Jack Kennedy, BSc(Hons), ACIEEM
Founder, Principal Consultant
My ecology journey began early in life with a keen interest in wildlife and nature as a whole.
Originally from the People’s Republic of Cork, now based in county Galway, I spent most of my career working in Ecological Consultancies as an ornithologist and ecologist. My work centred around renewable energy development, first onshore wind, and then offshore wind. Through my career I have worked on over 2 dozen windfarm projects and was project manager for half of those, working in large multidisciplinary teams for a range of clients across the UK and Ireland. Outside renewables, I have worked on a range of other projects, from housing to major port infrastructure, to biodiversity action plans and educational workshops. I’m a member of the Chartered Institute for Ecological and Environmental Management (CIEEM) and a registered ecologist with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Native Woodland Conservation Scheme.
I have spent the past few years working towards more nature restoration, rewilding and biodiversity enhancement practices. Through my own interests and working with other professionals and communities, I have deepened my connection to the natural world and have found it is the small things that push the needle, and at the core, the climate and biodiversity crises we face will be fought through connection of people and place.
Why Allta?
Allta (Owl-ta), Gaelige for “Wild”.
At Allta, we aim to bring professional ecology skills to a wider audience and demonstrate the benefits of engaging ecological professionals early and for any project type.
Working with Allta brings our clients:
Direct access to a Senior specialist with a broad range of experience.
Independent and objective input, but with a subjective viewpoint.
A collaborative approach to deliver the best outcomes.
Early design phase recommendations.
Access to a network of other experienced professionals; if we can’t help, we’ll find someone that can.
Our Ethos
At Allta, we believe that there is always an opportunity to work with nature towards a sustainable future for all. From hedgerows and back gardens to urban spaces and farmland, every square inch of land has the potential to accommodate both biodiversity and human needs, and we integrate this concept into every project we do. We challenge the boundaries of conventional consultancy that so often ticks all the prescribed boxes but scarcely moves beyond the “No-Net-Loss” that legislation requires. Through close collaboration we want to gain an understanding of each project; and in return we aim to educate and advise our clients, while fostering a relationship between our clients and the land. Our approach is different to other consultancies and guided by our principles:
Observation
There is an abundance of data available at our fingertips, but nothing will ever substitute for boots on the ground. The facts and figures tell one story but are never comprehensive enough to account for all the nuances of nature that can only be seen and felt on-site. These nuances more often fall into qualitative science, though when acknowledged they form the foundation of opportunity in a project.
Curiosity
We approach every project with curiosity and openness. By investigating the history and folklore, walking the land and conversing with landowners, we have found there is often more present than meets the eye.
Forward-thinking
We work towards potential, not just what presents itself. The benefits of good ecological practice and biodiversity enhancement go beyond successful delivery of a project. With the right insight and a dedicated team of stewards, nature can thrive if given that attention.