From time to time we provide information on the latest developments in law, planning policy and research relating to ecology and biodiversity conservation in the UK. We have also created some useful ecological resources that you can download from this page.

Posters

Timing of ecological surveys poster

Timing of ecological mitigation poster (coming soon)

Advice notes

Advice note on wind turbines and wintering farmland bird distribution

Advice note on the effects of wind turbines on bats

Research

Peach, W.J., Vincent, K.E., Fowler, J.A. & Grice, P.V. (2008) Reproductive success of house sparrows along an urban gradient. Animal Conservation 11(6): 493-503.

Senior Ecologist Dr Kate Vincent's research, carried out in partnership with Natural England and the RSPB, examined the reasons for the decline in urban house sparrows in Britain. The research attracted considerable media attention and has been short listed for a national award through The Independent newspaper. Kate's website has more information on the topic.

Devereux, C.L., Denny, M.J.H. & Whittingham, M.J. (2008) Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds. Journal of Applied Ecology 45:1689-1694.

Baker Shepherd Gillespie recently co-funded this research project with Newcastle University, which was designed to assess the effect of wind turbines on the distribution of farmland birds in light of the move towards constructing more wind farms in lowland agricultural areas.