Wind Farm Bird Collision Risk Modelling

Bird collision with turbines is a key potential impact of onshore wind farm developments and requires appropriate consideration in any Ecological Impact Assessment for such projects.

Wind farm bird collision risk modelling is a standard tool used to inform impact assessments, and is likely to be necessary for the majority of large-scale onshore wind farms, as well as small-scale wind clusters depending on potential sensitivities. In the UK, the Band model is generally adopted for this purpose. However, in order for the model to be effective, flight activitiy surveys and data management systems must be designed for this purpose.

This course will introduce the Band collision risk model, cover survey design and data management, and provide participants with the opportunity to work through an example. Interpretation of results will also be discussed, including limitations of the model. Note: the course will focus on the updated model (NatureScot, 2024).

Ecological consultants, Local authority ecologists and planners, Conservation officers within SNCOs and NGOs

Background knowledge in wind farm EcIA and bird ecology would be an advantage. At least basic knowledge of Microsoft Office software and ArcGIS essential.

• Design bird flight activity surveys to inform collision risk modelling (Band model)
• Understand effective methods for managing flight activity data to allow easy use in collision risk modelling (Band model)
• Understand theory of bird collision risk modelling (Band model)
• Understand how to build and run a bird collision risk model (Band model)
• Have basic understanding of how to interpret bird collision risk model results, including limitations (Band model)