Projects Shetland wind farm ornithology support

Shetland wind farm ornithology support

Onshore wind

Developers

Onshore Wind Scotland

Ornithological baseline surveys for a proposed wind farm development

Locogen undertook ornithological baseline surveys to support the development of a two-turbine wind energy project in Shetland.

5 MW (2 wind turbines)

Client UK Industrial & Commercial
Status In progress

The project

This project required the coordination of remote field survey operations and the assessment of ornithological sensitivities associated with habitats characteristic of the Shetland landscape.

The site was located within a remote area of Shetland comprising open moorland and rough grassland habitats suitable for a range of breeding and wintering bird species, including species of conservation concern associated with this environment. The exposed coastal and upland setting also increased the potential for use by migratory and wader species, including whimbrel. The site was also situated within an area known to be used by breeding red-throated diver.

The ornithological baseline data collection survey programme included:

Breeding bird surveys;
Vantage point surveys;
Winter walkover surveys; and
A detailed ornithological desk study to identify additional ecological sensitivities and designated site considerations.

Breeding bird survey data underwent territory analysis to identify likely breeding territories and assess species distribution across the site and surrounding survey buffers. Survey methodologies were aligned with current best practice guidance for onshore wind developments and relevant ornithological survey standards.

Our approach

Surveys were undertaken by a locally based survey team managed and coordinated by Locogen. Locogen provided survey methodologies, and technical oversight to ensure consistency in survey delivery, data collection, and reporting across all survey visits. Regular communication and review processes were implemented throughout the survey programme to maintain alignment with project requirements and guidance.

The remote nature of the site presented logistical and operational challenges, including access constraints, weather limitations, and coordination of the field team. These challenges were addressed through careful survey programming, regular communication with local surveyors, and clear technical guidance.

The presence of sensitive and uncommon species, including whimbrel, required careful consideration during survey design and interpretation of results. The combination of targeted field surveys and desk study information ensured that potential ornithological sensitivities were robustly identified and assessed.

The outcome

The survey data provided a robust ornithological baseline to support the planning and environmental assessment process for the proposed development. The combination of field surveys, desk study information, and territory analysis enabled informed assessment of potential impacts on breeding and wintering bird populations and supported project design considerations. Collision risk modelling allowed for an understanding of the potential impacts presented to the identified at risk species and enabled the design of appropriate mitigation. This project is currently awaiting the outcome of the planning consent process, however no comments have been received on the final submissions for NatureScot or the RSPB.

Additional mitigation measures included the need for culverts at certain parts of the site to provide nature corridors, reducing habitat fragmentation and maintaining ecological connectivity across the site, and the recommendation that one field within the site is kept back for management of ground-nesting species.

Locogen delivered the required services for our client in fulfilment of the proposed survey scope, supporting the completion of
full written EcIA and BNG assessments to accompany a planning application for this development.