Figure 6 Onshore environmental surveys, courtesy of Rampion Offshore Wind.

Function

Onshore environmental surveys consider the potential ecological impact that cable-laying and onshore substations and new port facilities may have on the onshore environment.

What it costs*

About £1.2 million for a typical 1 GW wind farm.

Who supplies them

Suppliers include Andrew McCarthy Associates, APEM, BCM Environs, ESS Ecology, Fred. Olsen, Natural Power, RSK and Thomson Ecology.

Key facts

Wildlife surveys are often undertaken by ecological companies who have specialised capabilities for particular species. 

Studies tend to look at the distribution, density and number of different species.

Wildlife ranging from badgers to small reptiles are considered, depending on the nature of the proposed site.

Fragile coastal ecosystems are a prime area of focus.

What’s in it

Guide to an
Offshore Wind Farm