About Our Practice

Our Story

cobalt-pursuit was established in 2014 by a small group of ecologists who had grown frustrated with the gap between academic conservation science and its practical application in the planning system. Too often, ecological reports were being produced that satisfied legal requirements without genuinely informing decision-making or delivering meaningful outcomes for wildlife.

We set out to build a consultancy that bridged this divide. Our founding principle was straightforward: collect robust field data, interpret it within the context of current ecological knowledge, and present findings in language that planners, developers, and landowners could actually use.

What Guides Our Work

Every project we undertake is shaped by a commitment to scientific rigour. This means designing surveys that will generate statistically meaningful results, not simply ticking boxes on a checklist. It means being honest about the limitations of our data and the uncertainties inherent in ecological prediction. And it means recommending mitigation measures that have genuine evidence of effectiveness rather than those that merely appear superficially appropriate.

We also recognise that our clients have commercial objectives and timeframe constraints. Effective consultancy involves understanding these pressures and finding solutions that satisfy both ecological and business imperatives. Often, early engagement and creative thinking can identify approaches that avoid costly conflicts between development and conservation.

Our Team

The consultants at cobalt-pursuit hold a range of specialist survey licences and maintain membership of relevant professional bodies. Our core team combines expertise across botany, ornithology, herpetology, and mammal ecology, allowing us to field appropriate specialists for the habitats and species present on any given site.

Geographic Coverage

While our office is based in the Midlands, we regularly work across England and Wales. For larger projects or those requiring intensive survey programmes, we can deploy teams to minimise travel time and ensure surveys are conducted within optimal seasonal windows. We also collaborate with trusted associates in Scotland and Northern Ireland when projects require UK-wide coverage.