“TEP worked with Geckoella from 2012 to 2014 to assist us in delivering the ecology element of a nationally important infrastructure project in the southwest. Both TEP and the ultimate client were impressed with the service provided by Geckoella that when the project moved to construction phase in 2018 we didn’t hesitate in working with them again. Geckoella staff have a good depth and breadth of ecological skills and experience, providing a high quality service both in field survey skills and advice to clients.”Elizabeth Seal Ecology Director - The Environment Partnership April 27, 2020
“I am pleased to provide a testimonial for Geckoella Ltd in relation to South Hams SAC Greater Horseshoe Bat survey work and mitigation policy advice. I work as Senior Ecologist for Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council including co - ordinating the South Hams SAC joint LPA Steering Group.
In 2019, I co - ordinated the procurement of a comprehensive greater horseshoe bat survey contract on behalf of Teignbridge District Council between April and October of approximately 100 hectares of allocated land at Wolborough near Newton Abbot. This is a highly complex and sensitive allocation and has been the subject of high court challenges and most recently an appeal at public inquiry (a Secretary of State call in) which is still on - going.
Geckoella Ltd was successfully awarded the contract amongst a high standard field winning overall on quality, presentation, and demonstration of managing complex projects and Habitats Regulations Assessment advisory work to LPAs in relation to SAC bats.
Kate Jeffries in leading the Geckoella team demonstrated a meticulously planned approach with high standards of professionalism throughout. Geckoella Ltd successfully delivered:
- Completion of full season activity survey, including landowner liaison, to the required high survey effort specification;
- Completion of precise analysis, interrogation and interpretation of survey data and findings; Presentation of findings based on precision analysis of data and survey limitations to
facilitate the competent authority to draw robust conclusions on the relative importance of the area to South Hams SAC greater horseshoe bats and the likely effects of development;- Expert knowledge of greater horseshoe bat ecology and HRA requirements; Advice regarding presentation of public inquiry evidence including clear report structuring and reasoning, accessible to a wide-ranging and non-specialist readership;
- Interpretation of survey findings to identify SAC bat requirements at a strategic landscape level;
- Advice on the development of planning guidance relating to greater horseshoe bats.
As well as informing higher level policies for both the allocation and the SAC strategic landscape, Geckoella’s completed survey report is acting as key evidence in assisting the inspector in their recommendations to the Secretary of State.
As a local planning authority, I found Geckoella’s highly professional and sensitive approach valuable in light of the complex range of planning issues and challenges we face in delivering well planned development which meets the high standard set by the Habitats Regulations.”
Chrissy Mason Senior Ecologist, Teignbridge District Council 2019 April 27, 2020
"We have worked closely with Geckoella on many projects over a number of years and have always been highly impressed with their rare, if not unique, combination of professionalism, attention to detail, expertise and pragmatism. We have relied on both Kate and Andy to manage large projects for us and this has always been done in an exemplary manner. No large project is ever run without issues arising, but Geckoella are that most useful of supplier; one that tells you about the problem after they’ve found the solution. Priceless."
Tim Hounsome, Biocensus, Jan 2016 January 16, 2020
"Balfour Beatty Rail has used Geckoella for a number of years as we know we can rely on their expert, practical advice on strategies and methods for managing the interface between our asset management obligations and our duties to the environment. We use Geckoella as our experts in the field to ensure that we discharge both our legal and ethical duties to the natural world in the best way possible."
Richard Storey, Examining Engineer, Balfour Beatty Rail, Jan 2017 January 16, 2020
"The Geckoella team worked incredibly hard in challenging circumstances and provided an excellent service. They were reliable and able to come up with solutions in a very fast-paced project. We would not hesitate to use their services again."
Jules Price, Associate Director (Ecology), Infrastructure Atkins PLC, July 2017 January 16, 2020
"Really useful and concise report, please pass on thanks. Certainly be keen to use them again if the need arises."
Lawrence Weston, SW Operations Manager, The Woodland Trust, August 2017 January 16, 2020
"Geckoella were a key delivery partner for AECOM on HS2 Enabling Works North, and allowed AECOM to deliver over 2000 ecological surveys in just seven months. Geckoella were able to provide ecologists with a range of protected species licences as well as other skills and experiences, and the data provided was always to a high-quality data. Their ecologists and project team were responsive to last minute changes and were able to adapt to varying situations, as well as to provide important inputs to assist AECOM in the delivery of the project."
Stephanie Harper, Associate (Ecology), Environment and Ground Engineering, UK & Ireland, October 2017 January 16, 2020