Development projects such as wind farms have the potential to have a major impact on a wide range of bird species through habitat loss, disturbance and collision. In order to provide a more complete ‘in house’ service, TNEI has extended the capabilities of the existing ecology department through the appointment of an experienced Ornithological Consultant. Paul Massey joined TNEI in October 2010 with over 14 years of professional experience, including working for the RSPB, BTO, three Bird Observatories, two Wildlife Trusts, local government and an independent ecological consultancy.
Paul has experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team on a wide variety of development types, including single and multi-turbine schemes, large-scale onshore power lines, gravel extraction, opencast coal, flood defence, road and housing sites. In recruiting Paul, TNEI has extended the Planning and Environmental services it offers to clients and can now provide the following ornithological services:
- Desk based studies and consultation;
- Breeding bird, wintering bird and vantage point surveys following current best-practice guidelines;
- Species-specific surveys and assessments for birds which receive special protection or are considered to be at risk from development impacts;
- Collision risk assessments for wind farms;
- Assessments of potential development impacts upon bird species, from reports detailing the results of simple ‘walkover’ surveys on small sites to full chapters and technical appendices for projects requiring a full Environmental Impact Assessment;
- Appropriate Assessments; and
- Mitigation schemes and management plans where ornithological issues arise.
These extended capabilities compliment and enhance the existing range of ecological, technical and planning services TNEI can already provide.