Fiadh Solas
Isle of Colonsay
About Us
Our teamAt Fiadh Solas, we combine deep, practical experience in land and wildlife management with rigorous research and advisory expertise. Murray’s decades of on-the-ground conservation delivery and rural knowledge complement Kate’s strong foundation in conservation research, data analysis, and stakeholder communication. Together, we can bridge the gap between evidence and action—delivering practical conservation that is ecologically sound, legally compliant, and socially informed.
Our strength lies in our adaptability, local presence, and ability to operate effectively in challenging or remote environments. Based on the Isle of Colonsay full-time, we offer responsive, year-round services with minimal disruption—ideal for projects on the island that require reliability and continuity. As a team, we are grounded, resourceful, and deeply committed to the sustainable stewardship of land and wildlife.Murray Woodward – Director, Practical Conservation LeadMurray is a highly experienced countryside and wildlife management professional with over two decades of hands-on experience in habitat restoration, pest control, game management, and project delivery across a range of rural landscapes. With a National Diploma in Game and Wildlife Management and a deep understanding of UK wildlife legislation, he has successfully led conservation projects on arable, wetland, and protected sites (including SSSIs).He has served in various roles with the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), where he advised on legislation, coordinated habitat restoration work, and developed strong partnerships with organisations including Natural England and local police forces. His previous roles span everything from deer management to waterways operations and agricultural work, giving him rare versatility in both ecological and land-based practical work.Murray also holds key certifications including First Response Emergency Care (Level 3), Deer Stalking Certificate (Level 1), and is fully licensed for firearms and shotguns. He brings an outstanding mix of technical field knowledge, machinery operation, and stakeholder engagement.Kate Ives – Research & Advisory LeadKate is a conservation researcher and wildlife-human interactions specialist with over 15 years of experience working at the interface of conservation, evidence, and policy. With an MSc in Conservation Biology (Distinction) and a First-Class BSc (Hons) in Wildlife Conservation, she has led high-level research and advocacy projects as Head of Research and later Head of Conservation Evidence & Engagement for a large rural membership organisation.Her career spans ecological fieldwork, social research, data analysis, project management, stakeholder engagement, policy briefings, advocacy publications, geographic information systems mapping, and evidence based communications for a variety of audiences. Kate has expertise in environmental desk studies, survey design, behaviour change, management, human-wildlife conflict resolution in conservation, and delivering policy-relevant insights grounded in robust science.Kate is also highly experienced in collaborating remotely, and producing impactful written content—from technical reports to educational tools and infographics. She’s trained in Human Behaviour Change for Wildlife Conservation and conflict management, bringing a socially informed edge to ecological work.Kate's LinkedIn
Services
We offer a diverse range of consultancy and practical services suited to rural, island, and conservation projects. We primarily work on Colonsay, but can also offer services to surrounding islands. Our key offerings include:ECOLOGICAL
• Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW): On-site supervision for ecological compliance during construction.
• Informal Habitat and Wildlife Surveys: Including walkovers, species identification, and impact observations (non-licensed).
• Environmental Desk Studies: Review and analysis of ecological data for planning and conservation.
• On-Island Field Assistant & Data Collection: Responsive Colonsay-based field support for off-island ecologists and researchers.LAND AND WILDLIFE
• Practical Habitat Management: Vegetation control, pond and wetland management, invasive species control.
• Pest & Predator Control: Humane control of rabbits, rodents, and other species to protect crops, habitats, livestock, and infrastructure.
• Invasive Species Pressure Monitoring: Targeted rabbit and goose monitoring to assess ecological impact.
• Herbivore Management: Advice and support for habitat protection and population control of species such as deer and feral goat.
• Waterway and Loch Management: Vegetation removal, water level control, habitat improvements.
• Tree planting & aftercare: Native tree planting and establishment care.
• Wildlife pond creation/maintenance: Small-scale pond creation, restoration, and seasonal maintenance for biodiversity.RURAL
• Estate and property maintenance: Path repair, signage, fencing, habitat restoration, vegetation control.
• Farm diversification support: Advice and labour support for crofting diversification, habitat enhancement, and low-impact tourism development.
• Farm Labour Support: Livestock care, poultry rearing, tractor driving, butchery, general agricultural labour.
• Storm Damage Checks and Emergency Site Visits: Post-weather condition checks and habitat assessments across remote areas.RESEARCH AND CONSULTANCY
• Community, Stakeholder & Social Surveys: Design and delivery of inclusive surveys and consultations to gather insights on community perspectives, stakeholder views, and public attitudes toward land use or conservation.
• Visitor Surveys: Targeted research to assess visitor patterns, behaviours, and access issues to support land management, interpretation, or tourism planning.
• Evidence Reviews & Policy Briefs: Structured literature reviews, data analysis, and concise briefings for policy, planning, or advocacy.
• Behaviour Change for Conservation: Development of strategies grounded in behavioural science to support conservation goals.
• Habitat Mapping & Spatial Analysis: Creation of habitat and survey maps using MapInfo (client-provided software required) to inform land management and ecological planning.
• Monitoring Schemes for NGOs and Community Projects: Ongoing site-based support for informal species or habitat monitoring.
• Tender Writing and Funding Bid Support: Preparation or review of tenders and grant applications, including content drafting and formatting.
• Data Entry and Report Writing Support: Accurate data handling and professional report production for ecological or environmental projects.OTHER
• Project and Business Admin: Remote coordination, document drafting, meeting support.
• Emergency Response & Lone Worker Cover: Available for last-minute cover on island projects where risk and isolation are factors.
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