What made you choose Arbtech?
I was looking for a role where I could grow quickly and gain hands-on experience, and Arbtech stood out immediately.
As someone new to the field of ecology, I was excited by how much there was to learn, especially in areas like bat ecology, which I’ve found particularly fascinating. In fact, I’m already working towards my bat licence, which has been an incredibly rewarding process.
Being able to develop my skills alongside such a knowledgeable and supportive team has made Arbtech the perfect place to start my journey.
What do you love most about the company?
One of the things I value most about Arbtech is the people.
Every survey feels like an opportunity to meet and collaborate with passionate and like-minded colleagues.
I’ve learned so much, not only from core staff members who support my professional development but also from the subcontractors I meet on site, many of whom bring unique perspectives from other careers or fields of study.
Their enthusiasm for the natural world is infectious, and it’s inspiring to see how diverse backgrounds can converge in ecology.
What do you do when you are not in Arbtech?
Outside of work, I have quite a few hobbies that keep me busy and engaged.
I love reading (especially science fiction and Russian literature), rock climbing and cooking.
I also study Japanese in my spare time and run tabletop role-playing games for my friends. I gravitate towards mystery and OSR-style systems, often writing my own scenarios or trying out interesting indie games.
These hobbies give me a creative outlet and help keep my thinking sharp and adaptable.
What is the biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
Always stay curious and keep learning about the world.
So many of my passions – from Japanese to RPG design to ecology itself – came from being open to other people’s experiences and interests.
You never know what will resonate with you until you explore it.
Taking the time to listen, ask questions and try something new can lead you down paths you never imagined.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
I haven’t been on an official Arbtech social yet, but I’ve really enjoyed the informal get-togethers with other surveyors before jobs – things like grabbing a meal or having a picnic.
They’ve been a great chance to chat, share experiences and get to know people during the busy survey season.
Where do you want to travel to next?
After living in Japan last year, I’m really looking forward to visiting again soon to reconnect with friends.
This time, I’d love to explore more of the natural side of the country – particularly Hokkaido and Shikoku, which are known for their stunning landscapes and biodiversity.
There’s so much out there I haven’t seen yet, and I can’t wait to get back and experience it with a fresh perspective.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
In five years, I see myself continuing to grow and thrive at Arbtech, taking on more complex surveys and deepening my ecological knowledge.
One of my main goals is to improve my botany skills. It’s an area I didn’t focus on much at university, but it plays a crucial role in the work we do.
With the growing importance of initiatives like biodiversity net gain, I want to be able to provide meaningful advice to clients and help ensure developments have a genuinely positive impact on local ecosystems.
I’m also eager to get more involved in a wider range of surveys, including amphibians, reptiles and breeding bird checks.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
One of my big personal goals is to pass the JLPT N2 (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) in the next few years.
I’ve been self-studying for a while now, and while many of my friends in Japan speak English, some don’t, so improving my Japanese will help me communicate more naturally with them.
It’s been a great way for me to stay connected with them since moving back to the UK.
Harry joined Arbtech in July 2025.
