London, 20th January 2026
Since its launch in March 2025, Ecology Group has experienced rapid expansion, strategically integrating five specialist consultancies to broaden its expertise and enhance its ability to deliver positive impact for business and biodiversity alike.
In spring 2025, Ecology Group welcomed its first acquisition, MKA Ecology, an award-winning ecological consultancy with nearly 30 years’ experience working with clients across sectors including commercial and residential development and higher education.
Led by Directors Jane Kohler, Marcus Kohler, and William O’Connor, MKA Ecology have continued to deliver bespoke and considered ecological expertise to its wide client base this year from leading developers to planning consultants, universities, local authorities, and Natural England.
Ecology Group is working to become a market-leader in ecological and environmental services by combining best-of-breed specialist firms.
Delivering on its model, the group further expanded in December 2025 by integrating four additional specialist firms:
Burton Reid Associates, founded in 2013 by Jenni Reid, the business has established a strong reputation as a trusted ecological partner to clients across sectors. Twice highly commended in the CIEEM Small Consultancy of the Year Award (2019 and 2022), Burton Reid Associates offers a broad range of services from protected species surveys to expert witness testimony.
Earth Active, an award winning global environmental project-finance firm that brings extensive experience working with a broad range of organizations including development finance institutions (DFIs), commercial banks, private equity and project developers. Earth Active works across renewable energy, power, water, construction, transport, and mining to unlock finance for major development projects. As part of the CFI.co Responsible Investing Awards 2025, Earth Active was recently commended for Excellence in ESG Risk & Investment-Advisory.
Johns Associates, a multi-award-winning consultancy recognised its expertise in ecology, landscape architecture, water management, geoscience, and environmental assessments. A multi-sector consultancy, Johns Associates works across conservation, energy, water, defence, government agencies, local authorities, charities, developers, transport, golf, and other sports. Johns Associates’ accolades include the Institute of Civil Engineers Environment and Sustainability Award (2013), the CIEEM Best Practice Award (2018), and Investors in People Platinum Accreditation (2020, retained 2024).
Living Earth, which provides the bridge between climate finance and high-integrity nature-based solutions. The team specialises in early-stage project development, feasibility assessment and investor alignment, ensuring that community-led projects in complex or remote landscapes can reach investable quality through long-term partnership with local stakeholders. Its advisory-led model connects capital and delivery partners to support durable, biodiversity and climate-positive outcomes.
Not only have these business joined at a critical and exciting time for Ecology Group’s growth, their leadership and employees have the unique opportunity to shape and play an active role in the future growth of the Group.
Fundamental to their growth strategy is Ecology Group’s investment in the organic growth of each business they acquire, providing the resources and support necessary to enhance their operations, expand their service capabilities, and extend their positive impact.
Together, these consultancies enhance Ecology Group’s ability to provide integrated, specialist ecological and environmental services with a focus on delivering sustainable solutions that benefit biodiversity and business alike.
Looking ahead, Ecology Group is committed to continuing its growth journey. The business has ambitious plans for 2026 and beyond, is proactive in collaborating with complementary specialist firms.
Chris Heyes, Ecology Group CFO said: “We are proud to have had a hugely successful first year of operation, having welcomed five expert firms to the group. Each business in the group brings their own unique expertise and people committed to delivering real-life impact for their clients and biodiversity alike, and this is critical to the continued success of our growing group. We look forward to working with other, complementary, and expert firms, and have several exciting prospects for 2026.”
About Ecology Group
At Ecology Group, we know that ecological and environmental protection is no longer just a conservation issue, it’s a business imperative with 55% of global GDP dependant on nature.
This is why we’re combining best of breed consultancies to build a market leader in ecological and environmental services. We are committed to placing biodiversity renewal at the heart of our business. Our purpose-led approach ensures that every project we undertake contributes positively to the environment and helps foster sustainable ecosystems. This purpose-led commitment translates into high-value, sustainable strategies that benefit both our clients and the planet.