The challenge
Wild bird species are protected under a range of national and international regulations, making ornithology a key consideration for many developments within marine, coastal and terrestrial environments. Developments can significantly impact bird populations in numerous ways, including via direct mortality (for example from collisions), disturbance, displacement, loss of habitat or effects on their prey. Importantly, assessment of such impacts is required irrespective of whether or not they concern populations associated with designated sites. The requirements for assessments involving populations that are qualifying features of internationally designated sites (such as Special Protection Areas and Ramsar sites) can be particularly stringent.
Our approach
The impartial and objective advice that our ornithology experts offer ensures that clients are supported through the entire development process from conception to construction and beyond, to cover any operational monitoring requirements and ultimately decommissioning.
Working in partnership with our clients and wider project teams, we adopt a robust, science-led, approach to our advice and services that is underpinned by long-standing involvement in applied ornithological research and a thorough understanding of the latest science in the field.
The Royal HaskoningDHV ornithology team aims to:
- Provide specialist technical support and advice throughout a project life–cycle
- Identify potential ornithology constraints and consent risks early in the planning stage
- Assess and identify suitable means for reducing potential impacts and, where necessary, devise appropriate mitigation
- Design, manage and report on post-consent monitoring programmes
- Provide cost-effective advice at all stages and reduce the risks of adverse financial and commercial effects on project programmes, delivery and budget
- Minimise the risks of adverse impacts to important bird species and populations.
