Sherwood Ecological

Principal Consultant Ecologist and Director

Matt Cook

Matt is a Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. He is a consulting ecologist specialising in protected species, particularly bats, but he has also undertaken various other ecological appraisal, impact assessment, reporting, and project management work over 17+ years of professional practice.  

Matt has previously worked for several multi-national, multi-discipline environmental firms, including as a Principal Ecological Consultant, and he has also worked for smaller consultancies providing more bespoke ecological services. He has therefore acquired the know-how to deliver expert ecological support to a range of projects and clients, having undertaken work on nationally significant infrastructure projects, for large organisations operating in the utilities, leisure, minerals, transport, residential and commercial development sectors, and for smaller scale developers and private homeowners. Matt has also managed important contracts for local and central government, national charities, and multiple projects where there are important heritage considerations (built or natural).  

Away from work Matt regularly leads voluntary bat research and conservation project work, including abroad. 

Relevant Qualifications

Natural England bat survey class licenses 1 to 4 (CL17 to CL20), including the use of harp traps, mist nets, and acoustic lures. 

• Science, Education, and Conservation Project Licensee for catching, radio-tagging, and ringing bats (all UK Vesper species). 

• Natural England Bats in Churches Class Licence (advanced level 2) 

• Natural England Bat Mitigation Class Licence (formerly Bat Low Impact Licence) 

• Natural England HS2 Bat Mitigation Class Licence 

• Natural England Protected Species Mitigation Licence Named Ecologist (multiple bat species and roost types) 

• Natural England Volunteer Bat Roost Visitor Trainer (Level 2) - currently in abeyance 

• Natural England great crested newt survey Class licence (Level 1) 

• Natural England barn owl nest inspection licence (all counties) 

• Natural Resources Wales bat survey licence 

• Isle of Man bat survey licence 

• City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 (CS38) tree climbing and aerial rescue 

• IPAF Certified MEWP Operator - Static Boom (1b), Mobile Vertical (3a) and Harness 

• Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Accredited 

• Emergency First Aid at Work