem processes, habitat classification, the ecology of protected species, and the analysis of ecological data sets.

Dermot has worked as a lead surveyor on a number of national infrastructure projects, and has also worked on numerous large residential housing schemes, renewable energy schemes and within the water sector. He has significant experience in providing ecological impact assessment, mitigation and licencing, biodiversity net-gain and designated site survey and assessment.

“I am an advocate of sustainable development and strive to ensure that the natural environment is conserved and enhanced through proper integration into the development process, and I am interested in new research and technology that help us achieve this”.

Cherlana Bridgewater - Environmental Consultant

Cherlana is a post-graduate student currently undertaking a work-based placement with Envance as part of her MSc in Environmental Consultancy.  Cherlana’s career aspiration is to become an Environmental Consultant specialising in Environmental Impact Assessments or Environmental Compliance, and she will be gaining professional experience by supporting the team across a range of projects and deliverables. Cherlana helps manage a number of projects and has recently completed training in PRINCE2 and Microsoft Project.

Prior to starting her placement, Cherlana graduated with a First-Class Honours in BSc Geography and Geoscience and completed a work-based placement as an environmental intern. 

Rachel Barker - Associate Director: Natural Environment

Rachel has over 15 years experience in managing environmental projects and teams, and delivering technical environmental expertise, across consultancy and Government. She has extensive and diverse experience covering environmental consenting, HRA, EIA and environmental policy, and strategic studies for Government and industry bodies that have been used to influence regulatory processes.

Rachel has worked across a range of sectors, covering marine and terrestrial activities, and with high profile clients including The Crown Estate, Network Rail, and offshore wind energy developers. Rachel is a strategic thinker, effective at building relationships with clients, partners and stakeholders to deliver optimum outcomes for the environment.

“I'm excited to be part of a passionate team that wants to have a positive impact on the natural world. It is fulfilling, being able to work on projects which deliver multiple benefits”.

Sina Petersdorf - Office & Finance Administrator

Sina is an experienced administrator and has worked within different sectors such as software and technology as well as the travel industry. With her friendly and approachable attitude she is joining the Envance team as the Office and Finance Administrator and is looking forward to liaising with customers and suppliers alike on any queries they might have.

I am keen to extend my knowledge of the environmental sustainability sector and am very happy to have joined such a lovely and welcoming new team. I hope I can be an asset to my colleagues and take some of the administrative burdens of their hands

Natasha Rajpurohit - Ecological Consultant

Natasha is a highly motivated and disciplined graduate ecologist with a strong background in wildlife research and field surveys. Natasha has been actively involved in ecological projects related to mammals and avian population and behavioural studies, human-animal conflict, animal rescue rehab, and community engagement for wildlife conservation. With a passion for ecological studies, Natasha is currently pursuing her second master's degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance her skills in this field.

"I am thrilled about this opportunity to be part of a company which is dedicated to sustainability and eager to make a positive impact. My goal is to use my expertise in ecological studies and GIS to support the company and drive positive change".

Stuart Robinson - Associate Director: Ecology

Stuart is an accomplished ecologist with experience gained through working within a wide range of sectors within the UK. His extensive experience includes habitat assessment, protected of species survey and mitigation, survey of terrestrial invertebrates, Habitats Regulations Assessment and Ecological Impact Assessment.

Stuart has worked as technical and survey lead for several of the UK’s largest Nationally Important Infrastructure Projects as well as for renewable energy and minerals and waste sector projects. He has experience of managing environmental projects from gaining initial consent through to working alongside clients and contractors as an Ecological Clerk of Works.

“I strongly believe that development can and should result in biodiversity being in a demonstrable and measurably better condition when a project has been completed. I am excited to join a team with the vision and ethos to drive sustainable growth whilst conserving the natural environment and adding biodiversity value.”

Jonathon Cook - Associate Director: Environment

Jonathon recently move to the UK from his native Australia. He is an experienced Environmental Consultant who has worked on some of Australia's largest infrastructure projects in rail and telecommunications. Jonathon has strong experience in project management and development through to construction, specialising in EIA and statutory planning. 

Jonathon aims to identify opportunities to achieve positive outcomes for the projects he works on while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver project requirements in a timely manner. He is a passionate environmental scientist who works collaboratively to drive solutions that achieve a favourable outcome for the client and stakeholders at all levels

“I'm very excited to be part of a collaborative, enthusiastic and diverse team that are passionate about having a positive impact within the environmental sectors that they are a part of.”

Michael Williams - Senior GIS Developer

Michael is a highly proficient Remote Sensing and GIS expert, boasting extensive experience in both SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and multispectral processing. Throughout his career, he has actively contributed to ESA (European Space Agency) projects, notably playing a pivotal role in the daily monitoring of CRYOSAT data products, which are crucial for understanding changes in polar ice thickness and global sea level rise.

Michael has experience in geospatial development, including crafting GIS programs, data manipulation and processing tasks, and pioneering innovative GIS solutions. With his comprehensive understanding of geospatial technologies, Michael is well equipped to help address complex environmental challenges and opportunities a range of spatial scales.

“The evolution of satellite technology has revolutionized our capacity to observe and understand Earth's dynamics at an unprecedented level of detail, and I am passionate about using my skills and expertise to drive positive environmental change..”

Chloe Noble - Ecological Consultant

Chloe is a graduate ecologist with experience in field surveys and a particular interest in botanical surveys. She has also been involved in projects monitoring bumblebee populations and monitoring and improving pond biodiversity.

She is eager to gain more experience in surveying and to develop skills in new areas. Outside of work, Chloe volunteers with the National Trust working on wildlife conservation projects and community outreach for environmental education.

Sam Hedrick - Assistant Ecologist

Sam is a graduate ecologist, completing her undergraduate degree at Anglia Ruskin University. She has been involved in a variety of projects, including surveying the species-area relationship of dragonflies and damselflies in nature reserves in Northamptonshire, and conserving the Manx Shearwater in Mallaig, Scotland.

Outside of work, Sam has volunteered with The Wildlife Trust and Anglia Ruskin University to broaden her knowledge base as much as possible. She is excited to put the skills she has learned into practice, while gaining new skills and experience is a variety of areas.

Holly Smith - Director of Environmental Planning

Holly has a wealth of experience in the environmental consultancy sector, in particular in supporting residential, commercial and renewable development. With an established background in EIA development, Holly has coordinated a wide range of Environmental Statements for wind schemes, solar projects, large scale residential and commercial development across England and Scotland.

Holly is enthusiastic about supporting ecclesiastical projects through planning by supporting delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain within sensitive church environments and she has recently completed a Master’s in Historic Buildings focussing on BNG within the historic environments.

“I have worked with Erica and Chris, the cofounders of Envance for many years and I was delighted at the opportunity to join the team to support and grow the delivery of planning projects”.

Alasdair Smith - Senior Geospatial Data Scientist

Alasdair is an skilled Geospatial Data Scientist with industry experience and a strong academic background in physical geography (BSc) and remote sensing (MSc). He has developed a broad skill set in geospatial development, including data processing, visualization, process automation, and the creation of machine learning models tailored to environmental projects.

Passionate about integrating remote sensing technologies, Alasdair thrives on enhancing traditional methods with cutting-edge solutions and enjoys embedding remote sensing imagery into his work to tackle complex spatial challenges. From streamlining workflows through automation to developing advanced classification and regression models, Alasdair combines technical expertise with an innovative approach, delivering impactful results for clients and stakeholders.

Charles Brew - Assistant Environmental Data Scientist

Charles is graduate data scientist with previous experience in aquatic ecology and salmonid conservation. Graduating with an Environmental Science degree, he wishes to combine his passion of the natural environment with data science to support the Envance team and develop his skills within the field.

Outside of work, Charles is a keen fly fisherman and has recent voluntary experience with the Spey Fishery Board and Scottish Invasive Species. He is a highly passionate individual who hopes to further develop his skills in data science to aid the transition to a green future.

I am excited to join this company and be a part of a highly experienced team that is devoted to sustainability. I enjoy new challenges, and I feel privileged to do this within a field I am passionate about

Tim Jones - Ecological Consultant

Tim is an assistant ecologist with experience of field surveys, desk-based analysis and report writing. He is a determined individual who is working towards acquiring his protected species licences and improving his botanical skills. He has previously worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Plymouth where he produced a Rapid Evidence Assessment on the role UK fish stocks play in the carbon cycle.

Outside of work, Tim likes to stay active and spend time outdoors doing activities such as walking, running and climbing. He enjoys visiting nature reserves and RSPB sites in particular for bird watching.

I am happy to be joining a talented and hard-working team who collectively strive to deliver sustainable development projects. I look forward to embracing new projects and learning from the experienced colleagues around me

Hannah Karim - Senior Ecologist

Hannah has experience in undertaking a range of ecological surveys an assessments across a range of sectors. Survey experience included Extended Phase 1 Habitat surveys, UK Habitat Classification surveys, and protected species surveys for great crested newt, bats, reptiles and badger. She also has experience in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and creating Ecological Management Plans (EcMPs) for habitat enhancement and creation and has a FISC level 3 equivalent. 

Matthew Cooper - Assistant Ecologist

Matthew comes from an extensive background in GIS, providing tools, training and enabling ecologists to record and capture field data accurately. Improving accuracy and data security for ecological assessments.  Matthew has experience in field surveys, desk-based analysis, and report writing with a particular interest in botanical surveys, achieving FISC level 3 in a mock assessment held by BSBI. Matthew has assisted on various JNCC and UKHab surveys.

Matthew has acted as an assistant on a number of large infrastructure projects including Trans Pennine Route upgrade, Connecting Leeds Infrastructure project and the M8 Motorway improvement scheme in Scotland towards acquiring his protected species licences and improving his botanical skills. He has previously worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Plymouth where he produced a Rapid Evidence Assessment on the role UK fish stocks play in the carbon cycle.

Frankie Tyrrell - Assistant Ecologist

Frankie is an assistant ecologist with some experience in field surveys and data analysis. She has done Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys previously, which has established her field survey, mapping and report writing skills. She is keen to further develop skills in GIS. Also in her survey experience is European Eel population and migration barrier surveys.

Frankie’s background lies in conservation, with extensive experience in behavioural studies for endangered and understudied mammal species such as the Owston’s Civet. Throughout a zoology degree she has picked up essential statistical analysis and report writing skills, which she is excited to put to use.

Adele Byde - Assistant Natural Environment Consultant

Adele is an Assistant Environmental Consultant with an integrated masters degree in geography, and a background in both onshore and offshore environmental permitting, consenting and impact assessment consulting. Adele has experience preparing environmental permit applications, environmental management documentation, EIA chapters, offshore consents, and biodiversity action plans across a diverse range of sectors, including oil and gas production, hydrogen production, renewable energy, manufacturing, construction, waste management and healthcare. Eager to further develop her skills in the biodiversity net gain and natural capital space, to support sustainable development, which safeguards nature for the future; Adele values putting in the work to ensure her clients and their stakeholders are heard and understood as they take the steps towards the green transition

Jo Davies - Assistant Ecologist

Jo is an assistant ecologist with practical experience in protected species surveys, habitat assessments, and ecological data analysis. She has worked as a subcontractor on bat emergence surveys, carries out annual breeding bird surveys, and has contributed to wetland habitat management.

Jo has a strong academic background in ecological fieldwork and reporting. She is particularly interested in ornithology and aquatic ecosystems and is keen to apply and develop her skills in a consultancy setting.

Sara Ribera Marrero - Administrative Assistant

Sara is a motivated, multilingual professional fluent in Spanish, English, and Catalan. She is currently studying an Admin and Finance course with a focus on HR.

Neve Banfield - Assistant Environmental Consultant

Neve is currently studying for an MSc in Environmental Impact Assessment and Management at the University of Manchester, building on a BSc in Marine Biology from Newcastle University. She has a passion for environmental protection and sustainability, and is now keen to gain hands-on experience in the world of environmental consultancy. Through her studies, Neve has developed skills in tools like GIS, R, and SPSS, and has developed a good understanding of EIA.

Richard Sands - Director of Ecology

Richard has over twenty years’ experience of working in ecology, developing teams and processes to deliver a high standard of ecology service and establish long term client relationships. Richard has particular interest in developing innovative data collection and reporting methods to ensure efficient and effective delivery of Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, protected species and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments. He particularly values building long term relationships with clients and has experience of directing ecological work in a variety of sectors, especially renewables, residential and commercial.

I look for ways biodiversity can add long-term value for our clients – the win-win situations for business and the natural world

Sam Adshead - Assistant Ecologist

Sam has extensive academic experience in ecology and conservation, beginning with four years as a Research Assistant and Associate Tutor at Edge Hill University. He holds a first‑class degree in Biology and a distinction‑level master’s in Conservation Biology. He later worked as a Junior Ecologist and Ecologist at Rachel Hacking Ecology, gaining experience in QGIS mapping, BNG assessments, ecological report writing, bat surveys, and protected species and habitat surveys. He also has two years of bat survey subcontractor experience.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys hiking, camping and technology.  He has a strong interest in wildlife and biodiversity and values opportunities to deepen his ecological knowledge. Sam believes responsible development can deliver positive ecological gains and is motivated to contribute to a future where progress and nature conservation work effectively together

Alan Cowlishaw - Associate Director: Ecology

Alan has over fifteen years' experience in applied ecology, with a strong track record delivering protected species surveys, habitat assessment, and ecological impact assessment across the construction, energy, transport infrastructure and water sectors. He holds a Natural England bat licence, drone pilot qualification, IRATA rope access supervisory certification and BSBI plant identification accreditation, giving him an unusually broad field capability across some of the most technically demanding survey environments.

Alan leads Envance's NW England ecology team and has a keen interest in how technology can improve the way ecological services are designed and delivered — from drone-based habitat mapping and thermal imaging to digital workflows that make teams more effective in the field and office.

 want the ecology services we deliver to be appropriate, proportionate and effective — enabling clients to make informed decisions that achieve their goals and leave wildlife and the environment better off

Rebecca Jones - Graduate Data Scientist

Rebecca has recently joined the team as a Graduate Environmental Data Scientist, bringing together her degrees in Zoology (BSc) from the University of Liverpool and Earth and Environmental Data Science (MSc) from the University of Manchester. She has experience working with programmes such as Python, R and GIS, and enjoys using these tools to turn data into meaningful insights. Her zoology background gives her a strong understanding of ecological systems, allowing her to approach data tasks in a way that supports the needs of ecologists and environmental practitioners.

She is particularly interested in developing innovative approaches to address ecological challenges and is excited to combine her scientific understanding with analytical techniques to support clients in making sustainable decisions.

Anneka Goater - Seasonal Ecologist

Anneka is a seasonal ecologist with previous experience in protected species surveys including GCN, bat, dormouse, otter and watervole. She also has experience conducting phase 1 habitat surveys and BNG assessments in the field, developing skills such as plant ID.

Anneka completed a master of research in Ecology and Environmental biology at the University of Glasgow, receiving a distinction.

She has a strong interest in practical conservation and is keen to pursue a career in which she can put her fieldwork skills and theory into practice.

Samantha Payne - Consultant Ecologist

Sam is a consultant ecologist with previous experienced in managing a portfolio of projects and contributing to a wide range of ecological assessments. She has built a solid grounding in consultancy and actively sought out greater responsibility, her experience spans both technical delivery and project management, and she is particularly motivated by opportunities to work on diverse schemes, including large-scale infrastructure and environmentally focused developments.

Sam is keen to continue developing professionally, particularly through structured training and progressing towards protected species licences, and values organisations that invest in clear career pathways. With a proactive approach to her career development and a strong foundation in consultancy delivery, she offers a balance of practical experience, organisational capability, and ambition to grow within a supportive and forward-thinking consultancy.

Chloe Roberts - Seasonal Ecologist

Chloe has a range of experience in ecological surveying and habitat mapping. She has previously worked as a trainer and assessor in land based apprenticeships, teaching survey skills and practical conservation to apprentices across the North West of England. She has also worked as a research assistant for a research institute in the Netherlands, where she managed a project across numerous nature reserves evaluating the effect of nitrogen on natural environments. She holds a first class BSc in Wildlife and Countryside Management, and a MSc in Earth Sciences, where she specialised in environmental management.

Throughout her professional and academic career, Chloe has gained experience in PEA report writing, GIS and data analysis. She is passionate about biodiversity and the impact we have on the planet. She is excited to be a part of the ecology team at Envance, and is eager to gain new knowledge and insights within her role.

Bahareh Tanhaie - Data Science Intern

Bahareh is an Intern, currently studying for an MSc in Data Science at the University of the West of England. She has experience in environmental data research and Python, R and SQL based data automation.

Michael Underwood - Principal Ecologist

Mike is an experienced ecologist and full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (MCIEEM) with over ten years’ experience delivering ecological consultancy services across a wide range of sectors, including renewable energy, rail infrastructure, residential development and major property schemes. He has extensive expertise in terrestrial ecology, protected species surveys, mitigation design, ecological licensing and compliance, together with strong technical knowledge of UK Habitat Classification (UKHab) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.

Mike has significant experience leading ecological projects from survey through to delivery, managing multidisciplinary teams, mentoring junior ecologists and providing technical review and quality assurance. His practical, solutions-focused approach is supported by a strong understanding of environmental legislation, planning policy and stakeholder engagement. Mike is licensed to undertake Great Crested Newt survey and mitigation work across England, Wales and Scotland and has successfully delivered ecological support for complex development and infrastructure projects throughout the UK.

Michelle Gault - Principal Ecologist

Michelle is a Principal Ecologist with a strong background in ecological consultancy, conservation and land management. She has developed extensive experience in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), UK Habitat Classification (UKHab), protected species surveys and ecological impact assessment, working across residential, renewable energy and infrastructure projects. Michelle is particularly experienced in project management, technical report writing, client liaison and multidisciplinary team coordination.

Michelle combines her consultancy expertise with a wider understanding of land management and conservation gained through previous roles with Natural England and ecological field survey organisations. Her experience spans habitat condition assessments, protected species surveys, agri-environment advice and stakeholder engagement with farmers, landowners, local authorities and developers. Passionate about conservation and environmental enhancement, Michelle brings an enthusiastic, practical and solutions-focused approach to project delivery, underpinned by strong communication skills and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes for both clients and the natural environment.