Daniel Whitby MCIEEM
Director | Consultant Ecologist
Daniel is the director of AEWC Ltd and founder of the Bat Conservation and Research Unit. Daniel has been a professional ecologist for over 15 years, and was instrumental in the development and field trials of the Sussex Autobat. Daniel has radio tagged all 17 UK breeding bat species and has expert knowledge of a wide range of species, notably Barbastelle, Bechstein’s, grey long-eared and Alcathoe. Daniel provides training and advice to many organisations including Natural England and the Bat Conservation Trust. Daniel has survey licences for Great Crested Newts (class 1), a Bat Survey (class licence 1-4), a Bat Roost Visitor licence (1&2), Bat Project licences (to include ringing & radio-tracking) is a Bat Mitigation Class licence registered consultant as well as being lead assessor for the NE Bat Licence Earned Recognition scheme and registered for all accreditation levels and annexes under this scheme.
Annika Binet MCIEEM | Consultant Ecologist
Annika joined AEWC in 2020. She has been actively involved in ecology and conservation from a young age and has worked on projects within the UK, Channel Islands, Poland, Indonesia, Australia and Malawi. Ani worked in the commercial ecology sector in Jersey for nine years, where she held the Bat Roost Visitor and advanced survey project licences, prior to returning to the UK mainland in 2019. Ani has a range of technical report writing and habitat management experience and extensive experience in undertaking surveys for a wide range of protected species, with a particular specialisation in bats. Ani is a qualified tree climber and holds survey licences for Great Crested Newts (class 1) and Bats (1-4), and is a Bat Earned Recognition Registered consultant level 1 as well as an accredited agent under Daniel’s BMCL, ER and project licences and is a Trustee for the Bat Conservation Trust.
Brigitte de Coriolis ACIEEM | Ecologist
Brigitte is originally from South Africa where she spent six years working as a researcher on small game reserves. After moving to the UK Brigitte completed several training courses and joined local wildlife groups on a variety of surveys to gain more experience in UK ecology and protected species. Brig joined AEWC in 2013 and has since gained experience in surveying a range of protected species, and has discovered a passion for bat research despite being a morning person! Brig has survey licences for Great Crested Newts (class 1) and Bats (class 1-2) and is an accredited agent under Daniel’s BMCL, ER and project licences as well as under Ani’s ER licence.
Natalie Arscott QualCIEEM (ACIEEM applicant member)| Ecologist
Natalie joined AEWC in 2024, having spent three years working full time in commercial consultancy. Prior to this she graduated from Sussex University with a BSc in Zoology and MRes in Animal Behaviour, and undertook work for ecological research projects as well as assisting with bat and newt surveys. Natalie has experience with a wide range of protected species and habitats, with a particular interest in bats. She is a qualified tree climber and has survey licences for Great Crested Newts (class 1) and Bats (class 1), and is working towards her class 2 Bat licence to enable her to undertake endoscope surveys whilst in the trees!
Ivana Murphy QualCIEEM | Graduate Ecologist
Ivana joined AEWC in 2018 as a seasonal assistant between finishing her A levels and starting university. Ivana has come back to work for us each summer during her studies and has gained significant experience in advanced bat survey techniques, specialising in radio tracking. Ivana completed a research project into corona viruses in bats as part of her degree and graduated from UEA with a degree in Ecology in 2021. Having been off and explored the joys of work away from AEWC decided to join us full time from September 2023!
Thomas Wright QualCIEEM | Assistant Ecologist
Thomas joined AEWC in 2022 as a seasonal assistant after graduating from Oxford Brookes University with a degree in Environmental Science before getting a permanent contract. Previously Tom had gained experience doing 2 years as a freelance ecologist mainly conducting reptile and bat surveys. Since joining he has been able to build on these existing skills as well as learning new ones including handling, identification and radiotracking with the aim of gaining his bat licenses.
Lisa Whitby | Office Manager
Lisa has been with AEWC since the beginning, back in 2008. Lisa previously worked for RSPCA International, facilitating training events abroad. After leaving there in 2007 to start a family, she took on a supporting role for AEWC, she now works for Children on the Edge but still looks after HR, Payroll services, book-keeping and account management in a part time capacity.