Land & Habitats Consultancy



Professional Advice for Resilient Landscapes 

 

Land & Habitats Consultancy restore and manage peatlands and wetlands. 

Our clients value both business and nature.

We create resilience within landscapes, enhancing biodiversity and reducing climate change impacts.

Where habitats flourish - wildlife will seek them out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We believe in making decisions from the ground up


Land and Habitats Consultancy works with corporate businesses, landowners and managers, specialist contractors, researchers, consultants and NGOs to create landscapes of high conservation value across Scotland.

These landscapes often influence water quality and flood risk.

To facilitate solid knowledge transfer, we provide a service that spans both on-site project management and professional advice, bringing together local knowledge, specialist contractors, researchers and advisors. 

We are proud to work with Suntory Global Spirits as they develop their Peatland Water Sanctuary™ through a programme of work to restore peatlands, wetlands and water sources: creating a landscape of living water.

The success of Suntory Global Spirits' Peatland Water Sanctuary™, Peatland ACTION and other projects, demonstrates our ability to engage with land managers, contractors, consultants, agencies, NGO’s, Government and community groups to form strong and productive working relationships.

Co-founded by Andrew and Ellen McBride, Land and Habitats Consultancy, builds on their earlier experience of their earlier environmental consultancy ‘McBride Habitats’, established in 1997.

Land & Habitats Consultancy places a strong emphasis on natural habitats, as these environments provide places for both business and wildlife to thrive.
 

Project Management Services

Decisions from the ground up

We value

  • Local knowledge
  • Innovative approaches
  • Professional experience
  • Science and research
  • Strong working relationships 

Project Design & Development

Habitat creation and restoration

  • Feasibility scoping
  • Site assessments
  • Organise site surveys and research
  • Engage with councils & statutory bodies
  • Contractor engagement & supervision

Quality Control

Maintaining high standards

  • Surveys and monitoring
  • Risk Assessment
  • Regular site checks 
  • Liaison with contractors
  • Engagement of specialist providers

Funding & Grants

Finding a way forward

Our experience includes funding applications and managing budgets.

Present funding opportunities include:

  • Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund (NRF)
  • Peatland ACTION
  • FIRNS – The Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland

 

Wider Community Engagement 

Business and community

  • Feasibility studies
  • Educational publications
  • Professional guidance notes
  • Liaise with illustrators
  • Steering committees
  • Small scale demos and events



Land and Habitats Core Team

Working together to create resilient landscapes

Andrew McBride CEnv.MCIEEM

Principal Consultant

Andrew has over 30 years’ experience of private consultancy and working for NatureScot, advising on ecology, policy and project management for habitats and species management, scientific research and habitat restoration.  With specialist knowledge of lowlands wetlands and peatlands, plus experience of woodland, juniper and meadow management. Collaborates with a network of experienced associates and specialist ecological service providers. 

At NatureScot, Andrew established Peatland ACTION, building a team of Project Officers across Scotland.  At NatureScot, he also provided policy and specialist advice for windfarms, roads infrastructure and agri-environment schemes.  Andrew was part of the team that developed Scotland’s National Peatland Strategy.  The success of Peatland ACTION and other projects, demonstrates Andrew's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders to form strong and productive working relationships. 

 

Ellen McBride 

Managing Director / Consultant

With over 28 years’ experience of liaising with ecologists, clients, business and communities, Ellen is responsible for running Land and Habitats Ltd and provides consultancy support, working closely with clients and associates, to facilitate sound decision making and optimum outcomes for all involved.  She regularly visits sites to maintain a realistic overview of the habitat management and restoration work.  

As a writer, Ellen has produced feasibility reports and educational publications and regularly edits consultancy reports.  She has organised demonstrations to showcase management techniques and for a number of years, was the co-ordinator for the ‘Garden for Life’ at the Gardening Scotland Show (Edinburgh), working with the show ground manager, NatureScot and Scottish Government.

 

 

 

To contact us - please email:

hq@landandhabitats.co.uk

We provide an introductory meeting. 

When contacting us, the following information is always helpful:

  • Project size
  • Location
  • Timescales

Thank you for visiting our website

Resources

Additional information

Project Information: Peatland Action 

Video:  What wetlands can do for you (SNH/NatureScot)

Video: Peatland Restoration in Scotland (SNH/NatureScot)

Video: The Importance of Scotland Peatlands (SNH/NatureScot)

Video: How ‘sinks’ regulate the climate (CNN)
 

Our Registered Address: 

Land and Habitats Ltd, 5 South Gyle Crescent Lane, Edinburgh, EH12 9EG.

Company Registration Number: SC842661 

Images © 2025 Lorne Gill  / Andrew McBride  / Ellen McBride

Website © 2025 Land and Habitats Ltd. All rights reserved

We need your consent to load the translations

We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.