Ornithological Capabilites

Sterna Ecology offer the full range of ornithological surveys and assessment work, with our consultancy service extending from initial desk top assessments through to full Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) with the preparation of Ornithology Chapters for Environmental Statements, as well as producing reports suitable to support planning applications.

Sterna Ecology has extensive experience of undertaking the full range of ornithological surveys, with Paul Massey, our Principal Ornithologist, being a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Our knowledge and experience has been widely used for a diverse range of projects, including Appropriate Assessments of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), a large number of wind farm developments, several power lines and a number of gravel extraction, opencast coal, flood defence, road and housing sites. We have worked on projects for local authorities, Government bodies, charities and multi-national corporations.

Sterna Ecology work closely with clients to develop bespoke packages of work tailored to meet the needs of any given project at any stage of the development programme.

Sterna Ecology offer a full range of in-house ornithological services, including:

· Desk-based ornithological studies and consultation;

· Ornithological risk assessments to scope out potential issues at a site;

· Breeding Bird Surveys, in both lowland and upland habitats;

· Species-specific breeding surveys for protected Schedule 1 species and scarce or vulnerable species, such as raptors, owls, Black Grouse, waders and waterfowl;

· Wintering Bird Surveys, including wildfowl/wetland surveys;

· Species-specific non-breeding surveys, for instance for wildfowl, waders and raptors;

· Vantage point or flight activity surveys, plus collision risk modelling;

· Full tidal cycle bird surveys (high & low tide surveys);

· Nocturnal surveys for roosting waders and waterfowl;

· Environmental Statement ornithological chapters for major developments;

· Technical Appendices to support Environmental Statements;

· Reports to inform Appropriate Assessments of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs);

· Reports suitable to support planning applications, as well as method statements and management plans for both development and conservation works;

· Detailed reviews (due diligence) of ornithological surveys, reports and assessments completed by other ecologists; and

· Post consent works, including checking surveys and Ecological Clerk of Works.