Nicole Robinson joins as Principal Ornithologist (Onshore), while Isobel Jones and Luke Schofield have been appointed Field Ecologist & Ecological Clerk of Works, and Field Ornithologist, respectively.
Nicole is an experienced ornithological consultant with expertise in dealing with environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and habitat regulations appraisals (HRAs) for onshore wind, energy storage and strategic infrastructure projects.
At MacArthur Green, Nicole will be working on project managing, designing and coordinating baseline studies, delivering constraints advice, impact assessment and advising on policy compliance for onshore wind. Nicole has a keen interest in supporting the design and delivery of strategic species and habit action plans.
Previously, Nicole was Principal Ornithologist at Avian Ecology where she led on complex onshore wind projects, solar and coastal infrastructure projects including developments with the potential to impact designated sites. Nicole has a background in ornithological fieldwork and conservation including roles with RSPB (Belfast) and the National Trust for Scotland.
In his new role at MacArthur Green, Luke will be conducting ornithological surveys across Scotland. This will include flight activity surveys and protected species surveys.
Prior to joining MacArthur Green, Luke was a Field Ecologist at field survey consultancy Stagfire, and a chef and wildlife guide with their sister company Hebridean Adventures, where his time was split between carrying out bird surveys across the Highlands & Islands, and cooking meals for adventure-hungry guests aboard the MV Monadhliath and Hjalmar Bjorge in the Western Isles.
One of his career highlights was being part of an expedition to Tristan Da Cunha; the world’s most remote inhabited island lying 2,787 km west of Cape Town, South Africa. There, he assisted the archipelago’s conservation department and gained an understanding of their methods in the protection of internationally significant bird populations.
Isobel joins MacArthur Green from Mott MacDonald which she worked as a Seasonal Ecologist in the ecology team. She assisted with a wide range of surveys, including protected species, such as bats, water voles and great crested newts, as well as habitats.
Prior to this she graduated with an MSc in Quantitative Methods in Biodiversity, Conservation and Epidemiology from the University of Glasgow, following on from a BSc in Biological Sciences from the University of Birmingham.
Nicole said: “I am very much looking forward to working alongside a team of like-minded ornithologists and ecologists at MacArthur Green, with the opportunity to help contribute to their already extensive work in setting high standards for EIA practice for the onshore wind industry – and of course some new challenging projects.”
Luke said: “I am pleased to be joining MacArthur Green as they are a renowned name, which focuses on delivering positive environmental impact and carbon awareness. I relish the opportunity to be part of a team that is committed to best practice in terms of people and the planet.”
Isobel said: “I am looking forward to working with a new team at MacArthur Green and continuing to gain experience in a great career. I really enjoy the wide variety of work that comes with being an ecologist and the opportunity to be outside often, even in the sometimes less than lovely Scottish weather.”
Kirsty MacArthur, Director and Co-founder of MacArthur Green, said: “I am delighted to welcome Nicole, Luke and Isobel to MacArthur Green. They will play a key role in working with our clients to successfully deliver projects that are beneficial to the environment. They add further massive experience to our already hugely talented team of specialists.
“We are always keen to recruit more specialists who not only help environmental projects succeed, but also provide first-rate ecological research and support our carbon-conscious business model. Please do get in touch with us if we can help your project with our specialist ornithology and ecology advice.”
For more information, go to www.macarthurgreen.com