Cultivating Biodiversity in Every Garden
Transforming Gardens and Public Spaces
At The Garden Ecologist, our mission is to transform public spaces and gardens into thriving havens of biodiversity. We achieve this through comprehensive surveys, tailored recommendations, and ongoing monitoring. But why is surveying a garden environment so crucial?
It all begins with understanding what’s already there. Our surveys give us a clear picture of the biodiversity at work, allowing us to uncover the hidden dynamics within your garden.
This survey reveals the balance of life in your space, showing us which species are flourishing, where they’re thriving, and what might need attention.
Armed with this information, we can create strategies that both enhance your existing habitats and also target specific species in need of support, helping your garden grow even richer in biodiversity.
Supporting the life in your garden
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Bespoke Ecology Surveys
Assessing the flora and fauna of your environment, and offering tailored recommendations to improve biodiversity
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Biodiversity Audits
Understanding what's thriving in your garden, and what might need a bit of extra support.
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Education
Knowledge is the key for biodiversity, we bring education, art, gardens, and science together in a concise and simply way.
Our Garden Ecologist
Johnnie has worked nationally and internationally undertaking biodiversity audits and is a professional ecologist consultant with over a decade of experience.
He works with Hilldrop gardens for John Little and Tom Stuart Smith at the Plant Library as an ecologist, undertaking surveys, mapping, and influencing habitat design to increase biodiversity within the garden.
He has published articles within the ecology sector and given talks to Queen Mary University Zoological Society and recently appeared within the Financial Times regarding the work he undertakes.
Johnnie is a conservationist with a keen passion for increasing biodiversity and a strong focus within garden and urban ecology.
Natural success stories
John Little - Grass Roof Company
“Johnnie has given us a real insight into habitat creation and wildlife protection and policy. His very real enthusiasm and drive to improve spaces for biodiversity is infectious. We have many years of experience working to improve greenspace but Johnnie has added that in depth knowledge that has allowed us to refine and focus our work to create better places for people and wildlife. Don’t be fooled by his modesty, he really understands ecology and how to enhance new landscapes. We have no hesitation in recommending him.”
Edmund Snodgrass - Emory Knoll Farms Inc, Maryland, USA
Johnnie has undertaken a longitudinal study of flora and fauna on the 140 acres. Johnnie has been engaged in the design, collection, methodology and data management of the project. He also has help to source tools and software to leverage efficiency and reduce stress on populations of animals especially. He has recommended actions to enhance existing populations and attract populations we can add. I encourage anyone to work with him”
Stefano Marinaz - Church Barn
"I am delighted to provide this testimonial for Johnnie, who conducted an ecological report for our Church Barn project in Essex. Johnnie’s thorough garden survey, involving four site visits between May and August 2023, aimed to observe biodiversity changes following garden design works.
Johnnie identified an impressive 190 species on the site, including several rare and notable ones. Remarkably, he discovered Aulacobaris coerulescens, a species new to Essex. His findings revealed a remarkable 692% theoretical increase in invertebrate species richness compared to a regularly mown lawn.
Johnnie’s recommendations for enhancing biodiversity were invaluable. Throughout the survey, he was incredibly helpful, professional, and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Johnnie for any ecological surveys or related work.”
Errol Fernandes - Horniman Museum
“We employed Johnnie to conduct some biodiversity studies across our 16.5 acre site. His breadth of knowledge is wonderful, the work was conducted in a timely and efficient manner, and Johnnie also provided beautifully illustrated and accurate reports to outline the data. We are so impressed with Johnnie and look forward to our continued working relationship.”
Ruth Cassilly - University of Maryland, Soil Conservation District Board Supervisor
“Friends School of Harford (FSH) at Falls Creek Farm provides agriculturally based, inter-generational instruction and related activities where participants build skills for healthy, environmentally conscious lives, and to be good stewards of the land. FSH is a nonprofit and we rely on grant funds to implement the agricultural conservation practices, research and programs that provide educational opportunities for all ages. On a visit to the USA, Johnnie provided his services free of charge on a very hot day in July. Despite a challenging environment that included weeks of drought and high temperatures, he was able to complete a baseline biodiversity study for the farm. This information will be used to establish existing and potential value in grant applications and will allow us to quantify gains in biodiversity resulting from conversation practice adoption. In just a few hours, Johnnie found 3 bats, 6 amphibians, 2 mammals, 9 birds, 20 invertebrates and 16 plant species. Importantly, he was able to identify several rare native species and a list of invasive species, which will be of great benefit in guiding our future conservation planning efforts. I cannot recommend Johnnie highly enough, he is generous, professional, efficient, passionate and extremely knowledgeable in his field of expertise.”
Let’s work together
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