Our spotlight this month is Melissa Finch, Ecological Consultant at Land Studio. With over four years’ experience in the industry Melissa began her career while studying Wildlife Biology at university, working during the summer months as an assistant ecological surveyor.
What started as a seasonal role supporting experienced ecologists with bat and great crested newt surveys quickly developed into a long-term interest in field ecology and a desire to contribute to protecting and enhancing biodiversity through development.
Melissa initially expected it to be difficult to build a career in the wildlife sector, ecological consultancy offered a clear progression route from seasonal and assistant roles through to consultant and beyond. Over time Melissa saw a noticeable shift in how ecology is integrated into development projects, with increasing emphasis on early-stage consideration rather than being treated as an afterthought. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has been a key driver of this change, and while it can be challenging to achieve in some cases, Melissa also saw projects where it delivers clear benefits for clients, residents, and biodiversity.
Day to day Melissa has a primarily focus on the production of Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Net Benefit for Biodiversity (NBB) assessments, and undertakes a number of protected species surveys.
Melissa holds a GCN Level 1 licence and regularly undertakes bat and badger surveys with badgers a particular highlight enjoying following field signs to locate setts and working through designs that allow schemes to avoid impacts and retain features in situ. A career in Ecology at Land Studio brings variety and has taken Melissa to a range of sites across the country, from productive farmland to more remote and scenic landscapes, often providing the opportunity to encounter wildlife in its natural environment.
Recent projects at Land Studio have included habitat bank schemes aimed at creating and enhancing habitats for biodiversity gain, as well as reptile surveys on a residential development in the south, where both grass snake and slow worm were recorded.
Melissa says “I enjoy working within a multidisciplinary team where sustainability is central to project delivery. With ecology, landscape, and drainage teams working closely together, we are able to integrate environmental considerations early and focus on achieving positive outcomes for both people and nature”. What motivates Melissa most is working with clients and landowners to achieve balanced, practical outcomes that support both development needs and nature recovery.
We were really impressed with Land Studio. They are creative, a delight to work with and captured our vision and their own vision perfectly.
Shahina Ahmad, Principal of Eden Girls’ School, Waltham Forest.