Ecology Academy Podcast

#41 Series Special (1) - Great Crested Newt

Welcome to a special series of the Ecology Academy podcast, dedicated entirely to understanding the fascinating world of great crested newts. As spring arrives, we delve into in-depth discussions with leading experts to shed light on this unique species.

Over the upcoming weeks, we'll be presenting interviews with established authorities in the field. We start our series with John Cranfield from Herpetologic Limited, continue with Nikki Glover from Wessex Water, who is renowned for her work with detection dogs, and conclude with an insightful conversation with Sarah Garrett from NatureSpace.

This immersive series is our first thematic venture, aiming to offer a comprehensive overview of great crested newts, from licensing to surveying. We hope it not only engages but inspires you to delve deeper into the mysteries of Mother Nature.

Your feedback matters to us! Feel free to write to us at hello@ecologyacademy.co.uk with your thoughts. We are also on the lookout for co-hosts who could join me in interviewing other inspiring figures in the field of ecology, adding valuable dimensions to our podcast. Your favourite ecologist could be our next guest!

Stay tuned as we embark on this exciting journey into the world of great crested newts!

#40 - Navigating Change: Adapting to New Ecological Guidance

Join us in this informative episode of the Ecology Academy podcast, hosted by Richard Dodd, as we explore the complexities of the rapidly changing world of ecology. We delve deep into recent ecological developments, updated guidelines, new regulations, and the impact of technological advancements on the field. This episode aims to inspire listeners, whether students, professionals, or nature enthusiasts, to embrace change with a growth mindset.

Richard emphasizes resilience and the potential benefits these changes can bring to our natural environment. He also discusses practical strategies for adapting to these changes, highlighting the importance of prioritizing, identifying impactful changes in our expertise areas, and the value of training sessions. Alongside, he strongly recommends continuous learning, seeking advice, and staying informed about the latest research to enhance an ecologist's competence.

This episode further underscores the importance of managing client expectations in the face of new changes and regulations. Through honest communication and transparency, we can guide clients precisely, explaining how these changes are likely to affect their projects, highlighting potential challenges, delays, and additional costs.

Richard encourages adopting a collaborative approach in these challenging times. Leveraging social media platforms, reaching out to colleagues, and seeking mentorship can significantly help in maintaining your skillset and adapting to change. This steadfast pursuit of learning culminates with a brief introduction to future topics including 'Great Crested Newt Licensing'. We look forward to your continual engagement with us on this vibrant learning journey!

#39 - Getting Recruitment Right: how to maximise your hiring power, and avoid bias

***HAPPY NEW YEAR***

In the first episode of 2024 Richard talks about how to maximise getting the hire  process right and how to avoid or minimise biases. In the podcast Richard outlines the following key stages:

 

1. Identifying the Need for a New Role

2. Creating a Detailed Job Description

3. Advertising the Role

4. Screening and Shortlisting Candidates

5. Conducting Interviews and Assessments

6. Reference Checks and Background Verification

7. Making the Offer

8. Onboarding Process

9. Probationary Period

10. Post-Probation Integration

 

Finally, Richard discusses what could be done if recruitment goes badly and explains why it's important for an employer to take proactive steps to understand what went wrong and how to rectify the situation. Here are some actions an employer can take:

1. Conduct a Thorough Review of the Process:

• Analyse each stage of the recruitment process to identify where it deviated from expectations or best practices.
• Seek feedback from the recruitment team, candidates, and any external agencies involved.

2. Identify Specific Issues:

• Determine if the problems were related to unclear job descriptions, inadequate assessment methods, poor candidate experience, or other factors.
• Assess whether there were any legal or compliance issues during the process.

3. Implement Corrective Actions:

• Address specific issues identified in the review. For example, revise job descriptions, improve communication with candidates, or update interview and selection methods.
• If legal issues were identified, consult with legal experts to ensure compliance in future processes.

4. Improve Training for Recruitment Staff:

• Provide additional training on unbiased recruitment practices, effective interviewing techniques, and legal compliance.
• Encourage a culture of continuous learning and improvement among the recruitment team.

5. Revise Recruitment Strategy and Policies:

• Update recruitment policies and strategies to reflect lessons learned.
• Consider adopting new recruitment technologies or methods to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

6. Enhance Candidate Experience:

• Make the application process more candidate-friendly.
• Ensure timely and respectful communication with all candidates, including those not selected.

7. Re-engage with Previous Candidates:

• If appropriate, re-engage with strong candidates from the previous process who were not selected.
•  Communicate any improvements made to the recruitment process to demonstrate commitment to candidate experience.

8. Strengthen Employer Brand:

• Address any negative feedback or perceptions that arose from the recruitment process.
• Enhance your employer brand through positive communication and engagement strategies.

9. Seek External Assistance:

• If internal efforts are insufficient, consider engaging external HR consultants or recruitment agencies for expert guidance.

10. Plan for Future Recruitment:

•  Incorporate the learnings into future recruitment planning.
•  Establish metrics and regular reviews to monitor the effectiveness of the revised recruitment process.

11. Focus on Onboarding and Retention:

• If the issue was not with the recruitment but with high turnover post-hiring, focus on improving the onboarding process and employee retention strategies.

 

Remember, a bad recruitment process can be a learning opportunity.

 

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NEW COURSE FOR 2024:

Career Workshop for Aspiring Ecological Consultants: 2024

https://training.ecologyacademy.co.uk/courses/career-workshop-for-aspiring-ecological-consultants

Get 50% off this course for the entire of January by using the discount code ECOJAN24 at the checkout.

 

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CO-HOSTS WANTED

Want to join me as a co-host? Then email hello@ecologyacademy.co.uk and tell me why you would be a great addition to the podcast!

#38 -Veteran Trees, Bat Research and Training - Jim Mullholland

In this episode Richard interviews Jim Mullholland and talks about veteran trees, bats, training, virtual Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRA's), research into veterinisation of trees and can we do better in looking for bats, plus so much more!

Jim observes that since the commencement of the Bat Tree Habitat Key project, our knowledge of tree roosting bats has increased dramatically. Despite this, standard tree surveys yield poor results (the probability of finding bats on a single visit may be as low as 5%). What can be done to improve prospects for bat surveyor and bats alike?

Jim shares findings from his ongoing research which aims to improve how we survey for bats in trees. Can off-the-shelf trail cameras give us the advantage we need? What information can these cameras give us? And who would win in a fight between a noctule and a grey squirrel?

 

Bio

Jim is an ecologist and arboriculturist, with special interest in veteran trees and bats. He runs Bats Research & Training, which was set up to help professionals to achieve a bat survey licence.

Alongside training, he is also researching how to improve tree surveys for bats and whether out is possible to create artificial bat roosts in trees.

When he is not running the business, he works for the Vincent Wildlife Trust as a senior bat conservation officer.

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BatsRTS/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BatsRTS/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/batsrts/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@batsintrees 

Website: https://www.batlicence.co.uk/ 

#37 - How to train your bat, with Neil Middleton - BatAbility Courses and Tuition

Richard interviews Neil Middleton from BatAbility Courses and Tuition. Together they talk about bats, business and some life tips on how to deliver presentations and overcoming the fear of other people's opinions.

 

Bio

Neil has substantial experience in business management, consultancy, people development, training & the associated skills associated with running SME businesses. As well as being the owner & managing director of BatAbility Courses & Tuition, Neil also owns Time For Bespoke Solutions Ltd. In the past Neil was the founder & Managing Director at Echoes Ecology Ltd.

He has designed & delivered over 400 training courses across a wide range of customer types & industry sectors, including training workshops/courses covering a variety of subjects to the Bat Conservation Trust’s National & Regional Conferences, as well as for NatureScot, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, The National Trust, The National Trust for Scotland, Wildlife Acoustics (USA) & >100 ecological consultancies operating in the UK, Ireland & further afield.

Author/co-author of the following books:

• Social Calls of the Bats of Britain & Ireland
• The Effective Ecologist
• Is That A Bat?
• Sound Identification of Terrestrial Mammals of Britain & Ireland

Most of his working days currently are filled with producing content for BatAbility Club members & the Talking Bat podcast channel, as well as providing technical support for BatAbility’s online acoustics training course launched in 2021 (Certificate of Bat Acoustics Analysis).

 

https://batability.co.uk/

 

#36 - Leadership and Management in a Small Business -Peter Wharton

In this episode Richard talks with Peter Wharton of Wharton Natural Infrastructure Consultants Ltd. on the joys and challenges of leading and managing a small consultancy business. 

Pete openly talks about his journey, including his education, career and mental health. The conversation discusses the importance of values, resilience and fortitude, dispelling the myth that business owners know what they are doing at all times and rugby!

 

Resources

Career Coaching: Discovering the Best in You: A flexible programme that will help transform your career and life! Our expert coaches and mentors provide you with the right tools and right level of support that you need now and tomorrow.

 

CIEEM Mentoring Platform: CIEEM is committed to supporting the continuing professional development of their members and recognise that taking the next step can be a little daunting. There are times we could all benefit from the experience of others. Not even the most successful people in our profession scaled those heights on their own; along the way they benefited from a generous and knowledgeable support system. And that’s exactly why they’ve created a brand new Mentoring Platform.

#35 - End of Season Review

A very short episode this month as we all take a well deserved rest after a busy survey season. Richard reflects back and thanks all our wonderful guests for spending time talking about their work and life.

Season 3 will commence in October and we are looking for guests and co-hosts for the show. If either of those interest you, then email richard@ecologyacademy.co.uk and let's start a conversation.

 

#34 - How to Build Skills and Confidence for Life: Coaching and Mentoring with Richard Dodd

How to Build Skills and Confidence for Life: Coaching and Mentoring

 

In this episode, our host, Richard Dodd, delves into the world of coaching and mentoring, exploring their definitions, roles, applications, and how to choose between the two. We also share success stories and discuss potential challenges in these relationships. Finally, we provide tips on how to find a suitable coach or mentor. 

 

Talking Points:

1. Defining Coaching and Mentoring: We kick off the episode by discussing what coaching and mentoring mean and how they are typically implemented. This segment provides a clear understanding of these two terms and sets the stage for the rest of the episode.

2. The Role of a Coach vs. a Mentor: We explore the different roles a coach and a mentor play in an individual's development. This segment highlights the responsibilities each role entails and how they contribute to personal and professional growth.

3. Applications of Coaching and Mentoring: We discuss the different scenarios where coaching and mentoring can be applied. This segment explores how individuals and organizations can benefit from these methods, providing real-world examples and practical applications.

4. Choosing Between a Coach and a Mentor: We provide guidance on how to decide whether a coach or a mentor is more suitable for a person's specific needs. This segment offers listeners a roadmap to making an informed decision based on their unique circumstances.

5. Success Stories: We share stories of successful coaching and mentoring relationships. This segment offers insights into what made these relationships successful, and what listeners can learn from them. These stories serve as inspiration and provide practical lessons for listeners.

6. Challenges in Coaching and Mentoring: We discuss potential challenges in coaching and mentoring relationships and how to overcome them. This segment equips listeners with strategies to navigate any hurdles they may encounter in their coaching or mentoring journey.

7. Finding a Coach or a Mentor: We wrap up the episode by providing tips on how to find a suitable coach or mentor. This segment guides listeners on what to look for in a potential coach or mentor, ensuring they find the right fit for their needs.

 

Episode Wrap-Up:
Coaching and mentoring can be powerful tools for personal and professional development. Whether you're considering becoming a coach or mentor, or you're on the hunt for one, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and navigating these relationships. Tune in to learn more about how coaching and mentoring can help you build skills and confidence for life.

 

What are your experiences?

Do you have a coach or mentor? What do they help you with? What has been your experience of working alongside a coach? Leave us a comment.

 

Resources

Career Accelerator for Aspiring Ecological Consultants: A 4-week modular course, commencing OCTOBER 2023, that will enable students to take significant steps to achieve a permanent position as an ecological consultant in the UK.

 

Career Coaching: Discovering the Best in You: A flexible programme that will help transform your career and life! Our expert coaches and mentors provide you with the right tools and right level of support that you need now and tomorrow.

 

CIEEM Mentoring Platform: CIEEM is committed to supporting the continuing professional development of their members and recognise that taking the next step can be a little daunting. There are times we could all benefit from the experience of others. Not even the most successful people in our profession scaled those heights on their own; along the way they benefited from a generous and knowledgeable support system. And that’s exactly why they’ve created a brand new Mentoring Platform.

 

#33 - The Role of an In-house Ecologist: interview with Rosie Pope, Foster + Partners

The Role of an In-house Ecologist

In this interview Richard talks with Rosie about her role as an in-house ecologist. Together they discuss the differences between the role of working as a 'clean' consultant ecologist and those of the in-house 'expert' within a company or organisation. The challenges of working in a creative and visual way, as opposed to the more text-based reporting. 

 

Rosie Pope

Rosie Pope is the first in-house Ecologist at Foster + Partners. Having worked in consultancy previously, Rosie speaks about the challenges involved in carving out this new role. She discusses the way she works with the Architects and other specialists to try and achieve positive outcomes for biodiversity. Rosie is currently on Maternity Leave with her baby daughter.

 

Our courses

Coaching

Coaching is a powerful, transformative relationship designed to empower you to realize your personal and professional potential. As a business and life coach, we work with you to explore your goals, challenges, and fears, guiding you to uncover roadblocks and empowering you to create solutions from within.

Whether it's navigating career changes, improving relationships, or building confidence, coaching provides you with sustainable tools, insights, and strategies to self-improve, adapt, and thrive in any circumstance. It's an investment in your future, acting as a catalyst for you to stride forward with confidence and clarity, and transform your dreams into reality.

Register your interest here: https://training.ecologyacademy.co.uk/courses/career-coaching 

 

Employee courses

Are you an employer or looking for a career as an ecologist?

We run our popular 'Career Ecologist' Course. A course that is tailored to the needs of your employees and the individual. No two courses are exactly the same!

The course can cover technical skills, such as 'preliminary roost assessment' or 'preliminary ecological appraisal' fundamental training. We also cover the equally important transferable skills such as 'people management' and 'information management'.

To find out more either click on the course link (https://training.ecologyacademy.co.uk/courses/early-career-ecologists) or email hello@ecologyacademy.co.uk 

#32 - Measuring What Matters: an insight into data analysis with Jez Smith of Eco-Explore

Richard talks on today's show with Jeremy Smith on why we should take data seriously. On the show Jez tells us why we need to think and ask more questions to help solve real life problems such as biodiversity loss.

 

Jez Smith

Jez is a research ecologist for the British Trust for Ornithology using data analysis to help understand the trends in bird demography. 

He is also one of the directors at Eco-Explore a company founded by ecologists who provide training in Data Analysis to consultant ecologists, NGO’s, PhD students, conservation scientists and government departments. 

His background has often involved data analysis in one way or another and also ecology and Jez has a passion for teaching and helping people identify where understanding data better can help them.  

 

About Eco-Explore

Eco-explore Community Interest Company is a scientific research and communication enterprise, established in 2010.

A start-up grant from Caerphilly Borough Council, and close links with Cardiff University and the Wildlife Trusts of South and West Wales, have enabled us to diversify into a variety of roles:

• Guided walks and Wildlife Events; citizen-science, collecting biodiversity data and experiencing Wales’ wonderful wildlife
• Overseas expeditions; making discoveries and aiding conservation
• Environmental consultancy; providing data and advice on a range of conservation issues
• Data analysis; teaching statistics, data analysis consultancy and publishing our own data analysis guidebook
• School, Undergraduate and graduate training; with Cardiff University – hosting school work experience placements, university Professional Training Year placements, and co-supervision of PhD projects
• Promoting local conservation; practical conservation, grant funding and campaigning
• Supporting conservation NGOs; Eco-explore is a not-for profit organization – revenue is used to support joint projects in collaboration with conservation NGOs, primarily with the Wildlife Trusts Wales and through the Welsh Wildlife Partnership scheme, helping to conserve Wales’ wildlife for future generations.

 

Connect via:

Twitter: @Ecoexplore

Facebook: Eco-Explore Community Interest Company

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eco-explore-community-interest-company/ 

 

New courses in 2023: http://www.eco-explore.co.uk/statistics-training/