Avian Ecology

Experts in the field of ecology...
Commercially aware, pragmatic and robust advice
Supporting businesses and the environment
Long-term relationships based on trust, excellence and value
Enabling development and biodiversity to co-exist
Previous slide
Next slide
We have built a business recognised for specialist ecological and ornithological expertise, helping clients navigate complex environmental challenges through practical, evidence-led advice.
Joe Whittick
BSc MCIEEM | Managing Director
01
Services

Planning Support

Whether supporting a local planning application or a nationally significant infrastructure project, we provide the ecological and ornithological expertise needed to move projects successfully through the planning process.

From pre-construction checks to ecological supervision and monitoring, we help clients manage ecological risks and meet their environmental obligations throughout the construction phase.

We develop and implement practical mitigation and monitoring strategies that reduce project risk, support compliance and deliver lasting ecological benefits.

01
Services

Planning Support

We provide full services for the private and public sectors from project conception through to consent.

We provide a complete range of site support services during the construction phase.

We develop knowledge and apply innovative solutions.

Avian Ecology combines specialist ecological and ornithological expertise with a deep understanding of the sectors we serve. Our reputation has been built on pragmatic advice, robust technical reporting and a collaborative approach to problem solving. We help clients navigate complex environmental challenges while delivering projects that achieve positive outcomes for both biodiversity and sustainable development.
02
Contact us
03.1
More info.

More about Avian

Meet the team behind Avian Ecology – a talented group of ecologists, ornithologists and support staff working together to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients and nature.

Our projects span renewable energy, infrastructure, residential and commercial development across the UK. Explore a selection of case studies that showcase our technical expertise, collaborative approach and the successful outcomes we help deliver for clients and biodiversity.

Capability Statements

We combine technical expertise, practical experience and innovative thinking to help clients navigate complex ecological challenges.

03.2
Est. 2007

Our history

Founded in 2007 by Howard Fearn, Avian Ecology was established with a clear vision: to provide high-quality ecological consultancy services through a specialist, independent team. Since then, the company has grown steadily to become one of the UK's leading ecological consultancies, supporting projects across a wide range of sectors. Today, our team provides a comprehensive range of ecological and ornithological services, combining technical expertise with a practical understanding of the planning and development process.

As the company has grown, so too has the breadth of our expertise. Today, Avian Ecology brings together a team of highly skilled ecologists, ornithologists and environmental professionals supporting projects across the UK. Our experience ranges from residential and commercial developments to major infrastructure projects, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and Development Consent Order (DCO) applications. We have developed particular strengths within the renewable energy sector, where we have supported some of the UK’s most significant onshore wind and solar developments.

Throughout our growth, we have remained committed to building long-term relationships with our clients, many of whom have worked with us for years. By understanding project objectives from the outset, we help identify opportunities, anticipate challenges and provide clear, practical advice that supports successful project delivery.

Our reputation has been built on technical excellence, trusted relationships and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes. We combine specialist ecological knowledge with a thorough understanding of the planning and development process, producing robust assessments and proportionate solutions that stand up to scrutiny.

Looking ahead, we will continue to invest in our people, embrace innovation and contribute to the evolving practice of ecological consultancy. As environmental policy, technology and development continue to evolve, we will remain focused on helping clients deliver projects that achieve positive outcomes for both development and biodiversity.

Recent Case Studies

How Solar Farms Can Boost Biodiversity – Our Role at Yelvertoft

A recent article by the RSPB highlights how carefully planned and well-managed solar farms can deliver meaningful benefits for wildlife – demonstrating that renewable energy ...
read more →

Beauly and Peterhead 400kV Overhead Line

Avian Ecology has recently been supporting SSE Transmission by preparing the Ornithological Impact Assessment for their proposed new 400kv OHL connection between Beauly, in the ...
read more →

Helios Renewable Energy Project

Avian Ecology is acting as the ecological and ornithological consultant in respect of the Helios Renewable Energy Project solar farm. This Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project ...
read more →

Frodsham Solar DCO application

Avian Ecology has been providing ecological services in support of the proposed Frodsham Solar proposal, a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), since 2022. The Development ...
read more →

Barn Conversion, North Wales

Avian Ecology provided ecological services in support of a planning application to convert a barn into living accommodation. The barn was known to be used ...
read more →

Ecological Clerk of Works, Hampshire

Working directly with the developer and their agent on this large solar development, we have provided a range of services from project conception through to ...
read more →

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), Northern Ireland

One of the UK’s largest solar farm developers commissioned us to complete ecological appraisals on six separate solar developments in Northern Ireland, ranging from 5-26MW. ...
read more →

Single Wind Turbine Appraisal, Cambridgeshire

We undertook an ecological appraisal for a single 102m to blade tip wind turbine development, located within the Fens Natural Area, mid-way between The Ouse ...
read more →

Habitats Regulations Assessment, Lancaster City Council

We completed two Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs) on behalf of Lancaster City Council in 2014; for a wind energy development and for a retail park. ...
read more →

BREEAM/CfSH Assessments, North West

We provided a Suitably Qualified Ecologist (SQE) to help achieve the allocation of BREEAM Ecology Credits for a large industrial development on a former brownfield ...
read more →

Trunk Road improvement, Mid-Wales

We designed and completed a number of bat surveys in the vicinity of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for bats on behalf of Gwynedd ...
read more →

Expert witness services, Suffolk

Avian Ecology prepared an Ecological Appraisal for this development, the findings of which were accepted by the local planning authority and Natural England. Although ecology ...
read more →

Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys

Avian Ecology were one of the first consultancies to conduct countrywide environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys for great crested newts across England and Wales. As soon ...
read more →

Large Scale Wind Farm, Kent

Since project conception in 2012, Avian Ecology Ltd. have been engaged with a proposed four wind turbine development on the Isle of Sheppey, located near ...
read more →

Large Scale Housing Development, Cheshire

We prepared a robust ecological appraisal for a proposed residential development of 200 dwellings for a major house developer. The application was supported by an ...
read more →

Advising the Irish Government, Maighne Wind Farm

Company Director Howard Fearn was contracted by An Bord Pleanála, the Irish Planning Inspectorate, to advise on a large scale wind farm application case located ...
read more →

Former Golf Course, Now Multi Use Development, Preston

Previous proposals for the re-development of land at the former Ingol Golf Course had been challenging and ultimately unsuccessful, so Avian Ecology was recruited to ...
read more →

Overhead Line Network, North Shropshire

This £18 million Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project for SP Energy Networks comprises a new 21km overhead electricity line intended to reinforce the electricity network in ...
read more →

Longmoor Military Firing Range, Hampshire

Avian Ecology worked with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and Savills Planning to assist with the development of a new target practice range, which for operational ...
read more →

Constructed Large Scale Wind Farm, Kent

New Rides Wind Farm, located on the Isle of Sheppey in North Kent, comprises four wind turbines located in a unique setting adjacent to an ...
read more →

Nottingham Island Urban Regeneration Project

Nottingham Island is a 12ha site located within the heart of the city and so plays a key role in the Council’s regeneration initiatives. The ...
read more →
Scroll to Top