What ecological surveys have been undertaken?

As part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, specialist consultants, Wardell Armstrong have undertaken multiple ecological surveys at the proposed site.

• Botanical Surveys

Different habitat/locations of any rare species have been mapped over the last two years and mitigations will be incorporated into the design as required. For example, sensitive habitats can also be avoided in the placement of turbines.

• Mycological Surveys

We have conducted fungi surveys and recorded the different sensitive species present and their location. This will help us determine how to protect them and reduce any potential impacts, both in the design and construction phases.

• Ornithology Surveys

The following surveys have been undertaken:

• Vantage Point (VP) Surveys: to monitor bird species and their flight patterns near proposed turbine locations, informing the risk of collision for each species.
• Driven Transects: To assess how birds use the wider landscape around the site by observing key habitats from predetermined stopping points.
• Wintering Bird Surveys: to establish the abundance and diversity of bird species using the site during autumn and winter.
• Breeding Bird Survey: to identify species breeding on-site and map their territories during the spring and summer seasons.

All survey data will inform the Ornithology Environmental Statement (ES) chapter of our EIA in order to assess the impact of the proposed windfarm and ensure any necessary mitigation measures can be incorporated into the design. To ensure we fully consider the implications of the development on our local birdlife, we are also undertaking an additional year of bird surveys, which will feed into the final design.

Bat Activity Surveys

Monthly bat surveys have helped us to identify important habitat areas for bats and assess the potential impact of any changes. Our design can include mitigations which specifically limit impact on bats. As with our ornithology surveys, we will be carrying out an additional year of bat surveys to help inform our final design after the planning application has been submitted.

Common Frog Surveys

We carried out surveys to check for the presence of common frogs. We will keep a watching brief during construction and translocate frogs if required.

Invertebrate Surveys

Invertebrate surveys have been undertaken to assess how important the site is for different invertebrate species, across multiple days in different weather conditions over the last year, especially those of conservation interest. This has ensured we captured a full and representative record of species at the site, including those that are active at night.

Reptile Surveys
We have conducted reptile surveys to check for their presence on the site. This will help us understand the reptile population and allow us to plan construction activities to minimise impact on these animals and create new habitats where they can feel safe.