Our Story

About Us

Born from curiosity. Built for ecologists.

Although Thermal Vision Ecology was founded in 2023, we have in fact been around for much longer than that. Our sister company, Thermal  Vision Research, has been helping R&D engineers and academics find the right thermal imaging solutions for over 15 years.

In 2023, when we received a request to assist with a bat survey at Hestercombe House in Taunton, we were more than a little surprised! However, we are always keen to take on new challenges. With our R&D cameras, we quickly arranged an outdoor set-up and filmed over three nights in July and August.

Afterwards, we reviewed the footage using our software. As our cameras are radiometric, we could use simple filters to easily track bats and analyse the footage for activity. This level of analysis left the client in disbelief — which got us thinking…

15+ Years of thermal imaging expertise
" From further conversations with ecologists and industry leaders, we sensed a passionate industry crying out for innovation. As a small company who relishes a challenge, we felt perfectly placed to help.

How we got here

A story of innovation, collaboration and a love for the natural world.

2023

The Spark

Thermal Vision Ecology was born after an unexpected request to assist on a bat survey at Hestercombe House in Taunton. Three nights of filming with our radiometric cameras revealed what was possible — and the industry agreed. From conversations with ecologists across the country, we knew something had to change.

2024

Trials & Expertise

We trialled six hire kits to gauge interest and brought experienced ecologist Dr Liat Fernando on board, adding much-needed field knowledge to our technical expertise. From the feedback we received, we refined our offering into the Thermal Ecology Kit as we know it today.

2025

First Full Season

We invested in 30 Thermal Ecology Kits and hired these out over the course of the season. We also began providing more support, such as site planning, onsite attendance and data-analysis

2026

Growing Forward

We have more kits and now offer data analysis as part of our Survey360 service. We also have funding to develop our software further and include many more features to improve the quality and efficiency of bat surveying.

Explore Our Services

I am delighted to be collaborating with Thermal Vision Ecology to identify the best technology for ecological – and especially bat – surveys to provide the best possible equipment to improve surveying standards. Using Thermal Vision Ecology’s industry leading expertise, it is now possible to provide high-end technology to provide a complete package deployment on either hire or purchase basis at price to suit any project.

Richard Crompton – Specialist Bat Ecologist, Advisor, Trainer

TVE were easy to work with and very helpful. Andrew Milner came over on the first night of hire, with two kits, to one of our sites and was a great help teaching me how to use the gear at a trial event. My crew and I then spent several dusks and dawns filming bats leaving/returning to roosts on several of our projects. Overall, I was extremely happy with how our week-long hire went and, needless to say, we will be hiring again next month.

Laurent Duverge – Director, Kestrel Wildlife Consultants Ltd

At Wildwood Ecology, we recently hired Thermal Vision cameras and the associated software developed by Thermal Vision Ecology for a bat emergence survey on a complex structure. One aspect of the roof we needed to monitor was only visible from 50 meters away, far beyond the capabilities of our infrared cameras. I would definitely recommend Thermal Vision Ecology to any ecologist in need of thermal imaging equipment.

Jack McCormack – Assistant Ecologist, Wildwood Ecology

The thermal cameras we hired from you became an invaluable piece of our survey kit this summer.  It took us a couple of weeks of playing about with them to understand how to best utilise them for our needs, but after that they were great.  Each kit contained in its own bag was easy to set up and dismantle.  Once we got to grips with the data analysis it was quick and easy and yielded great results for our clients.  Thermal Vision Research were on hand to answer any queries we had and provide support where needed.  We have already put our order in for 2026!

Laura Carter-Davis CEcol MCIEEM - Managing Director, Echoes Ecology Ltd