Rachel will form part of a small expert panel looking at optimal turbine siting and will share her research into bats and micro-turbines.
Guidance currently exists on the siting of large wind turbines to minimise the impact on wildlife and, to some extent, what may be considered appropriate survey effort to allow a robust assessment of impact. However, similar guidance is lacking for single or micro-renewable installations.
How appropriate is it to apply the large wind turbine guidance to micro-wind installations? Does the lack of clear guidance result in marked variation in what is required of applicants putting in for planning across different local authorities and is the production of clear guidance likely in the near future?
Rachel will touch on these issues and, if time allows, give a brief overview of ongoing research that may, in time, contribute to a greater understanding of the potential wildlife impacts of small and medium wind installations and ways in which these might be managed.
Rachel’s portfolio includes ecological impact assessments for wind farm developments, rail and road infrastructure and major housing projects. She is a licensed bat worker and holder of Natural England survey licences for dormice and great crested newts.
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