Follow the Thomson story so far
Where it all began
Our interactive timeline shows our journey from the beginning, as we grow and grow, highlighting key successes along the way.
2004
Thomson Ecology was born
Two Directors, Nancy Thomson and John Mundy were joined by Richard Arnold as Technical Director.
2004
Undertook first project at Rochester riverside, for Halcrow
Delivering the ecology chapter for an Environmental Statement. Unicomarine undertook the marine chapter for this project.
2004
Awarded great crested newt survey contract
Conducted great crested newt surveys in 78 ponds along the Cambridge Guided Busway – the longest busway in the world.
2004
Enterprise Resource Programme developed
Known as CID (Client Information Database).
2005
Expansion of offices
At Surrey Technology Centre, Guildford.
2006
Growing rapidly
Further expansion of offices at Surrey Technology Centre, Guildford.
2006
First Thomson Ecology Handbook published
Available for download, this is updated every 1-3 years.
Further office expansion
Additional 5 office units at Surrey Technology Centre, Guildford.
2007
Leeds office opens
We opened a Leeds office & rapidly grew our Habitats management team.
2007
Thomson habitats founded
Thomson founded its specialist ecological contracting team providing habitat creation, enhancement and restoration services.
2007
Started work at the London Gateway site.
2007
London Gateway Port win
Conducting, at the time, the largest ecological surveying and mitigation project ever undertaken in Europe.
2007
M4 corridor Newport win
Environmental assessment expertise for the Welsh Government’s £750m project.
2008
Purchase and Integration of Unicomarine
Thomson acquired Unicomarine, integrating to become Thomson’s marine team delivering specialist marine laboratory and consultancy services.
2008
Diversification into Arboriculture
In response to growing client requirements.
2009
Moved from Surrey Technology Centre to larger premises
Due to company expansion and further growth forecast we move to Compass House, Guildford.
2009
Mobile mapping devices
First used by our survey team in the field, allowing greater efficiency and accuracy in reporting.
2009
Cardiff office opens
2010
John Mundy
A founding director of the company, sadly dies of Leukaemia.
2011
Welborne Garden Village residential development
Ecological baseline surveys and ecology chapter for the Environmental Statement.
2012
States of Jersey Government Department of the Environment project win
Providing a policy for protected areas across the islands.
2012
South Wales Valley lines electrification project win
Providing advice and innovative solutions on ecology constraints related to the proposed project.
2012
Reptile and water vole translocation win
Large-scale translocation of water voles and reptiles for RSPB Wallasea Island, Europe’s largest nature reserve.
2012
High Speed 2 (HS2) Railway
Ecological survey work on phase one of the proposed HS2 route commissioned.
2014
The Marine Taxonomy Laboratory moves from Letchworth to Guildford
Completing the integration of Unicomarine to extend the laboratory capability.
2014
Awarded Framework Contract for Network Rail
Becoming one of three preferred ecology advisory suppliers in England and Wales.
2014
East West Rail project survey win
To undertake multi species surveys, phase one habitat assessments and 20 hectares of vegetation clearance along a disused rail route.
2015
Network Rail Great Western route modernisation
Providing ecological support including survey work, consultancy and mitigation.
2015
Thomson Interactive Mapping app
Winner at Construction News Awards.
2015
Dudgeon onshore cable route win
To undertake surveys and mitigation work for multiple protected species, across a 48km cable route.
2016
Thomson’s Water team expanded
To cater for growing client requirements in areas such as freshwater, aquatic pollution and water quality assessment.
2016
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle services launched
To provide greater access to sites, allowing increased visibility, flexibility and efficient data collection for clients.
2017
HS2 enabling work begins
Mitigation package for phase one central section, C2a, of the landmark project.
2017
Hornsea Three Wind Farm Onshore Cable Route
Undertook the ecology surveying and reporting for the 60km cable route to inform Environmental Statement.
2017
Birmingham office opens
To support HS2 project.
2020
Manchester office opens
Manchester office opens during the global pandemic & all are sent home to work safely! And we become a fully employee-owned company from March 2020.
Growth continues with team of 150 specialists
2023
Lucy Hunt joins Thomson as CEO
2024
Thomson acquired by Thistle Environmental Limited supported by Mornington Partners
Thomson acquired and continues to provide environmental consulting and contracting services under the Thomson Environmental Consultants brand.
