We Are Red Ecology.
Our People.
Rooted in Experience, Driven by Values.
We are an ambitious new ecology consultancy, yet with deep roots in the industry. We have decades of ecological experience in delivering high-quality work but are determined to offer a new way of working, offering our team a chance to co-create a consultancy with real values, real flexibility and real ambition.
We’re founded on firm values, celebrating curiosity, collaboration and continuous learning.
We offer flexible hybrid working, a supportive, ethical and inclusive team culture, and a clear framework for progression, while giving you the chance to work on a wide range of projects, and the opportunity to develop your own areas of expertise, whether that be your botanical skills, a particular protected species or other aspects of your role.
Our Team
Josef Saunders, Director
BSc (Hons) MSc MCIEEM
Introducing Josef - pragmatic, personable, and a trusted ecological expert.
With 20+ years in ecological consultancy, Josef brings a rare blend of technical expertise, commercial acumen, and a proactive approach that helps clients meet ecological requirements while maximising development value.
He has delivered successful schemes across sectors-from housing and infrastructure to retail and industry-guiding projects from feasibility through to construction. His strong grasp of planning policy and legislation allows him to identify risks early and navigate complex challenges with confidence.
Josef leads on all types of ecological surveys, assessments and reporting. He integrates ecology seamlessly into project plans and has provided expert witness evidence at public inquiries and hearings.
He holds multiple Natural England EPS licences and has successfully delivered mitigation strategies across the UK.
Whether leading teams, mentoring staff, or advising clients, Josef brings insight, energy, and integrity to every project.
In his free time, he enjoys football, mountain biking, walking his dog, gardening, cooking, and making memories with his wife and son.
Peter Hadfield, Director
BSc (Hons) MSc MCIEEM
Introducing Peter - collaborative, experienced, and a specialist in protected species.
With more than 20 years in ecological consultancy, Peter combines technical expertise with a practical, client-focused approach.
Peter has worked on projects of all sizes and types – from housing and infrastructure to commercial, education, energy and aviation – guiding clients from early feasibility through to construction.
Peter holds survey licences in England and Wales, including for bats, Dormice, Great Crested Newts, Badgers and Beavers. He is also highly experienced in Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, Protected Species Licensing and Mitigation, BNG and BREEAM. He has appeared as an Expert Witness at Public Inquiries and Hearings.
Whether advising clients, mentoring teams, or leading surveys, Peter brings clarity, collaboration and commitment to every project.
In his spare time, Peter likes to get out on his bike and being in the mountains.
We Are Red Ecology.
Benefits.
In return for helping us to build a successful practice, we reward our team with a wide range of benefits including:
Competitive salaries
Flexible hybrid working
Profit share scheme
Bonus scheme
Time off in lieu
Generous employer contribution to pension scheme
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure, with an additional day per year with the company, and option to buy or sell up to 5 days
Health care plan, including Employee Assistance Programme, mental health support, physiotherapy and more
Cycle to work scheme
Paid membership of a relevant professional body
Generous training budget
Current Opportunities
We have vacancies in both our offices.
For further information & details of how to apply click on the links below:
Assistant Ecologist (Leeds) →
Assistant Ecologist (Stroud) →