Ecological assessments for wind energy projects for Severn Trent Water

The brief

MKA Ecology were commissioned to carry out ecological assessments for five separately located sites earmarked as potential wind energy projects for Severn Trent Water.

What did we do?

MKA Ecology carried out a full desk study and field survey of each site to identify the potential presence of protected species and to map the vegetation using the standard Phase 1 habitat survey methodology. Project management plans were drawn up to ensure that the full range of protected species surveys required for each site were carried out at optimum seasonal times. MKA Ecology’s experienced ornithologists carried out breeding bird and flight line surveys enabling collision risk analysis for impact assessment. For three of the sites, MKA Ecology wrote the ornithological chapter for the Environmental Statements.

A full range of bat surveys were carried out at each site including activity surveys, inspections of buildings and trees and ‘at height’ surveys. Bat surveys at height enable analysis of impacts of turbines on bat populations.

Combined, this suite of surveys allowed informed impact assessment to be undertaken.

What was the outcome for the client?

Efficient and effective delivery of our services enabled the client to make commercial decisions in relation to each site, with a full understanding in each case of the ecological constraints and impacts. The client also benefitted from our protected species expertise including mitigation advice and how to enhance the developments to encourage wildlife.