Growing ecological and environmental consultancy, Ecology Group, acquires multi-award winning Johns Associates

Global Ecology and Environmental Group has announced today the acquisition of South-West England based Johns Associates. Founded in 2007 by Liz and Matt Johns, the business is expert at ecology and environmental consultancy and trusted by clients such as South East Water, Calor Gas, Environment Agency, and Bristol Airport.

Johns Associates are a multi-award-winning consultancy, having been awarded the Institute of Civil Engineers Environment and Sustainability Award in 2013,  finalists in 2017 for the Royal Town Planning Institute’s “Excellence in Planning for the Natural Environment” award, 2018 CIEEM Best Practice Award for Large Scale Mitigation and/or Enhancement ,and Investors in People Platinum Level Accreditation in 2020, retained in 2024.

The business also brings its own unique expertise to Ecology Group, with its specialisms including ecology, landscape architecture, water, geoscience, environmental assessment and permissions, geospatial services and ecological contracting. This diverse expertise is often expressed through meaningful and effective  environmental design solutions that use nature-based solutions to deliver a wide range of critical ecosystem services.  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  Founders, Liz and Matt Johns, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Ecology Group, and for Johns Associates to be part of the growing business’ ambition to become a global leader in ecology and environmental consultancy. As a business, we bring our own expertise and strong track record of being a trusted partner to our clients, and we look forward to working with the wider team, and the broader Group to deliver on its ambitions.”

This acquisition is pivotal to Ecology Group’s ambition to become a global leader in environmental and ecology advisory services, by bringing best-of-breed, specialist ecological and environmental firms into its growing group.

Ecology Group Chief Financial Officer, Chris Heyes said: “It is wonderful to welcome Johns Associates to our growing group of expert businesses, and I know that Liz, Matt and the team will play an invaluable role in shaping the direction of the business. Johns Associates are a trusted name that we have partnered with, and I look forward to working with the team to deliver on our shared ambition.”

Ecology Group brings together specialist firms with strong foundations in ecology and environmental services to build on their existing success and impact by integrating them into the wider group, while valuing and preserving their unique expertise and services. With this model, Ecology Group invests in the organic growth of each business they bring into the Group providing the resources and support necessary to enhance their operations, expand their service capabilities, and extend their positive impact. This comes at a time of significant growth for Ecology Group, with the acquisition of bespoke ESG advisory firm, Earth Active, and its subsidiary Living Earth announced yesterday.

In the Spring of this year, Ecology Group announced with the acquisition of MKA Ecology, an award-winning ecological consultancy providing expert solutions across the UK since 1998.

 

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.

 

About Johns Associates

Johns Associates is a multi-disciplinary practice specialising in ecology, landscape architecture, water and geoscience, environmental assessment and permissions, geospatial analysis and nature-based solutions. We deliver sustainable solutions that make a positive difference to our clients, communities and natural systems.

We are a vibrant company offering specialist teams that work closely together to deliver strong, positive results. Our approach is simple - we work in partnership with our clients, we provide sound advice based on evidence and professional expertise, our exciting design solutions have built-in resilience, and our team provides practical, cost effective, no-fuss implementation.