Obituary: Paul Gregory CEcol CEnv MCIEEM

Paul Gregory was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word: gentle, polite, thoughtful and kind. He was a much-loved friend, colleague and mentor, and someone whose loss will be deeply felt across the ecological community, particularly in the South West. Paul died in May 2026.

Paul worked on a wide range of ecological projects in the UK and overseas, including time in Africa advising on pipeline projects, from which he had many memorable stories. Yet he always seemed to return, in heart and interest, to the marine environment. His primary love was cetaceans and marine ecology, and he would often recall his time out on boats off the coast of Wales undertaking research, while wondering how to make the “pennies stretch”. He also spent much of his own time diving and kayaking around Plymouth and East Cornwall, remaining closely connected to the sea throughout his life. Paul was previously an avid caver.

Alongside his marine interests, Paul was a key part of the Plymouth section of the Devon Bat Group and gave an enormous amount of his own time to voluntary bat work. He carried out bat surveys at Rock Farm, bat box checks at Brackets Coppice, and spent many evenings helping with mist netting and harp trapping. He was generous with his knowledge and patient with less experienced ecologists, often helping junior surveyors learn how to handle bats safely and confidently. These sessions were not only educational but full of humour, especially with JK, who consistently took the mickey, with Paul always giving as good as he got.

Paul was an excellent naturalist: knowledgeable, observant and genuinely interested in the natural world. He also undertook volunteer dormouse surveys and was involved with many people across different bat and ecology groups. Despite the occasional politics and disagreements that can arise in such groups, Paul seemed able to remain friends with everyone.

He was always eager to support less experienced ecologists. His passion for doing what was right was clear, and he lived by a strong ethical code rooted in common sense, compassion and fairness. He was never afraid to stand up and be counted, to support others when support was needed, or to contribute ideas that could improve policies, practice and professional standards.

Paul was also great company. Many will remember car journeys to bat conferences, with Paul happy to be the driver and generous with both his time and his car. Spending time with him was a pleasure because he made people feel that he genuinely cared. He would ask how you were, listen properly, and offer advice when it was needed. He provided a calm and stable presence in which younger ecologists could learn, grow and flourish.

There was also another side to Paul: his punk rocker days. And yes, apparently, there is evidence. That mix of marine biologist, bat worker, naturalist, mentor, volunteer and punk rocker made him all the more memorable.

Paul was the sort of person you might not speak to for months, but when you did, you could pick up the conversation as though no time had passed. A lovely chat with Paul was always easy.

He was a genuine and kind man, a great friend and co-worker, and a mentor to many. His loss leaves a very large void, but his influence will continue through the many people he encouraged, supported and inspired.

Written by Paul’s friends and colleagues and provided by Paul Diamond MCIEEM, Managing Director at Ecological Surveys Ltd