Over the years we have been instrumental in developing the standards in ornithological survey and monitoring protocols for renewables developments and continue to be involved in improvements.

Natural Research were co-authors of the paper describing the Band Collision Risk Model which is now routinely used in wind farm assessment studies. Further details on the Band Model can be found here;

Band, W., Madders, M. & Whitfield, D.P. 2007. Developing field and analytical methods to assess avian collision risk at wind farms.

The Band Collision Risk Model is used to predict the number of bird collisions that might be caused by a wind farm development.

Mixed flock of dunlin Calidris alpine, ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula and sanderling Calidris alba. Photo: G. Connelly

The Band Model requires input parameters describing species-specific information on biometrics, flight characteristics and the expected amount of flight activity; and turbine-specific information on blade size, blade pitch, rotor rotation period and the anticipated proportion of time that turbines will be operational.

In collaboration with Kessels Ecology NRP have further refined the Band Model to  allow for oblique approach angles and wind speed to be considered. Further details can be found here;

Christie, D. & Urquhart, B. 2015 A refinement of the Band spreadsheet for wind turbine collision risk

Christie, D. & Urquhart, B. 2015. Spreadsheet S1. Band oblique collision risk.

For Commercial Ecological Consultancy, Advice & Services:

Natural Research (Projects) Ltd
T: +44 (0) 1330 826880
E: info@natural-research.org

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