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Renewable Energy - Case Studies

Palgrave Community Centre Wind Turbine, Suffolk, England

7/1/2018

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July 2017 - January 2018

Palgrave Small Wind Turbine - ecological effects on activity of bats and local bat populationsPalgrave Wind Turbine - small wind turbine and its location near a hedgerow.
We were commissioned in the summer of 2017 to undertake bat surveys relating to a small wind turbine located in the recreational playing field in Palgrave, north Suffolk.
​The turbine had been erected in 2010 and was successfully operating and generating energy and income for the local community centre.... but it had been erected slightly in the wrong place!
In fact it was actually located 6m further from a hedge than it should have been.  
​The aim was to determine whether the turbine was adversely affecting bat activity in its current location, and to assess the risk of moving it 6m closer to the hedge.
​We used a combination of bat activity transects and static bat detectors to build up a picture of bat activity along the nearby hedge and at the turbine itself. The evidence was clear and provided confidence that the bats were unaffected by the existing location and that moving it closer to the hedge would increase the risk that foraging activity could be affected and that bats may be at risk of collision. 

Testimonial from Phil Dyer from Palgrave and District Community Centre:

“ The Palgrave and District Community Centre hired Huckle Ecology in 2017 to carry out  bat surveys, involving bat activity transects and the use of bat recorders over a period of 3 months.
The report was delivered on time, it was comprehensive, detailed and in plain English. The data provided  us with a picture of bat activity along the hedgerow, as well as at the turbine itself.  The data was combined into a report which provided independent scientific advice as to whether the movement of the turbine closer to the hedgerow would be likely to result in an impact on the bats, either on individual bats or on local populations.
I can honestly say that the report and its findings were fundamental in our success for our case, as the Planning Committee considered it irrefutable evidence of potential impact to bats should we be forced to move the turbine towards the hedgerow and allowed us to retain the turbine in its present position. This has saved the Community Centre at least £12000 and has meant no further ecological and environmental impact through having to move it.
The Trustees of the Community Centre Charity, will remain very grateful for Jon for his hard work, diligence and professionalism”
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Solar Farm, Confidential Location, Warwickshire, England

15/9/2016

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September 2016

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Huckle Ecology was commissioned to undertake an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey of a large site to inform a planning application for a solar farm.
​In addition to mapping the habitats and potential for protected species, recommendations for ecological enhancements were provided, as well as habitat management to provide benefits for biodiversity.
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Renewable Energy, Torr Works Wind Farm, Somerset - Expert Witness for Ecology

30/9/2015

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September 2015

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I was asked to appear as an ecological expert witness at a public inquiry for a 4-turbine onshore wind farm development adjacent to Torr Works Quarry in Somerset.
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​The main issues related to potential impacts of the wind turbines on bats, birds (peregrine falcon) and dormice.


​Bats were the most contentious ecological ​constraint, with the site located next to ancient woodland; a mitigation strategy was developed to prevent or reduce effects on bats. 

​While the wind farm appeal was not successful for non-ecological reasons, the mitigation strategy developed was deemed to adequately minimise the risks associated with ecology and ensure that there were no likely significant effects. 
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Huckle Ecology is a professional ecological consultancy based on the Norfolk Suffolk border, providing expert advice on ecology and biodiversity throughout East Anglia, England and the UK. We undertake surveys for habitats and protected species, as well as providing ecological appraisals and impact assessments to inform planning applications. 
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Huckle Ecology Ltd is registered in England and Wales: Company Number 10017144
​Copyright Huckle Ecology Ltd 2020
  • Home
  • About Us
  • What we do
    • Ecology Assessment
    • Ecology Surveys >
      • Great Crested Newt Surveys
      • Reptile Surveys
  • Case studies
    • Housing and Residential Development
    • Renewable Energy
  • Contact us
  • Ecological Ramblings: the Huckle Ecology Blog
  • Huckle Ecology Image Gallery