Experienced ecologists. Practical advice. Positive outcomes.
Croft Ecology is an independent ecological consultancy based in the Midlands, providing expert advice and practical solutions for planning, development and biodiversity projects across central England.
Led by Director of Ecology Anna Scott-Swift MCIEEM, who brings over 25 years of experience spanning local government, commercial consultancy and ecological leadership, our team combines extensive professional knowledge with a genuine passion for the natural environment. Our senior ecologists bring further depth of expertise, enabling us to provide confident, informed advice across a wide range of ecological and planning challenges.
We work closely with architects, planning professionals, developers, local authorities and landowners, providing specialist support across planning ecology, protected species, Biodiversity Net Gain, habitat management and habitat bank advisory services.
As a CIEEM Registered Practice, we're committed to high professional standards, ecological integrity and sound technical judgement. We understand the practical realities of development and the importance of finding proportionate, deliverable solutions that meet planning requirements while achieving positive outcomes for biodiversity.
Just as importantly, we believe that good consultancy is about people. We pride ourselves on building strong working relationships, communicating clearly and being approachable, responsive and straightforward to work with. Whether supporting a straightforward planning application or advising on a complex ecological challenge, our aim is always to provide honest, dependable advice that makes a genuine difference.
We're serious about ecology, but we believe working with ecologists should be a positive experience.
Our Team
Anna Scott-Swift
Director of Ecology
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Anna leads Croft Ecology's technical team, bringing more than 20 years' experience in ecological consultancy and local government. Her background as a local authority ecologist gives her a valuable understanding of both sides of the planning process, helping clients navigate ecological requirements with confidence.
She has extensive experience in planning ecology, protected species assessment and bat mitigation, providing technical oversight and advice across a wide range of projects. Anna particularly enjoys finding pragmatic solutions that balance development needs with positive outcomes for wildlife.
Passionate about developing her team and creating a supportive working environment, Anna also champions Croft's four-day working week. Outside work, she enjoys climbing, mountain biking and exploring the outdoors with her family.
Tony Scott-Swift
Commercial Director
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Tony looks after Croft’s commercial, operational and technology functions, drawing on a long career in IT and service management.
He enjoys improving systems, challenging unnecessary complexity and helping the team work more effectively.
Outside work, Tony enjoys climbing, mountain biking, music and family life — preferably with a new project or two underway.
Jeff Grant
Associate Ecologist
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Jeff brings over 13 years' experience in ecological consultancy, with expertise spanning protected species surveys, ecological assessment and project management. As Associate Ecologist, he provides technical oversight across a wide range of projects while supporting and mentoring Croft's developing team.
He particularly enjoys woodland ecology, practical problem-solving and finding workable solutions to complex ecological challenges. One memorable achievement was seeing badgers take up residence in an artificial sett he helped design and deliver.
Jeff's approach combines technical rigour with pragmatic advice, helping clients move projects forward while ensuring wildlife is properly considered.
Katy Clark-Goddard
Senior Ecologist
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Katy has six years' experience in ecological consultancy, working across habitat and protected species surveys, ecological assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain. As a Senior Ecologist, she has increasingly taken the lead on larger and more complex projects and particularly enjoys the satisfaction of bringing all the different strands of a project together successfully.
Katy has a particular interest in botany and enjoys the challenge of complex projects, combining a keen eye for detail with a practical approach to ecological problem-solving.
Outside work, Katy enjoys travelling, walking and camping, tending her allotment, and creative pursuits including sewing and floristry.
Zachary Mason
Ecologist
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Zak enjoys fieldwork, protected species surveys and identifying meaningful opportunities for Biodiversity Net Gain.
He has a particular interest in otters, water voles and habitat management, and enjoys sharing his knowledge with colleagues.
Outside work, Zak is a keen hiker, reader and cook, with an enthusiasm for exploring different cuisines.
Dom Riley
Ecologist
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Dom combines habitat surveys and ecological assessments with a particular interest in Biodiversity Net Gain and data analysis.
Calm and methodical, he enjoys tackling challenging projects and finding practical solutions.
Outside work, Dom is a keen footballer and traveller, always looking forward to his next adventure.
Michelle Walding-Kelly
Ecologist
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Michelle enjoys the investigative side of ecology, particularly bat surveys, analysing recordings and interpreting animal behaviour.
She is also developing a keen interest in beavers and their habitats.
Outside work, Michelle loves travelling, concerts, crafting and caring for her collection of unconventional rescue pets — alongside an enthusiasm for ambitious Lego projects.
Melissa Bell
Assistant Ecologist
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Mel enjoys the variety of ecological consultancy, particularly fieldwork, botanical identification and practical problem-solving.
She also helps coordinate Croft’s busy survey programme and is developing her bat expertise.
Outside work, Mel loves hiking, travelling and caving, having already lived or worked on five of the world's seven continents.
Imogen Holloway
Assistant Ecologist
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Imogen enjoys botanical surveys, ecological mapping and preparing habitat management plans.
Meticulous and detail-focused, she takes pride in producing accurate, practical work and is keen to develop her protected species experience.
Outside work, Imogen enjoys reading, countryside walks and gardening — considerably quieter pursuits than her previous encounter with a spitting cobra!
Toby Bradley
Seasonal Ecologist
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Toby particularly enjoys reptile and bat surveys, with a growing interest in protected species licensing.
He brings a practical, resourceful approach to fieldwork and takes pride in developing his survey skills.
Outside work, Toby enjoys wild swimming and caring for his pets — and once trained a group of ducks to follow him into the water!
