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 non-native species, can still provide shelter and nesting sites for various bird species, including protected ones like crossbills or birds of prey. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), it is illegal to disturb or destroy active nests, making thorough ecological assessments essential before any felling begins.
Veon Ecology ensures compliance with legal obligations by conducting pre-clearance nesting bird surveys and identifying any active nests. This allows contractors and land managers to adjust operations accordingly, such as delaying clearance or creating exclusion zones around nests. The presence of an ECoW also supports best practice in environmental management, ensuring regeneration efforts do not inadvertently harm biodiversity.
Moreover, an ECoW can advise on timing, method, and mitigation to reduce impacts on wildlife, helping to align habitat regeneration goals with conservation responsibilities. Their oversight promotes a responsible, evidence-based approach to land management that protects existing ecological value while facilitating long-term habitat improvements. Overall, ECoWs play a pivotal role in balancing regeneration efforts with biodiversity protection.
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