Bird surveys for a windfarm in Essex

Ecologists from our East Anglia office carried out specialist bird surveys on a 10MW wind energy development in Essex for one of our European clients.

The task

At the site at Earl’s Hall Farm, Clacton-on-Sea, in Essex, protected species surveys were carried out including specialist bird surveys for hobby, quail and barn owl. These surveys were to inform good working practice on site during the construction phase and ensure these Schedule 1 bird species were not disturbed.

In addition, following earlier surveys undertaken at the site, our ecologists required European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licences for dormice. They also designed a detailed mitigation and habitat enhancement strategy and supervised on-site works.

The solution

The wind farm now comprises five 150m turbines located across an arable farm.