FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

With a background as a Chartered Ecologist, Joseph Shepherdson (CBiol, MCIEEM, MRSB) combines over a decade of field experience with advanced aerial survey techniques, his work as Founder and Director of Ecotainment is helping reshape how habitats, species, and landscapes are assessed, monitored, and protected, with a strong focus on accuracy, safety, and minimal disturbance.

Alongside his ecological work, Joseph built a career in television and film, working as a Producer and Director with the BBC Natural History Unit and the Academy Award-winning Off The Fence. This experience allows him to apply drone-led ecology at the highest level, supporting major projects to operate responsibly in sensitive environments.

Joseph is helping move ecology beyond traditional methods, ensuring drones are used not just as tools, but as a core part of better, more sustainable ecological decision-making.

ECOLOGIST

Harry Reed is Ecotainment Ltd’s lead field ecologist, specialising in UK protected species. With over a decade of hands-on field experience, he combines deep ecological knowledge with a talent for turning complex survey data into clear, actionable insights.

Harry’s expertise spans strategic species monitoring, habitat assessment, and supporting the team in translating ecological findings into practical guidance. Passionate about nature and wildlife, he brings curiosity, energy, and a people-focused approach to every project, helping Ecotainment Ltd deliver meaningful, values-driven outcomes.

ECOLOGY DRONE OPERATOR

Sam is an experienced ecological drone operator and CAA/FAA certified pilot, specialising in aerial ecology and environmental assessments. He has led drone surveys for nationally important infrastructure projects, including major highways, collecting high-resolution imagery to support Phase 1 habitat surveys. His work enables accurate habitat mapping, identification of ecological constraints, and safer, low-impact survey methods in complex or hard-to-access environments.

Alongside his ecological expertise, Sam is an Emmy Award–Winning camera operator. At Ecotainment, he leads aerial ecology and drone assessments, combining precise flying skills with a deep understanding of wildlife behaviour to deliver robust, practical ecological insights.

ECOLOGY DRONE OPERATOR

Abi is an experienced ecological drone operator and bat survey specialist, using drones to support low-impact surveys in complex and hard-to-access environments. Her work focuses on applying aerial methods to improve habitat assessment, roost inspections, and ecological understanding while minimising disturbance to protected species.

Alongside her ecological work, Abi has extensive aerial filming experience for Asia, narrated by Sir David Attenborough. She has flown in some of the world’s most demanding environments, from Arctic sea ice and high-altitude mountain ranges to dense forest canopies and urban structures. Abi brings a high level of technical precision and ecological awareness to her work with Ecotainment Ltd.