Continued development of offshore renewable energy projects, specifically wind energy development, requires specialist, professional input for ecological baseline surveys and impact assessment to inform the Environmental Impact Assessment process. ECOFACT have developed a project team to cater specifically to the offshore sector, providing project feasibility assessments and ecological impact assessment reporting for baseline surveys.
The designation of coastal and marine Natura 2000 sites for seabirds and Annex I habitats and Annex II species around Ireland’s coast has also led to the requirement for Appropriate Assessment reporting to accompany the pre-planning / submission stage of many offshore developments. ECOFACT are a leading provider of Appropriate Assessment reporting and have direct project experience in providing comprehensive Natura Impact Statement (NIS) reporting for offshore wind energy developments.
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ECOFACT have experience in preparing and coordinating Appropriate Assessment reporting for large-scale offshore wind energy developments taking account of the diverse conservation interests of designated Natura 2000 sites within the study area.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) published new guidance in January 2019 for bats surveys at wind farm sites. These new guidelines are entitled “Bats and onshore wind turbines – survey, assessment and mitigation”. The document incorporates findings from the latest research on the impact of wind farms on bats. It is endorsed by all the statutory […]
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We are one of the leading companies in Ireland providing mammal surveys and assessments. We provide expert advise on both bats and terrestrial non-volant (i.e. non-flying) mammals. We undertake surveys for all terrestrial non-volant mammal species in Ireland, including Badger, Otter, Red Squirrel, Pine Marten, and non-native American Mink, among others. Our staff are fully […]
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We were delighted to work recently with BBC Earth on a documentary on Sea Lampreys Petromyzon marinus. The filming took place during early-June 2017 on the old River Shannon at Castleconnell, Co Limerick. This is part of the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation, and Sea Lampreys are a key conservation interest of this […]
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A major new book will be published in May 2017 entitled ‘Wildlife and Wind Farms: Conflicts and Solutions’. Volume 1 of this book includes a chapter prepared by Ecofact Principal Ecologist Dr. William O’Connor. The two-volume set provides a comprehensive overview of the interactions between wind farms and wildlife, each volume dedicated to one of the two […]
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Our staff are currently undertaking a number of wintering bird surveys in the Irish Midlands. Here we have provided some photos and videos from bird surveys we undertook during December 2015. Our bird surveys are undertaken to inform both the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) reports being prepared for proposed wind energy […]
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