Renewable energy planning applications

With significant experience in the renewable energy sector Fera has the expertise and capability to offer a complete EcIA service on small, large and contentious infrastructure developments in the energy, aviation and maritime sectors.

Our experience in traditional ornithology and radar detection play an important part in environmental impact assessments. Fera's mobile bird radar enables the gathering of accurate and reliable data from large-scale monitoring of birds during offshore and conservation research.

If you would like more information about a particular service or would like to discuss your requirements with a member of the team, contact us via

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One-stop EcIA service

Fera can provide a full EcIA service for any development likely to impact local or migratory animal and bird populations. Our service includes:

• Scoping studies
We understand what the regulatory bodies need to know and, taking into consideration the location of your proposed development, its proximity to important bird, animal and plant populations and our knowledge of the development process, we can ensure your study fulfils every criterion, first time.
• Baseline data collection
Fera will gather all the data for your EcIA. Our scientists will carry out the required field studies to accurately assess the animal, bird and plant populations in the vicinity of the proposed development, to ensure existing information sources are enhanced with any supplementary data required.
• Data analysis
Fera's internationally recognised modelling and statistics team have the data processing systems, statistical expertise and modelling capabilities to collate, analyse and interpret all of the data gathered by Fera or other organisations.
• Environmental statement writing
We know how to best present data to decision makers, and use our graphical presentation skills and GIS mapping skills to communicate often complicated datasets in an easily accessible format.
• Contentious developments - Public Inquiry
Proposed developments such as the fifth terminal at Heathrow airport and windfarms on the Isle of Lewis, where Fera has conducted impact assessments, were all subject to local and national opposition, making strict control of information flows essential.

Our professionally trained specialists are experienced in preparing case evidence and presenting data as expert witnesses under cross-examination at Public Inquiry.
• Construction monitoring and mitigation
Fera can provide on-site clerk of works for monitoring, support and advice during the construction phase, ensuring that the bird and animal populations are not adversely affected.
• Post construction monitoring
Assessing the actual impact of new windfarms and any new development once it has been constructed is becoming a requirement for many developments, to ensure that the predicted impacts are not exceeded, and to help inform future developments.

Fera can conduct these post-construction studies, using the same techniques we use for EcIAs.

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)

Before any new windfarm can be developed, statutory bodies insist that any possible conflict with resident and migratory bird populations is evaluated. Fera is the only organisation offering mobile bird radar detection for windfarm developments.

Our comprehensive monitoring service provides accurate, objective and impartial information about bird movements, helping to ensure that new windfarms are sensitively located.

Offshore and conservation research

In light of the planned expansion of offshore windfarms around the UK, COWRIE (Collaboration for Offshore Wind Research into the Environment) has highlighted the need for research into the distribution, abundance and habitat requirements of birds.

Our mobile bird detection radar is versatile and adaptable, and able to accurately monitor the movements of marine birds around proposed offshore windfarm sites.

Alternatively, radar detection can be applied for pure conservation research.

The detection of bat movements around proposed sites for windfarms is becoming increasingly important. Research conducted using the mobile bird radar shows that bats have been detected flying at altitudes of up to 1km. Understanding the height at which bats fly is crucial in determining whether they would pass through the blade-swept area of the turbines.

The mobile bird radar has revolutionised bat research and offers developers the capability to run bat and bird monitoring and evaluation surveys at the sites of proposed windfarms.