As a consultancy involved in delivering essential networks infrastructure, we are supporting a significant number of projects in sensitive parts of the UK. This often means working near designated sites and protected species. Working in these areas doesn’t necessarily mean a binary choice between stopping activity or accepting ecological harm. With the right expertise, planning and on‑the‑ground vigilance, critical infrastructure and renewable energy projects can proceed whilst still ensuring protection of sensitive habitats and species. A great example of this is the work we’ve been carrying out as part of SSEN Distribution’s strategic upgrade of its network in the west of Mull.
About the project
As part of construction phase environmental support our Lead Ecologist, Jenny Diack, has led the ECoW team supervising helicopter pole delivery movements for a new overhead line near Bunessan on Mull – a project which SSEN Distribution has designed to ensure resilience and continuity of supply for customers in the west of Mull. The works are in close proximity to the Cnuic agus Cladach Mhuile SPA and known territories of Schedule 1A species golden eagle, hen harrier and white‑tailed eagle. In sections of the route, movement of equipment by helicopter was required to access remote areas of the site and difficult terrain, accelerating project timelines and reducing costs. This method of transport also reduced ground disturbance and potential impacts on sensitive habitats.
“With the right expertise, planning and on‑the‑ground vigilance, critical infrastructure and renewable energy projects can proceed whilst still ensuring protection of sensitive habitats and species.”
Jenny Diack, Lead Ecologist
our role
Working closely with SSEN Distribution’s principal contractor Aureos, and with field support from EP Ecology ecologists, we avoided a blanket cessation of works during the bird nesting season, adopted a proportionate, risk‑based strategy to ensure the project could be delivered on time whilst minimising the risk to sensitive bird species within the area. This involved:
- Protected Species Risk Assessments prepared in liaison with NatureScot.
- Pre‑works walkovers by ECoW personnel to confirm absence of active nests within agreed disturbance buffers.
- Active monitoring during helicopter operations, with real‑time communication between the ecologist, contractor and aircrew to avoid disturbance when birds were present.
These measures enabled SSEN’s essential network upgrade to progress while maintaining compliance with protected species legislation and minimising disturbance to priority species and habitats.
How we can support you
Our Planning and Development team have been providing ecology support on a variety of projects this year from EcIA, BNG Assessments and Biodiversity Enhancement Plans for BESS and Solar developments to ECoW. If you have any questions or need support on planning‑stage ecology or construction‑phase supervision contact:
Jenny Diack — Lead Ecologist: jenny.diack@blackhallpowis.com
James Wheater — Director, Planning and Development: james.wheater@blackhallpowis.com