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ECOFACT Onshore Wind Energy - ECOFACT

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Onshore Wind Energy

The variability and diversity of ecological baseline conditions at onshore wind energy sites requires a strategic and solutions-based approach to undertaking baseline surveys and addressing the needs of ecological impact assessment. ECOFACT have provided targeted baseline ecological survey services and ecological impact assessments for onshore wind energy project in upland sites in the west & south west of Ireland and in Northern Ireland. We have also provided specialist surveys to meet the differing needs of low-lying wind energy developments in the Midlands; taking account of the site-specific conservation interests and environmental constraints.

 

Ecological survey and consultancy services we offer to the onshore wind energy sector include:

  • Feasibility and ecological constraints reporting at site selection stage.
  • A full suite of baseline ecological surveys to inform the requirements of EIA reporting.
  • Water quality assessments and aquatic ecological surveys for protected aquatic species.
  • Recommendations of standards and scoping of Surface Water Management Plans.
  • Targeted bird surveys including Hen Harrier breeding surveys and wintering bird surveys.
  • Bat surveys and monitoring, development of bat mitigation and bat management plans
  • Development of Species and Habitat Management Plans for wind farm development sites and compensation lands.
  • Ecological Impact Assessment reporting for inclusion in Environmental Impact Statements.
  • Appropriate Assessment (AA) reporting and Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA) for designated Natura 2000 sites within the study area.
  • Public consultation and Expert Witness for wind farm developments
  • Construction phase ecological monitoring / ecological clerk of works (ECoW)
  • Post-construction and operational phase ecological monitoring for birds, bats and surface water management

We have provided ecological services from baseline survey through to expert witness for a number of successful onshore wind energy developments and are committed to maintaining our high professional standard and positive record in this sector.

Current News Stories:

  • Bats surveys for wind turbines – new guidance

    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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  • Non-volant mammal surveys 2019

    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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  • Filming a documentary on Sea Lampreys

    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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  • Major new book – Wildlife and Wind Farms

    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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  • Surveying wintering birds in the Irish Midlands

    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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