Throughout 2012 to 2014 we worked closely with a range of renewable energy developers to provide advice on the ecological value of proposed sites, and the ecological impacts of development. We’ve visited many and varied sites, from the West Country to East Anglia, South Coast to the Grampians, and Powys to the Humberside.

Some of these sites were positioned in close proximity to habitats or landscape features with the potential to support protected species such as bats and birds. These groups may be negatively affected by the operational impacts of wind turbines in particular, while other terrestrial species could be impacted during construction, such as reptiles and amphibians.

Working closely with specialist associates, we carried out preliminary bat roost assessments, bat activity surveys, vantage point surveys for birds and other relevant studies to ensure that development is planned appropriately, and to reduce or eliminate potential impacts.

Many of these projects successfully gained planning permission and are now operational, using a range of technologies including wind turbines, solar PV and anaerobic digestion.