Scottish Natural Heritage / Caledonian Conservation Ltd - CGO Ecology Ltd

2016 - Molluscan sample processing, analysis and contribution to status-assessment report - Rùm SSSI (Lochaber) and Den of Airlie SSSI (Angus), Scotland.
2015 - Molluscan survey of Rùm SSSI and National Nature Reserve (NNR) - Rùm, Inner Hebrides, Lochaber, Highland Region, Scotland. The island is open to the public (contrary to popular legend), but is visited by few. Our fieldwork in July 2015 sampled four different areas of the island - from dunes to mountain flushes - using litter/vegetation bulk sampling, and 'bugvaccing' (a modified leaf-blower used to suck up small invertebrates fro vegetation).
2015 - Site condition monitoring of lemon slug (Malacolimax tenellus) - Den of Airlie SSSI, River Isla, Airlie/Kirriemuir, nr Forfar, Angus, Scotland.
2013 - Mollusc survey of four designated sites in Scotland: Alvie SSSI, Cairngorms SSSI, Crathie Wood SSSI, Eastern Cairngorms SSSI, all in the Scottish Highlands. CGO Ecology Ltd is part of a consortium led by Caledonian Conservation, providing consultancy services to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), to deliver site condition monitoring (SCM) for a suite of SSSIs in the Cairngorms area with invertebrate interest features. Fieldwork was carried out in summer 2013 to collect substrate samples, followed by laboratory analysis in autumn 2013 (wet sieving, drying, microscopy) to assess the status of the target species. At Crathie Wood SSSI, the target was a population of the rare mountain whorl snail Vertigo alpestris. In the Eastern Cairngorms SSSI, calcareous wet flushes in several glens were targeted to monitor known occurrences, and search for new populations of, Geyer's whorl snail Vertigo geyeri. At Alvie SSSI, the shores of Loch Alvie and Loch Beag were sampled for Lilljeborg's whorl snail Vertigo lilljeborgi. Finally, Glen Feshie and other parts of the Cairngorms SSSI were surveyed to gather a molluscan species list, and prospect for V. geyeri. The target species are all minute air-breathing snails, ranging between 1.5mm to 2mm tall, with very sparse UK distributions. Their cryptic nature and size makes survey and monitoring difficult.

Tony Fernand, Secretary, The Incorporated Bournemouth Free Church Council

CGO Ecology were engaged by us to deal with a major badger problem. Their advice, care, communication skills, and sheer professionalism, were of immense help in solving this situation satisfactorily. We would highly recommend them to any potential client
Susan Ross, Frankham Farm, Ryme Intrinseca

We applied to build a barn to be sited on an arable field. The council asked for a biodiversity appraisal, and placed a short deadline for receipt. We engaged Dr Chris Gleed-Owen who made a site visit within days, and delivered a fully researched report with plans, species list and recommendation a few days later, within the required timescale. We have therefore avoided the need for extensions and delays. Thank you Chris
James Diamond, Natural England Director of Operations

Natural England is really pleased to have helped make the A338 road re-construction in Dorset a success. It has been an innovative, cost effective way of working with rare and protected reptiles, avoiding the need for costly fencing and delays, and resulting in many more, far reaching benefits for reptile populations and their special heathland habitat. The close collaboration between Natural England, Dorset County Council, CGO Ecology and Hansons has produced a new method of working which we are already using in other development projects; facilitating development while delivering better results for protected species and their habitats.
Dr Phil Sterling, Coast & Countryside Service Manager, Dorset County Council

We are very pleased with the firm yet pragmatic approach that Chris takes towards the reptile issues we push in his direction from time to time. The County Council needs to save money in delivering its public services, and Chris has really embraced this by finding ways to minimise cost to the client while delivering a better environment for reptiles at the same time. He is widely respected in his profession, and it is obvious to see why when you work with him.
Mrs J Burry, Wimborne.

I needed a bat survey for planning requirements, and contacted Noel Bergin from CGO Ecology. The communication, information and survey of the property were efficient and timely, ensuring my planning application was not held up. Thank you for an excellent and prompt service. I would definitely recommend this company.
Dr Tony Gent, CEO, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Trust

We feel confident appointing CGO Ecology to take forward a wide range of work, including innovative research projects where we can rely on their knowledge, skills and professionalism to deliver high quality and informative reports on time.
Simeon Smith, Simecology Ltd

CGO Ecology have undertaken several projects for Simecology. On every occasion they have provided us with an excellent service. Their delivery of reptile mitigation is underpinned by a very obvious knowledge and understanding of the species. Reports have been thorough and informative.
Dr Diana Ward, Ward Ecology

Chris Gleed Owen uses his extensive knowledge to good effect when solving difficult problems.
Chris Cathrine, Director, Caledonian Conservation Ltd

In-depth knowledge of reptile & amphibian ecology coupled with an ability to communicate to any audience makes Chris a valuable member on any ecology project team.