Project example
Den Brook Wind Farm EIA and 2009 Public Inquiry
Client: Renewable Energy Systems
Contract value: £22,000
Key Services: habitat and baseline surveys of birds, dormouse, reptiles, badger; preparation of ES ecology chapter; rebuttal at Public Inquiry
We have extensive experience in ecological assessment of wind farms and have worked on over 75 wind energy schemes over the past five years.
In 2004, we undertook baseline studies for a proposed 9-turbine, 18MW scheme near Okehampton in Devon, for Renewable Energy Systems. Our involvement included scoping, consultation with England Nature, protected species survey on dormouse and bats, and extensive bird studies during spring, autumn and winter.
An ES ecology chapter was compiled that presented baseline ecological data, identified potential effects, assessed impact significance and made detailed recommendations for mitigation and monitoring.
In late 2006, we provided rebuttal input to a planning inquiry, following which planning permission for the development was granted.
An appeal resulted in a new Public Inquiry in July 2009, at with AMA's Dr Steven Holloway appeared as an expert witness and gave evidence on all pertinent ecological issues, in particular on bats and birds.