About Us

Our History

The evolution of Amenity Tree started 25 years ago and the experiences we have gained over this period has provided us with extensive knowledge in relation to solving environmental issues associated with achieving planning permissions throughout major UK business sectors. We are a purpose-driven, dynamic practice constantly evolving to new legislative challenges. Sustainability and social-economic considerations affecting business operation are at the heart of our development. We are dedicated to prompt, pragmatic service provision.

Board of Directors

Simon Brain, Managing Director

Simon is the Managing Director at Amenity having over 30 years’ experience in this role. He is the principle ecologist and an arboricultural consultant. He is a chartered arboriculturist (Institute of Chartered Foresters) and holds the Professional Tree Inspection certificate. He is a practicing ecologist holding a Class 2 bat license and a Post Graduate Certificate in Biological recording. He regularly compiles protected species surveys, habitat regulations assessments, biodiversity net gain and enhancement reports as well as advising on Environmental Impact Assessment and biodiversity offsetting.

Chris Gaughan, Technical Director

Chris is a level 5 arboricultural consultant with over 20 years’ experience in the arboriculture sector and is a professional member of the Arboricultural Association, who has held a Professional Tree Inspection certificate for over 10 years. He also has 18 years’ experience as an ecologist holding a Foundation Degree in Ecology and Conservation Management, a level 2 (CL18) bat license with Natural England and has previously held licenses for protected species in Wales along with Great Crested Newt licenses in England. He is the Technical Director at Amenity and has previously worked for a number of Local Government Organisations as both Tree Officer and Senior Tree Officer, Welsh Government as Arboriculture Officer and private sector environment consultant companies. Holding extensive experience in arboriculture and the planning system, large scale arboricultural surveys utilizing GIS and positioning systems, and acts as an ecological surveyor, particularly in relation to bats and mammals with a passion for surveying bats in trees. Chris carries an overall responsibility for technical and operational matters within Amenity, particularly with regards to survey planning and delivery.

Dawn Goodfellow, BSc (Hons) MCIEEM

Dawn is the Senior Ecological Manager and has over 20 years’ experience within the ecology sector and is licensed to survey for Great crested newts (GCN) in England and Wales (and has held GCN derogation licenses in both countries). Dawn has managed many amphibian-related projects specializing in GCN appraisals/both traditional & eDNA surveys/non-licensed mitigation and Natural England licensed mitigation.  She is also a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). Dawn also has experience of guiding clients through the GCN Natural England District Licensing Scheme currently being rolled out in various areas of the UK, enabling Amenity’s clients to avoid project delays and translocation costs in counties where this option is now available. Dawn also has a keen interest in bats, managing a team of up to 8 bat surveyors.

Steven T Dawson, CMLI

Steven is a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute with over 30 years wide ranging experience in the following sectors; public realm projects, parks, sports stadia, leisure, housing, commercial developments, country estates and bespoke private residences. Steven works from initial design through to implementation and aftercare. With a strong emphasis on creating and delivering viable nature enhancing schemes.  He brings with him experiences of working throughout the UK, Europe, The Middle East and China, with roles ranging from designer, contracts administrator and project manager.