There is increasing evidence wind turbines have the potential to have significant negative impact on bat populations in the UK and Ireland. Bat Conservation Ireland consider that that bat mortality due to wind turbines is a serious potential issue in Ireland, and it is clear that bats and their habitats need to be considered carefully during the planning, construction and operation of wind farms.
According to Bat Conservation Ireland, Leisler’s bat in particular is a high risk species in relation to wind turbines due to the fact that it flies high and fast, travels considerable distances between roosts and foraging areas, and forages in open landscapes. The Irish population of Leisler’s bat is of International Importance. All bat species can however be potentially affected by the construction and operation of wind farms.
During the construction phase of a project there can potentially be losses of roosting, foraging and commuting routes for bats. During the operation phase, there is a potential for collisions between bats and moving turbine blades and barotrauma effects. Possible changes to bat behaviour, for example avoidance of areas close to turbines, may also potentially occur.
Anabat Swift detector installed at a proposed wind turbine location
The risk of wind farm developments to bats is clearly greatest if turbines are proposed for an area that bats frequently use. It is therefore important than a detailed pre-construction bat surveys are completed.
Bat Conservation Ireland have produced guidelines for bat surveys at wind farm sites, and also post-construction monitoring. We follow these guidelines where applicable.
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 nature conservation stakeholders including the Bat Conservation Trust.
Our staff have received detailed operational and technical training on use of the DeTECT MERLIN radar system for wind farm pre-construction bat surveys and for operational wind farms, and are working with DeTECT and clients such as Galetech Energy, to bring this technology to Ireland.
Further details on this exciting new technology can be found on the link http://www.detect-inc.com/wind.html. We are very interested in using this technology in the future in Ireland for aerofauna, including bats.
Please contact us now if you have a requirement for a bat survey, particularly bat surveys at proposed wind energy sites.
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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