I always wanted to set up and run my own business. Following a degree in Environmental Science from the University of London and a few years spent working in engineering, I started Environet in 1996. Since then it has grown to become one of the major players in the field of invasive plants, including Japanese knotweed and bamboo, thanks to a very loyal client base and the commitment and dedication of my team who now own the company through an EOT (Employee Ownership Trust) I established in 2020.
Determined to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and ensure we do everything we can to limit the environmental impact of our work, I personally designed and developed our pioneering Xtract™ method and machinery, which continues to be recognised as one of the most environmentally-friendly methods for removing Japanese knotweed on development sites. In 2021 I secured a patent for a method of converting knotweed waste into biochar, a useful soil amendment, which I hope will be used to deal with all the plant waste our business produces within a few years.
I have also written and published a comprehensive guide to Japanese knotweed “Japanese Knotweed – Unearthing the Truth”, which takes readers on a detailed exploration of the plant’s extraordinary history, physiology and anatomy, alongside beautiful illustrations – and considers whether it deserves its fierce reputation.
Out of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and our two dogs. I like to keep fit by cycling, walking, sailing and generally messing around on boats!
Professional Qualifications: CEnv, FIEMA, BSc (Hons)
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Contact us
Our team of experts is available between 9am and 5:30pm, Monday to Friday to answer your enquiries and advise you on the next steps
Want a survey?
If you already know you have an invasive plant problem, you can request a survey online in less than two minutes by providing a few brief details. A member of the team will swiftly come back to you with further information and our availability.
Need quick plant identification?
Simply upload a few images of your problem plant to our identification form and one of our invasive plant experts will take a look and let you know, free of charge what you are dealing with. We’ll also be there to help with next steps where necessary.
