joe whittick

With autumn approaching, the passage and non-breeding bird survey seasons are getting underway, making now a good time to consider survey requirements for projects progressing through planning over the coming year. At Avian Ecology, our team provides comprehensive ornithological survey and assessment services across the UK, supporting projects from early feasibility and site design through […]

The Cromarty Green Hydrogen Production Facility (CGHPF) is a flagship 15 MW green hydrogen electrolysis facility at Alness, near Inverness. Developed by Protium, the project represents the first stage of the wider Highland Hydrogen Hub and received planning permission from The Highland Council in August 2026. Avian Ecology, working alongside RSK, provided comprehensive ecological support

Defra has published new guidance setting out how mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) will operate for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) in England. From 2 November 2026, applications for Development Consent Orders (DCOs) will be required to demonstrate a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain, supported by the relevant Biodiversity Gain Statement. The new guidance provides

The Avian Ecology team recently swapped surveys and reports for buggies and hovercrafts as we came together for our summer social at Hover Force in Frodsham – conveniently located right next door to our ongoing Frodsham Solar project. The day was a great opportunity to bring together colleagues from across the business, including members of

Avian Ecology is delighted to welcome Nicole Robinson back to the team as Technical Director (Ornithology). Nicole brings over 15 years of experience in ecological consultancy, with extensive expertise in the ornithological assessment of renewable energy and major infrastructure projects across the UK and Ireland. She has led the delivery of numerous complex onshore wind

We’re delighted to announce the opening of Avian’s new South East office at Throws Farm, near Braintree, Essex. This latest expansion marks another important milestone in our continued growth and reflects increasing demand for our ecological consultancy services across the South and East of England. Over recent years, we have supported a wide range of

We’re pleased to see the Fosse Way Solar Farm project consented following appeal. This project was particularly rewarding for the Avian Ecology team, as we supported it throughout the planning process – from the initial ecological surveys and assessment work through to the appeal stage. Our work included habitat surveys, breeding bird surveys, great crested

We’re proud to see the publication of Solar Farms & Skylarks, a new Solar Energy UK guidance document authored by our Technical Director, Howard Fearn. The paper brings together the latest ecological evidence, planning policy and industry experience relating to Skylarks and solar farm development, helping to inform one of the most frequently debated topics

We’re pleased to see the Cobham Solar project successfully consented following appeal. Avian Ecology provided ecology and ornithology support to the appeal team, helping to demonstrate that the scheme could deliver renewable energy generation alongside meaningful biodiversity enhancements. The project includes significant biodiversity net gain, with habitat creation and management measures that will enhance ecological

We’re excited to announce the next step for Avian Ecology. From 1st June, Joe Whittick will take on the role of Managing Director, while our founder Howard Fearn moves into a Technical Director role, continuing to support clients and projects with his extensive technical expertise. This marks an exciting new chapter for Avian Ecology, with