Ecology by Design wins CIEEM Medium Consultancy of the Year Award 2026
Winning this award is a huge honour for our team and one that carries particular significance because it comes from our own professional body, CIEEM.
For us, the recognition reflects something deeper than project delivery alone. It reflects the way our team approaches ecology day to day: balancing practical development needs with meaningful outcomes for biodiversity, while maintaining high professional standards and a collaborative, solutions-focused mindset.
This year’s focus was on demonstrating “consistent delivery of high-quality practical outcomes that benefit business and the economy as well as nature and/or people’s connection with nature”. It’s an ethos that underpins so much of the work Ecology by Design undertakes. Protecting and enhancing nature can’t happen in a vacuum, and supporting businesses that build our infrastructure, housing and energy networks is essential to creating long-term, sustainable change.
One of the case studies that we included in our entry is published here: Weedington Road – Complex Residential Development. It clearly demonstrates that robust, defensible ecological input can sit alongside and support housing and infrastructure development, together with the associated economic activity including related jobs, supply chain engagement, and community growth.
A collective effort
What stands out most across Ecology by Design is the shared mindset within the team. Whether working on complex infrastructure projects, habitat restoration strategies, protected species licensing, Biodiversity Net Gain delivery or planning support, there is a consistent focus on finding pragmatic, evidence-led solutions that work for both clients and nature.
This recognition belongs to the whole team.
We are fortunate to work alongside talented, dedicated people who consistently bring technical expertise, professionalism and enthusiasm to their projects. The collaborative culture within the business is something we are particularly proud of and is central to how we operate as a consultancy.
A special thank you goes to our Managing Director, Ben Gardner, whose leadership has helped build a culture where people, professional standards and practical outcomes for nature are all given equal weight.
We are also proud of the work being done across the business to support the wider profession through mentoring, training and improving access into ecology careers. This includes involvement in initiatives such as the Level 4 Assistant Ecologist Apprenticeship, alongside ongoing support for early-career ecologists developing within the sector.
Why recognition from CIEEM matters
Being recognised by CIEEM carries real significance for us.
As the professional body for ecologists and environmental managers, CIEEM represents the benchmark for professional standards within our sector. Recognition through the awards process provides reassurance that the way we approach projects ie. pragmatic, proportionate, outcome focused and considerate of wider sustainability impacts, aligns with what the profession increasingly needs.
The ecology sector is evolving rapidly, and consultancies are operating within a changing landscape shaped by Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), planning reform, climate pressures and growing expectations around nature recovery.
Against that backdrop, maintaining quality while scaling delivery is one of the defining challenges for the profession.
Looking ahead
Over the next few years, we believe the sector has a major opportunity to strengthen how ecology is integrated into mainstream decision-making.
Nature-based solutions, Local Nature Recovery Strategies and data-led environmental planning are all likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping development. At the same time, digital tools and AI-assisted analytical platforms have real potential to improve how ecological data is collected, analysed and communicated.
At Ecology by Design, we are actively exploring how technology can improve efficiency and consistency while ensuring professional judgement remains central to decision-making.
We also recognise the importance of widening access to the profession and supporting the next generation of ecologists. Continued investment in mentoring, training and accessible entry routes into ecology will be critical if the sector is to meet growing demand without compromising standards.
Thank you
We would like to thank our clients, collaborators and colleagues for their continued trust and support. We would also like to thank CIEEM for recognising the work that we do.
Finally, congratulations to all of the consultancies recognised through this year’s awards. The standard across the sector continues to be exceptionally high, and it is encouraging to see so much excellent work being celebrated.
Whether through complex project delivery, mentoring future ecologists, or exploring innovative approaches to ecological practice, we remain committed to delivering practical solutions that create meaningful outcomes for both clients and nature.
