Dr Paul Lister Smith

As a practicing ecologist and botanical specialist, I have worked with civil engineers in the public and private sectors since the 1980s. Following five years developing an environmental assessment unit for a local authority, I then joined the multinational Halcrow Group where I worked as a senior and principal scientist for nine years. Much of my work centred on the assessment and mitigation of the ecological effects of transport infrastructure, especially roads and bridges. Four years of my career were spent providing consultancy expertise to the Wildlife Trusts (conservation NGOs), a period which led to the establishment of my own practice, 'Botanical Investigations', in 2007.

In recent years, I have carried out specialist botanical work for a range of clients facing problems with protected plant (and other) species. I have a particular interest in solving issues relating to bryophytes, lichens and fungi. This has enabled me to assist the developers of flood alleviation schemes and hydropower projects which often have the potential to affect water courses of high ecological diversity. I also work with architects involved in the restoration of listed structures, these sometimes forming the substrate for uncommon lichens and other epilithic species. I regularly provide consultancy advice on matters relating to designated nature conservation areas such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

In a world facing problems of environmental degradation, I have a special interest in the development of translocation techniques for rare plant and fungus species with a view to facilitating the salvage of populations threatened by landuse change. My work with protected species is carried out under licence by Natural England.

Please refer to my commercial website for lists of my recent projects and publications (www.botanicalinvestigations.co.uk).