London, 13th August
Global Ecology and Environmental Group (Ecology Group) has announced today the acquisition of Urban Edge Environmental Consulting (Urban Edge Environmental), a specialist ecological, arboricultural, and environmental planning practice operating predominantly across the Southeast of England.
Headquartered near Brighton, Urban Edge Environmental works at the intersection between environment and development, supporting private sector clients with sustainable development solutions, and advising public sector bodies on environmental and sustainability issues. This acquisition strengthens the Group’s position in the Southeast, and expands its capability across ecology, environmental planning, impact assessment, arboriculture, and biodiversity net gain.
Founded in 2011, Urban Edge Environmental has built a solid reputation with clients including Bellway, Persimmon, Dandara, and Vistry, as well as Brighton & Hove City, Fareham, Eastleigh, South Oxfordshire, and Somerset Councils. It also brings a wealth of expertise in the form of its team: 20 people strong, with specialist capability across ecological and environmental services.
Ecology Group was founded in the Spring of 2025 and unites some of the most respected ecological and environmental consultancies to build a new, and distinct leader in an increasingly crowded space. So far, the Group has acquired MKA Ecology, Burton Reid Associates, Earth Active, Living Earth, Johns Associates, Wildwood Ecology, Mine Environment Management, and E3P. All these businesses come with their own specialist expertise, and the Group brings them into one connected and collaborative network of leaders in a variety of technical fields.
Ecology Group invests in the organic growth of each business they bring into the Group, providing resources and strategic support, while valuing and preserving their unique expertise and services. With this model, the Group works with each business to enhance their operations, expand their service capabilities, and extend their positive impact.
Both Ecology Group and Urban Edge Environmental share a commitment to enabling clients to deliver sustainable development while protecting and enhancing the natural environment. Urban Edge Environmental’s focus on pragmatic, commercially aware and technically robust advice makes it a strong cultural and strategic fit for the Group.
Urban Edge Environmental Managing Director, Nick Pincombe said:
“We’re genuinely excited to join Ecology Group and are proud to be part of a business which recognises that each consultancy within it is a leader in its own, respective field. We’re impressed by the Group’s growth so far, and together with our fellow businesses, our people, and the support of the Group team, I’m confident about what we can achieve in terms of delivering real impact for business and biodiversity, and accelerating the strategic direction of the business.”
Ecology Group Chief Financial Officer, Chris Heyes said:
“It’s wonderful to see that in just over a year of operation, we have now reached the milestone of welcoming the 10th business to our growing, and ambitious Group. We were always excited by the opportunity to bring Urban Edge Environmental into the Group, and with its strong presence in the Southeast, and strong track record, the business is a hugely valuable addition to our Group.”
Ecology Group is growing rapidly and intentionally, by welcoming businesses with complementary services, cultures, and expertise. In 2026 alone, the Group has welcomed four specialist consultancies and is actively working to foster relationships with other strategically aligned businesses.
Notes to Editors
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 dependent on nature.
This is why we’re combining best in class consultancies to build a market leader in ecological and environmental consultancy. 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.
About Urban Edge Environmental Consulting
Urban Edge Environmental is a specialist ecological and environmental planning practice operating predominantly across the Southeast of England. Established in 2011 and based near Brighton, the business supports clients in understanding the ecological and environmental constraints and opportunities facing their development proposals.
The company provides consulting services to private and public sector organisations, including developers, planning consultants, local planning authorities, infrastructure operators, utility companies and regulators. Its work focuses on land use and spatial planning matters, including ecological surveys, environmental planning and impact assessment.
Urban Edge Environmental combines technical expertise and specialist experience with a pragmatic, commercially aware and adaptive approach, helping clients achieve effective solutions for sustainable development.