#18 - Personal Protected Species Survey Licences: The LOWDOWN

Richard Dodd hosts a panel discussion between UK protected species licence holders including:

• Ash Harris - Principal Ecologist / Director at Ecological Services Ltd (Torfaen)
• Grace Dooley - Head of Ecology at Environment Systems Ltd (Ceredigion)
• Tilly Tilbrook - Director at Integrated Ecological Solutions Ltd. (Bristol)
• Sarah Parkin - Ecologist at SOP Ecology and Caseworker at Scottish Natural Heritage (Dumfies & Galloway)
• Josh Courtley - Ecologist with Arbtech (Warwickshire)
• Josh Styles - Ecologist with Atkins and volunteer at Chester Zoo (Cheshire)
• Emma Scotney - Ecologist with South West Lakes Trust (Devon)
• Sue Searle - Ecology Training UK (Devon)
• Claire Munn - Head of Ecology for David Archer Associates (East Sussex)

Take away messages:

It's difficult to get a protected species licence for surveys, as there are issues finding the right learning environments: so, variety is the spice of life and you may need to consider working towards a licence as 'on the job' training, but supplement with formal and informal training (self-learning, courses, and also mentorships) and of course volunteering. Collaborate.

Do not seek out the licence as the goal, but seek out species survey competency instead! Just because you have a licence does not make you a competent ecologist. Gain the skills and experience you need and the rest should fall in place. Develop the right mindset before you commence your journey.

The current survey licensing system is different for each devolved country. There should be consistency across the SNCO's as animals and plants do not understand borders, yet a highly competent ecologist in Wales or Scotland may not 'tick all the boxes' when it comes to applying for a personal licence in England. Make sure you know what is required before applying (is it one or two references; how much evidence do you need to provide and in what format).

Companies should support their employees in obtaining licences - it makes commercial sense, so they need to get on board and give employees time off for learning and to gain experience in addition to 'on the job' training.

Do not underestimate the value of being an Accredited Agent - it could be a gateway to get your own personal licence, but it may also make commercial sense for some niche species.