OUR TEAM

Paul Young

Paul Young BSc MSc MICFor CEnv

Paul has a wide range of experience in managing and delivering projects for clients in the public and private sector over some 30+ years and now has a role as a trustee on the board of HEDltd EOT.

Imogen Young

Imogen Young BSc ACIEEM

Imogen is an experienced ecologist who has been working in the environmental field for over 30 years. Her career prior to joining HED Ltd in 2008 included professional roles as a Countryside Ranger, Field Studies and Outdoor Instructor and Chartered Science teacher. In these posts she has acquired a high degree of professionalism.

She is a very effective communicator and has the ability to get along with everyone in the team. Her teaching and environmental interpretation background has proved invaluable in this aspect. Imogen was one of the keynote speakers at the ICW (Institute of Collaborative Working ) at the Crystal in London in July 2017.

Since joining HED Ltd in 2008, Imogen has been a key team member of the company. She has headed up projects and ensured they have been delivered on time and in budget.

Imogen is a very able ecologist and has developed a range of specialist skills including Electrofishing, protected species surveys and provision of ECoW services. She is also a Schedule 1 Bird License holder.

Imogen is client focussed and ensures compliance with legislative constraints and industry good practice on sites.

Michael Pedder

Michael Pedder BSc

Michael joined Highland Ecology and Development Ltd. in 2021 and now serves as Principal Ecologist, managing the company’s operations and leading its team of ecological professionals. With over a decade of experience in environmental consultancy, he brings deep expertise in ecological assessment, protected species surveys, environmental compliance, and strategic project management across a wide range of developments in Scotland.

As a highly experienced Environmental Clerk of Works (EnvCoW), Michael has played a key role in major infrastructure projects, including substation construction, railway infrastructure, and coastal and bridge works. He ensures environmental compliance in line with SEPA CAR licenses, delivers species mitigation strategies, and maintains strong collaborative relationships with regulators such as NatureScot, SEPA, and Forestry and Land Scotland.

In his role as Principal Ecologist, Michael is responsible for company-wide project oversight, mentoring junior and senior staff, and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality ecological services. He provides strategic input to clients, manages complex site operations, and leads on environmental risk identification and resolution. Michael also delivers Toolbox Talks, environmental drills, and training to contractors, schools, and professional audiences.

Client-focused, practical, and solutions-driven, Michael combines sound ecological science with effective site-based decision-making to support sustainable and compliant development outcomes.

Mhairi Duncan

Mhairi Duncan BSc

Mhairi Duncan is an experienced Ecologist and Environmental Advisor at HED Ltd, specializing in protected species surveys, environmental compliance, and ecological mitigation. With a BSc (Hons) in Zoology from the University of Glasgow, she has worked extensively on major infrastructure projects, including substation construction, road networks, and railway developments.

Mhairi is skilled in acoustic data analysis, report writing, and on-site environmental monitoring, having completed over 300 days of EnvCoW services.

She is also passionate about community engagement, delivering STEM outreach programs to schools and local groups.

Philip Hemborough

Philip Hemborough BSc

Philip Hemborough is an experienced Ecologist and Environmental Clerk of Works with a background in Biology from the University of Portsmouth.

He has worked across multiple ecological consultancies, specializing in protected species surveys, biodiversity net gain assessments, and environmental compliance. Philip has extensive experience in planning and development for renewables, large infrastructure projects, and habitat restoration.

With a hands-on approach, he has worked on high-profile projects, including HS2 and wetland restoration. His expertise spans technical reporting, GIS mapping, and on-site environmental monitoring, ensuring best practices in ecological management and conservation.

Aurelien Moro

Aurelien Moro BSc

Aurelien joined HED Ltd. in June 2025 as a Graduate Forest Manager.

Before integrating the team, he worked as a self-employed consultant specializing in soils and peat surveys, mapping and advising clients for Woodland Creation Schemes. He was driven by a strong commitment to “plant the right tree in the right place,” contributing this way to the restoration of Atlantic Rainforests, for the benefit of local communities and individual crofters across West Scotland.

He also holds a BSc in Water Supply and Management, as well as a HNC in Organic Farming, with a focus on the cultivation and use of medicinal plants for cosmetic applications. In addition, Aurelien is a qualified assessor for Modular River Physical (MoRPh) Surveys, and his strong knowledge of botany and related habitats makes him a versatile asset to the team.

Enthusiastic outdoorsman and upland breeding bird surveyor, Aurelien is currently shadowing senior staff and undertaking training to become an Environmental Clerk of Works. He is eager to bring his skills and passion to on-site projects in the near future.

Vicki Rennie

Vicki Rennie

Vicki joined us in April 2022 having worked with a large local Inverness company. She brings a wealth of experience in organizing people and resources which is invaluable in a busy consultancy environment.

Through her understanding of accounting systems Vicki keeps the company moving forward ensuring staff, our contractors and bills are paid on time: which we all appreciate. Vicki is at the heart of the team ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the business.

Vicki is at the end of the phone and will ensure your enquiry is directed to the right person.

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