Autumn and winter bring significant changes to the bird populations of Scotland and Northern England. Birds that bred locally in spring and summer may move elsewhere, while large numbers of migratory birds arrive from Iceland, Greenland, Scandinavia, continental Europe and the Arctic. Estuaries, wetlands, reservoirs, agricultural fields, upland habitats, forests and coastal areas can become … Read more
Introduction: August is still a high-risk month Across Scotland, August is a busy period for renewable energy, infrastructure, forestry and housing projects. Site teams are often trying to complete earthworks, enabling works and commissioning before winter weather and shorter daylight hours slow progress. But August is not a low-risk month for ecology. Many protected species … Read more
By early August, many construction and land-management teams are looking ahead to autumn mobilisation. Site compounds are being planned, access routes are being opened, drainage corridors are being set out, and vegetation clearance packages are being priced. It is also common to hear that “the nesting season is nearly over” or that work can begin … Read more
Late July is an important point in the ecology calendar. For many development teams, the summer still appears to have a considerable distance to run.
Invasive Species in Scotland and Northern England: Why Early Ecological Support Protects Projects, Land and Biodiversity Invasive non-native species are among the most persistent environmental challenges facing landowners, developers, contractors, estates, local authorities and infrastructure providers across Scotland and Northern England. They are often treated as a problem to be dealt with “later” or as … Read more
An Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) is an on-site ecological specialist appointed during enabling works and construction to prevent ecological harm, ensure agreed mitigation is implemented correctly, and reduce the risk of committing offences against protected species/habitats. NatureScot explicitly recommends using an ECoW for some major or sensitive developments to monitor construction activity and advise … Read more
Nancy Stewart of Veon Ecology gave a fascinating and detailed talk on Scottish Beavers to the entire Veon team at the recent bi annual gathering. The successful reintroduction of the European beaver to Scotland into selected sites was examined and how they are building natural dams, reducing flood risk and increasing biodiversity in their habitat. Veon … Read more
Veon Ecology visited a site at Clyde Windfarm near Abington while conducting ECoW work to help identify nesting birds prior to the clearing of Sitka spruce for habitat regeneration. Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) involvement is crucial when preparing to clear Sitka spruce for habitat regeneration, especially to protect nesting birds. Sitka spruce, whilst a … Read more
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) was introduced this year by the English Government and proclaimed as the solution to building houses while still protecting the environment. Is BNG really the panacea to help address the biodiversity crisis? Read about it here in our latest issue of Eyes on Ecology
An NVC survey provides a botanical survey of a particular site and is usually required when there is a large-scale project taking place. Examples of this would be a major road, a power station, or if when gas pipelines are being installed. It also provides baseline information for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). On this … Read more
Great coverage for Veon and Veon Ecology in Confor’s Forest & Timber News Magazine February – March 2025 edition Confor’s Forest & Timber News Magazine February – March 2025 edition
Veon Ecologists conducted an ecological impact assessment for a battery energy storage system near Halkirk just 7 miles south of Thurso in Scotland. Battery storage is a technology that enables power system operators and utilities to store energy for later use. A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is an electrochemical device that charges from the … Read more
