Meet the experts – Why Meredith always knew she wanted to be an Ecologist

Meredith is our Senior Principal Ecologist, National Ecology and Assessment Discipline Leader and member of Ecological Australia’s Management Team. She is responsible for ensuring quality, technical capabilities and learning and development delivery in the Ecology Discipline across Australia.  

From advising clients on ways to avoid impacts on biodiversity, helping them explore good conservation outcomes or reviewing reports to ensure quality and accuracy, no two days are ever the same! Meredith’s passion lies in assisting other ecologists throughout ELA to achieve extraordinary outcomes for our clients. 

Read how she draws on her experience as a scientist by enquiring, testing, exploring and interpreting to influence design and make a difference for the environment.

Why did you choose to work in the environmental space?

Growing up I had a very strong connection to the land and seascape. My parents and my extended family encouraged this, and from a very young age I wanted to work in ecology. I was passionate about environmental issues and realised that I wanted a career where I could make a difference.

How do you make a difference in your role with ELA?

By being me - being authentic and fearless with my colleagues and clients. I draw on my experience as a scientist, which means I enquire, test, explore and interpret. I find when using these skills, I can work with clients to influence design and make a difference for the environment. 

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy cooking, gardening, bird watching and daily yoga. 

Favourite Plant: The Lomandra obliqua, unassuming but very funky! This species is common on sclerophyll eucalypt forests on the east coast of Australia. It is small and has the most delicate flowers. The leaves are the most interesting shape; twisted and unlike any other Lomandra obliqua you will see.

Lomandra obliqua
Credit: plantsystematics.org

What types of projects do you find most interesting in your role? 
I enjoy problem solving with my clients. This might range from smaller projects such as identifying threatened ecological communities in the Sydney region, to encouraging landholders to invest in conservation or challenging linear infrastructure projects. I like engaging with clients who are keen to understand how they can make a positive environmental difference.

One project I really loved working on was for Eastern Bristlebird and Eastern Ground Parrot surveys in the Shoalhaven region. This project looked at the population of these two threatened birds in wonderful coastal heath country. Who doesn’t love a sunrise bird watch, followed by a post dusk survey, monitoring the calls of a cryptic green parrot? Bliss!

Favourite Animal: 

Ah, this is like asking who my favourite parent is! I can narrow it down to my three favourite birds. 

It has to be the Eastern Bristlebird and the Eastern Ground Parrot. I have always been a frequent visitor to their home, the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, so they have both been in my DNA since before I could walk. Both inhabit beautiful coastal and perched swamps and heathland. They have lovely calls and mostly occupy the ground. The Eastern Ground Parrot has amazing plumage (lime green) and a long tail, and the Eastern Bristlebird looks like it has whiskers (the bristles). 

And of course, the humble but hilarious Little Wattlebird. They are relatively common on the East Coast and interestingly, their distinctive beak ‘clack’ sounds like they are gnashing teeth. If you watch them perch and call it is like a whole-body experience. 

The Eastern Ground Parrot
Credit: www.ebird.org

The Eastern Bristlebird
Credit: www.ebird.org

The Little Wattlebird
Credit: www.ebird.org