Andrew Whitelee obtained his SNH Schedule 1 bird survey licence

Congratulations to Andrew Whitelee who last week obtained his Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Schedule 1
bird survey licence. Andrew is a Senior Ecologist and Ornithologist with Ellendale Environmental and has undertaken ecology surveys and ECoW roles throughout the country since joining the team. 

Andrew has a passion for bird surveys and, as well as being an ornithologist for Ellendale Environmental, he spends much of his own time bird watching and is a trustee of Wader Quest.

In order to obtain his Schedule 1 licence Andrew had to demonstrate that he has excellent bird identification knowledge and demonstrate to SNH his awareness of all the best practice guidelines and survey methods for Schedule 1 species.

Schedule 1 birds are specially protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This means that it is an offence to intentionally disturb these birds whilst they are building a nest, or in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young, or to disturb dependent young even if not in the nest.

Much of the survey work undertaken by Andrew and Ellendale Environmental is to monitor bird species, including Schedule 1 species, ahead of construction activities on projects such as overhead lines, substations, wind farms and development projects. Using the Schedule 1 licence means Andrew is now permitted to approach the nest to record breeding behaviours, not just the nest locations. These
details will be used to correctly develop mitigation specific to the project and avoid disturbance to bird species.

Ellendale Environmental are ideally placed to offer bird survey and mitigation advice.  If you would
like to discuss your project requirements please contact us at info@ellendale-environmental.co.uk.