Our Services

Cork Ecology Flora and Fauna Surveys are complete site surveys for birds (including hen harriers), mammals, plants, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and dragonflies as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process. In addition to our own survey, a review of available published information for the site will be carried out. Areas of highest conservation value or those most vulnerable/sensitive will be identified and placed in the wider context of the surrounding area. Any potential impacts will be identified and assessed and mitigation measures outlined. Get in touch to find out more about our Flora and Fauna Survey Services Cork Ecology also offer a complete range of surveying … [Read more...]

Cork Ecology has considerable experience conducting seabird and marine mammal surveys in the waters around Ireland and the UK. Having worked for the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) for several years, and with staff accredited in European Seabirds at Sea (ESAS) marine survey technique, we are available to carry out seabird and marine mammal surveys for offshore wind-farm developments, oil and gas developments and seismic surveys. Cork Ecology staff have considerable experience of conducting seabird colony counts using standard species methods. Previous survey work includes St Kilda and the Western Isles for Seabird 2000 and colony counts in Ireland and north-east … [Read more...]

Cork Ecology specialise in conducting detailed assessments of hen harrier activity around developments such as wind farms and landfill sites etc, as part of the EIA process. The hen harrier is on Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive, and is an Amber-listed species in Ireland. Wind farms or other developments within areas of importance for hen harrier are subject to Environmental Impact Assessment. Please get in touch for more information on our hen harrier surveys There are two components to the assessment : Phase 1 is a pre-breeding survey, looking for displaying birds and is generally carried out in April / Early May to establish the number of birds holding territory locally. Phase … [Read more...]

In addition to carrying out marine surveys, Cork Ecology offer a complete data analysis service for marine survey data consisting of data entry, data analysis and map production. Results are then produced as a final report to be incorporated into an EIA. For long-term offshore wind farm site monitoring we can manage the survey database and produce species distribution maps for client progress reports, as required. Contact us for more information on our Data Analysis and Mapping services Recent Projects Seabird and marine mammal data validation, analysis and distribution mapping for the UK Round 3 Hornsea offshore wind farm development, 2009 - 2011  Seabird and marine mammal … [Read more...]

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a process of appraisal through which environmental protection and sustainable development may be considered, and factored into national and local decisions regarding government (and other) policies, plans and programmes. The UK Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have conducted a sequence of sectoral SEAs considering the implications of further licensing of the UK continental shelf (UKCS) for oil and gas exploration and production. Wind power and other renewable energy developments are also covered by the DECC SEA process. Please get in touch for more information on our SEA Services Recent Projects A review of … [Read more...]

Prior to conducting an EIA flora and fauna assessment of a development site, it can be advantageous to carry out a desk-top environmental assessment of the study area to highlight gaps in baseline environmental information, allowing a more focused and cost effective survey plan to be drawn up. These reviews can be produced as scoping documents, drawing together existing knowledge of an area and detailing proposed aspects for further baseline study for discussion with relevant planning authorities. Cork Ecology can carry out desk-top environmental assessments or produce scoping documents for specific projects, as required. Get in touch for more details on our desk based assessment … [Read more...]

Breeding bird surveys : Cork Ecology offer a range of bird surveys including territory mapping, habitat usage, transects, point counts and general site surveys. Winter bird surveys : Cork Ecology staff are available for surveys of wintering bird species including wader and wildfowl counts, habitat usage studies and general site surveys. Seabird colony surveys : Cork Ecology staff have considerable experience of conducting seabird colony counts using standard species methods. Previous survey work includes St Kilda and the Western Isles for Seabird 2000 and colony counts in NE Scotland. Terrestrial mammal surveys : Cork Ecology staff are available for surveys and monitoring … [Read more...]