ABOUT US

Aven Ecology was established by Anna McDermott and Kevin Hume in 2015; together they have over 30 years’ experience in the field of terrestrial ecology and have worked together on projects of all scales, from major development

projects to small-scale renovations of private homes for over 10 years.

We deliver high quality, cost-effective and sustainable environmental problem-solving allowing our clients to focus on moving their business forward responsibly; protecting and enhancing our natural environment.

Anna has over 16 years’ experience in professional ecological consultancy. She has been a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) since 2009.

With extensive experience in dedicated species surveys, including bats, reptiles, great crested newts, water voles, otters and badgers, she has successfully designed and implemented mitigation measures and incorporated enhancement opportunities for a number of protected species. She is a Registered Consultant for the Bat Mitigation Class Licence and holds European Protected Species (EPS) mitigation licences for bats and great crested newts.

Skilled at balancing project timing and needs with those of ecologically sensitive sites and their surroundings, Anna is experienced at effective liaison with clients, and prioritises working closely with statutory bodies, wildlife groups, project design teams and stakeholders to achieve optimum environmental outcomes. She has the experience and knowledge to provide expert advice and assistance to ensure projects run smoothly.

Anna McDermott CIEEM

Anna McDermott | anna@avenecology.co.uk

Kevin has more than 15 years of professional consultancy experience, and four years in academic research. He provides high quality ecological input to development projects and management schemes across a range of sectors, including: Construction (residential and mixed-used developments, schools, private housing); Energy/Utilities (water, landfill, electricity, windfarms, gas pipelines); and Transport (roads, railways, bridges).

He routinely undertakes and manages surveys within a range of habitats; covering legally protected species including reptiles, badgers, bats and water voles. He holds (or has held) protected species survey licences from statutory bodies in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Kevin has also obtained, managed and/or worked under several ‘mitigation’ licences on behalf of clients, covering species including great crested newts, bats and badgers in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

In addition to planning and consent projects, Kevin regularly contributes to assessments of developments under the BREEAM/Code for Sustainable Homes criteria, including residential developments, schools and hospitals.

Dr Kevin Hume CIEEM

Kevin Hume | kevin@avenecology.co.uk