About Us
ProHort EcoShield oversees the long-term creation and management of habitat banks, aiming to restore natural processes to degraded land. Our work focuses on enhancing biodiversity, improving water quality, reducing flood risk, and sequestering carbon. We work with a diverse range of clients, from large developers to passionate individuals.
Our expert ecologists assess each site individually, implementing strategies to boost biodiversity, such as creating wetlands, planting woodlands, or sowing wildflower meadows. We also improve carbon sequestration through actions like tree planting and peatland restoration, all while enhancing the overall ecosystem services of the land.
We prioritize open, transparent consultation with neighbouring landowners, conservation bodies, and other stakeholders. Our goal is to ensure we’re doing what’s best for the area, optimizing biodiversity and carbon benefits for our clients while achieving broader environmental improvements.
We’ll guide you through the available options, discuss your goals, and create a tailored solution that works for your specific needs. With our technical expertise, practical experience, and commitment to sustainability, we’re here to help you make a lasting environmental impact.
Meet Our Team
Jason Harker
Director
With over 25 years of experience in the horticultural industry, Jason has worked across every corner of the field, gaining a wealth of knowledge and expertise along the way. As our Managing Director, he is well-equipped to advise clients on the best courses of action, providing tailored solutions that combine his deep understanding of ecology and horticulture with practical, actionable advice.
Emma Candlin
Head of Operations
As Head of Operations, Emma plays a key role in ensuring everything within the company runs smoothly. She’s responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and identifying new opportunities for growth and improvement. With her strategic mindset and attention to detail, Emma helps streamline processes and drive efficiency across the organisation.
Sarah Starkey
Office Manager & PA to the Director
Sarah is our incredible Office Manager and Personal Assistant to the Managing Director. Sarah ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes and supports our leadership team. With her sharp organizational skills and dedication, she plays a key role in keeping the office efficient and our projects on track.
Rebecca Derbyshire
Design & Marketing Manager
Wearing two key hats within the company. Rebecca is responsible for overseeing landscaping designs and schemes. In addition to this, Rebecca oversees our marketing department, managing everything from brand strategy to promotional campaigns. Her ability to balance both the creative and strategic aspects of her role makes her an invaluable member of the ProHort EcoShield team.
Owen Brown
Ecologist
Owen is an Ecologist at ProHort EcoShield, bringing his expertise and passion for the environment to every project he works on. His role allows him to contribute to sustainable practices and help drive the company’s ecological initiatives forward.
Hannah Burton
Ecologist
Hannah is an Ecologist at ProHort EcoShield, and she loves the variety her role offers. Whether she’s conducting surveys outdoors or working alongside our fantastic team in the office, Hannah thrives on the balance of fieldwork and collaborative projects. Her passion for the environment and commitment to her work shine through in everything she does.
Ioana Andor
Ecologist
Ioana is a first class graduate with a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Psychology and a MSc in Wildlife Conservation. She has been working as an ecologist for the past 3 years, specialising in behavioural ecology. Her favourite UK species is the charming robin and in her spare time she enjoys taking part in environmental work and bird watching. She has worked on dozens of residential and commercial scale jobs, as well as some rewilding projects in her local area.