Great Crested Newt and the Woking Approach District level licensing or the 'Woking Approach' (as piloted in Woking in 2016) is a new approach and an alternative to the current site by site great crested newt mitigation and licensing process. The new approach will involve a district wide assessment of newt distribution; using great crested [...]
Avian Ecology undertook a suite of bat surveys at a disused mill in Greater Manchester. Surveys included an Extended Phase 1 habitat survey, preliminary bat roost inspection survey or as its now known a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA). These surveys highlighted the need for additional bat activity surveys including dusk emergence and dawn re-entry surveys [...]
This afternoon a 'fitness check' by the European Commission recognised that the European Birds and Habitats Directives are relevant and remain fit for purpose. This means the Directives will not be re-opened but more work is required to ensure the Directives are properly implemented into UK legislation. The Directives are vital to the protection and [...]
This twin turbine development became operational in early 2013 and the team at Avian Ecology, led by Senior Ornithologist Nicole Robinson, have been monitoring the site in to satisfy planning conditions since autumn 2013, working closely with Natural England and the RSPB to ensure success. The monitoring programme included offsite land management and supplementary food [...]
Avian Ecology have trail cameras set up across numerous sites in England, Scotland and Wales and recently we've been hoping for some glimpses of the rare Scottish Wildcat. Unfortunately the video does not include this elusive species but nevertheless it's always nice to catch close-up videos of inquisitive deer.
Natural England is consulting on possible changes to the handling of European protected species (EPS) licensing, aiming to achieve better outcomes for species and reduce costs, delays and uncertainty for developers. The proposals shift the focus away from protecting individual animals on development sites and towards improving populations in the wider local area; [...]
The proposed Housing and Planning Bill 2015-2016 could lead to automatic planning permission on land of high ecological value, but consideration of ecology shouldn’t be overlooked. In October 2015, the Housing and Planning Bill was introduced to the House of Commons, and was ascended to Reporting on 10th December 2015 (with amendments). The Bill, which [...]
Congratulations to Renewable Energy Generation on the commencement of operation of their Denzell Downs wind farm in Cornwall. This five turbine project required detailed assessment of the potential for effects on several species of bats, as well as birds and other wildlife. The application was initially granted permission by Cornwall Council in 2011, but was [...]
Floating solar farms are relatively new to the UK renewables industry and United Utilities are leading the way with the recent go-ahead for Europe’s largest floating solar farm based at Godley Reservoir, Manchester. Avian Ecology provided initial ecological and ornithological feasibility advice for this ground breaking Project, further demonstrating Avian Ecology’s position as the UK [...]
The presence of bats rarely stops development taking place; however if you disturb bats or interfere with their resting places then you may be breaking the law. As such, Council’s will usually ask for bat presence or absence to be determined as part of a planning application. The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management [...]
