Our Experts
Pioneer Habitats Management is made up of dual professionals meaning each member is a qualified ecologist and habitat manager. This dual professionalism allows us to cater to your needs whilst keeping costs to a minimum. We manage projects that span both rural and urban locations and range from small, individual contracts aimed at private landowners to large, multi-site, commercial or residential contracts.
Our team has a wealth of habitat management and protected species mitigation expertise and each of us has our own specialisms and experience.
We work in conjunction with the Pioneer Environment team, who hold the appropriate licences to carry out protected species surveys and are qualified to produce European Protected Species licence applications.
Chris’s passion for conservation began on his family smallholding and led him to study NPTC City & Guilds Countryside Conservation & Management. He went on to gain wide practical experience across the agricultural, rail, fencing, and arboriculture sectors before moving into ecology, applying his practical background to protected species mitigation and habitat management. As a contracting department manager at an environmental consultancy, he led teams in habitat management and protected species mitigation projects while adding to his environmental management qualifications.
Now Managing Director of Pioneer Habitats, Chris specialises in newt and reptile mitigation and remains closely involved in badger mitigation. He holds a SSSTS qualification and has extensive site management experience, ensuring full compliance with CDM regulations and mitigation requirements.
Chris is committed to continuous professional development and has built a strong skill set across the environmental and ecology sectors. He holds numerous practical qualifications, including NPTC certifications (Chainsaw, PA1, PA6/PA6W, Brushcutter, Woodchipper) and RTITB training for Tracked Excavator and Dumper operation. His also holds ITC Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work and Forestry First Aid +F certification.
Chris is currently working towards his Class Licence in Badger Mitigation, strengthening his expertise in this specialist field.
Outside of work, Chris is a keen angler and has held the role of Chairman & Committee member for the NCB Area No.5 Fishing Club for over the last12 years. He also plays bass guitar in a band and enjoys snowboarding and skiing holidays alongside his family.
Fun Fact: Chris is in fact related to Christopher Dean the famous ice skater.
Beginning his career with Derbyshire County Council’s Countryside Services, John progressed through BTCV diplomas and a degree in Environmental Conservation before becoming an ecologist in 2016. Since 2020, he has advanced from Technician to Assistant Manager, gaining expertise in habitat management and protected species mitigation, specialising in newt and reptile mitigation.
John has achieved a wide range of professional qualifications, holding a GCN Class Licence (CL08), CSCS Qualified Professional certification, and SSSTS qualification. His certifications include RTITB operation of 360 Excavator and Thwaites Dumper, Safe Use of Powered Handheld Auger, and training in woodchippers, trimmers, and brushcutters. He also holds ITC Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work and Forestry First Aid +F. In 2025, he achieved Principal Member CMA Accreditation, reflecting his dedication to continual professional development.
Outside of work John enjoys, reading and writing and is currently working on a series of short stories and two practical guides to protected species mitigation. John also enjoys walking in the Peak District National Park.
Fun Fact: John has written and published a fantasy adventure novel.
Get in touch
If you would like to discuss your project with one of our friendly, professional ecologists, please give us a call
Alternatively, you can send us an email or fill in the contact form below.
We aim to respond to your request within 24 hours.
