About BioSpatial Insights
BioSpatial Insights is a specialist consultancy combining expertise in ecological and geospatial data analysis. Founded on 25 years of experience in habitat and biodiversity research, the company is led by Mike Lush, whose reputation in biodiversity data research is underpinned by strong technical skills in:
Habitat, phytosociological and entomological survey
Survey design and implementation
GIS, including QGIS, GRASS, ArcGIS and MapInfo
Spatial databases, such as PostgreSQL/PostGIS
Statistical analysis and visualisation using R
Mike began his career in the 1990s as a trainee at Somerset Environmental Records Centre (SERC), where he developed a foundation in ecological survey. He went on to gain extensive experience through a series of seasonal survey and data capture contracts, honing his ecological and GIS skills. This led to a role with an ecological consultancy, where he conducted a wide range of habitat surveys and spearheaded GIS implementation across the organisation.
In his most recent role, Mike served as the lead ecologist at a leading geospatial consultancy and environmental software company. There, he led significant ecological studies, expanded his taxonomic and technical expertise, and successfully managed diverse consultancy and development projects.
At BioSpatial Insights, Mike brings this unique combination of ecological knowledge, geospatial proficiency, and technical innovation to deliver high-quality data solutions for conservation and land management challenges.
Selected publications by Mike Lush:
Hewins, E.J., Pinches, C., Arnold, J., Lush, M., Robertson, H. & Escott, S. 2005. The condition of lowland BAP priority grasslands: results from a sample survey of non-statutory stands in England. English Nature Research Report 636. English Nature, Peterborough.
Lush, C.E. and Lush, M.J. 2016. QGIS Suitability Assessment (revised 2016). JNCC Report No. 542 (v2.2). JNCC, Peterborough.
Lush, M.J. 2008. A new species of Monomorium (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Kuwait. Zoology in the Middle East, 45(1), pp.67–72.
Lush, M. 2023. Observations of hill-topping Gasterophilus intestinalis (De Geer) (Diptera, Oestridae) in the Brecon Beacons. Dipterists Digest, 30(1), pp.89–92.
Lush, M.J. and Lush, C.E. 2023. Deer Vehicle Collision analysis 2019-2021. NatureScot Research Report 1329.
Lush, M.J., Brewer, A.M., Hewins, E.J. and Lush, C.E. 2012. Establishing the condition and monitoring baseline for non-statutory woodland habitats in England and Wales (WC0772): Main report. Exegesis SDM Ltd, Talgarth.
Lush, M.J., Haynes, T.A. and Lush, C.E. 2016. Spartina anglica and its management in estuarine Natura 2000 sites: an update of its status and monitoring future change in England (IPENS041). Natural England, York.
Lush, M.J., Lush, C.E. and Payne, R.D. 2015. Understanding the impacts of invasive non-native species on protected sites (IPENS046). Natural England, York.
Lush, M. J., Shepherd, P., Kirby, P., Lush, C. E., & Griffiths, R. 2013. Definition and mapping of open mosaic habitats on previously developed land: phase 2 testing methods and developing the habitat inventory (WC0795). Report prepared for Defra and the Countryside Council for Wales.
Lush, M., Robertson, H. J., Alexander, K. N. A., Giavarini, V., Hewins, E., Mellings, J., Stevenson, C. R., Storey, M. & Whitehead, P.F. 2009. Biodiversity studies of six traditional orchards in England. Natural England Research Report NERR025. Natural England, Sheffield. 250 pp. Available at: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/31028.
O’Hanlon, A., Beckett, O. and Lush, M.J. 2023. Lasius psammophilus (Seifert, 1992) replaces L. alienus (Förster, 1850) on the list of Irish ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) based on the study of museum specimens. Irish Naturalists’ Journal, 40, pp.146–148.
Other publications are available on ResearchGate.
