Jim holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biological Sciences and an M.Sc. in The Conservation and Utilisation of Plant Genetic Resources from the University of Birmingham. He completed a Ph.D. entitled "A species-based approach to the conservation of Ireland's threatened vascular plant species, using complementary in situ and ex situ methodologies" at Trinity College Dublin. Before joining BEC Consultants, Jim worked on raised bog NHA designations for the National Parks and Wildlife Service and investigated the genetic diversity of oak in Ireland for Teagasc. He also spent two years at the National Agricultural Research Institute in Guyana, South America, instigating research projects that would contribute to biological research and development in the country. Jim is a Full Member of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

Steve holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Plant Science with Biochemistry and a Ph.D. entitled "Physiological and Morphological Studies of Waterlogging Tolerance in Geum rivale L., G. urbanum L. and Their Hybrids" from the University of Wales. He is currently the Curator/Administrator of Trinity College Botanic Gardens. Previously, he worked as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Trinity College Dublin, carrying out research in the areas of plant physiological ecology and ecological genetics, using native Irish species with disjunct geographic distributions. Steve's main areas of research are ecological and population genetics, physiological ecology, plant biogeography, island floras, and conservation biology.

Philip holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biology and an M.Sc. in Environmental Management from the University of Nottingham. He recently completed his Ph.D. on "The ecology of yew (Taxus baccata) in Ireland" at Trinity College Dublin. Before joining BEC Consultants, Philip worked as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Trinity College Dublin, establishing a long-term ecological monitoring programme at People's Millennium Forest sites. He has also worked as an Estate Assistant for the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and as a Lecturer in Habitat Ecology at Brackenhurst Agricultural College, Nottinghamshire.

Simon holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geography from the University of Plymouth. Before joining BEC Consultants, Simon worked as an Ecologist with the RPS Group on a wide range of projects. He has also worked as an Ecological Contractor, Project Coordinator and Assistant Park Ranger in Killarney National Park, an Ecological Consultant for ADAS, Exeter and as a Conservation Officer for Somerset Wildlife Trust. Simon is a Full Member of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

Kate holds an Honours Degree in Ecology from the University of East Anglia, Norwich. The four-year degree included a year of study in France, which also incorporated a summer placement studying aquatic invertebrates. Following completion of her degree, Kate spent several months in Madagascar where she completed a Tropical Biology Association Course on tropical forest ecology and also volunteered with Bat Conservation Madagascar. The latter largely consisted of a project on the behavioural study of the Malagasy Flying Fox (Pteropus rufus). Kate is now working full-time with BEC consultants.

Jenni holds an Honours Degree in Environmental Science from Trinity College Dublin and a Diploma in Environmental Impact Assessment Management from University College Dublin. She is currently undertaking a PhD at Trinity College Dublin, examining the ecology and native status of pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Ireland. Before working with BEC Consultants, Jenni carried out ecological research for the National Parks and Wildlife Service in Connemara National Park and the Burren National Park, worked as a Researcher in the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control division of the Environmental Protection Agency and also gained experience in providing Environmental Education through her work at the National Botanic Gardens.

Louise holds a Diploma in Applied Biology from Dublin Institute of Technology, an M.Sc. in Plant Ecology and Systematics from Trinity College Dublin and a Certificate in Taxonomy and Systematics from the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. She completed a Ph.D. entitled "Morphological and molecular systematics of the genus Miscanthus L." at Trinity College Dublin. Before working for BEC Consultants, Louise worked as Senior Technician at the Centre for the Environment, Trinity College Dublin, as a Research Assistant at the Department of Botany, Trinity College Dublin as well as under taking numerous contracts for the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Edwina holds a B.A. (Mod.) in Botany, a Diploma in Statistics and a Ph.D. from Trinity College Dublin. Her Ph.D. thesis was entitled "Multi-Proxy Evidence from Bogs for Environmental Change in Ireland over the last 1,200 years". Before working for BEC Consultants, Edwina worked as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Trinity College Dublin on a project entitled "Quantification of Irish Holocene climate change from high altitude lake sites". She has also worked on various projects for the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Darach holds an Honours Degree in Botany from Trinity College Dublin, a Certificate in Experimental Design and Analysis from University College Dublin, a Diploma in Amenity Horticulture from the National Botanic Gardens and a Certificate in Horticulture from the Royal Horticultural Society. He is currently completing a PhD at Trinity College Dublin on the biogeography and conservation biology of Spiranthes romanzoffiana (Cham.), the Irish Lady's-Tresses orchid. Darach is a member of the All Ireland Species Action Plan committee for Spiranthes romanzoffiana and has also worked in Belize, Central America, collecting orchids for the Irish National Botanic Gardens.

Noeleen holds an Honours Degree in Botany and a Diploma in Statistics from Trinity College Dublin, a Higher Diploma in Horticulture from the National Botanic Gardens and a Diploma in Horticulture from the Royal Horticultural Society. She is currently completing a Ph.D. at Trinity College Dublin on invasive species control and restoration of the threatened native flora of Pitcairn Island. Before working with BEC Consultants, Noeleen worked as an ecological consultant for Natura Environmental Consultants and as a Horticulturalist at the National Botanic Gardens. She has also carried out botanical research in Uganda, Guyana and China.

Staff from BEC Consultants being instructed on the standard surveying methods for the National Native Woodland Survey, Vale of Clara, County Wicklow.