Founded in 2009 by a group of passionate ecologists who believed development and nature conservation could work hand in hand. Fifteen years later, that conviction drives everything we do.
spray-flash began as a three-person operation working out of a converted barn in Oxfordshire. Our founders had spent years in the public sector — local authority ecologists, Natural England advisors, conservation charity specialists — and saw an opportunity to bring that expertise directly to developers, architects, and landowners who needed practical, pragmatic guidance.
The early days involved a lot of windswept field surveys and late-night report writing. But word spread. Clients appreciated our straightforward advice and our willingness to find solutions rather than simply listing problems. By 2015, we had expanded to a team of twelve, operating from a proper office in Banbury while maintaining our field-first ethos.
Today, spray-flash employs over forty ecologists, botanists, and environmental specialists spread across regional offices in Oxford, Bristol, Manchester, and Edinburgh. We have worked on everything from single barn conversions to nationally significant infrastructure projects. Our reports have supported the delivery of thousands of new homes while securing genuine biodiversity gains.
What hasn't changed is our founding principle: ecological consultancy should enable good development, not obstruct it. We see ourselves as problem-solvers. When a protected species is found on site, our job isn't to say "no" — it's to design a mitigation strategy that works for the wildlife and the project timeline.
Every recommendation we make is grounded in peer-reviewed science and established best practice. We follow CIEEM guidelines and maintain continuous professional development across the team.
Theory means nothing without implementation. We design mitigation measures that can actually be built, maintained, and monitored over the long term. No impractical wish lists.
Ecology can be complex, but our reports don't need to be. We write in plain language, use clear diagrams, and always make time to explain findings to clients and planning officers alike.
We're ecologists because we care about wildlife. Beyond client work, we support local wildlife trusts, mentor young ecologists, and volunteer our time for conservation monitoring.
Licensed bat surveyors experienced in building assessments, activity surveys, and roost characterisation. We hold Natural England and NRW survey and mitigation licences.
Full GCN survey capability including eDNA sampling, population assessments, and mitigation design. District Level Licensing experience in applicable areas.
Breeding bird surveys, barn owl assessments, and Schedule 1 species monitoring. We plan construction timing to avoid nesting seasons where possible.
Phase 1 habitat mapping, NVC surveys, and botanical assessments. Identification of notable plant species and invasive non-native species management.
Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA)
Bat Conservation Trust Registered Consultants
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Certified
From initial scoping to final sign-off, our team provides expert guidance at every stage of your project.
Contact Our Team