Nottingham based Environmental Consultancy, EMEC has announced the appointment of Steve Alton as a Strategic Ecologist. Steve will advise the Network Rail’s Eastern Region on Biodiversity.

With a BSc (Hons) in Biology and recognition as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, Steve has spent over three decades shaping conservation landscapes across the UK.

Steve therefore brings a wealth of experience and expertise in biodiversity and conservation.

His diverse career has included roles such as County Conservation Officer for Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, UK Programme Lead for Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank Project, and Conservation Officer at Ashdown Forest in Sussex.

He has also advised on habitat creation for the renewable energy sector and co-managed a wildflower seed company with his wife.

Advising on biodiversity

In his new role at EMEC, Steve will be advising Network Rail’s Eastern Region Biodiversity Framework on how to manage their trackside land to ensure Biodiversity Net Gain compliance.

Steve’s decision to join EMEC was driven by his recent move back to Nottinghamshire and a desire to re-engage with the local conservation community. “Rejoining Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and EMEC felt like a golden opportunity to contribute to conservation in the region where my career began,” he shared.

Adding, Dr Ed Tripp, Consultancy Director at EMEC said; “EMEC Ecology is thrilled to welcome Steve to the team. We are confident that his extensive knowledge and passion for biodiversity will be invaluable in advancing the conservation goals of our business and those of our clients.”