HomeMy WebLinkAbout2560400 - F.I. Received Doc. - Ecological Impact Assessment: Appendix : : Bat Mitigation & Monitoring Plan
Clones Single Wind Turbine
Ecological Impact Assessment
Appendix 1: Bat Mitigation & Monitoring Plan
Doherty Environmental Consultants Ltd.
August 2026 RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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Clones Single Wind Turbine
Bat Mitigation & Monitoring Plan
Document Stage Document Version Prepared by
Final 1 Pat Doherty MSc, MCIEEM
RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 BMMP AIMS ........................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 PURPOSE OF THE BMMP ....................................................................................................... 2
2.2 BMMP OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................... 2
2.3 LEGISLATION & POLICY CONTEXT ........................................................................................ 2
3.0 OVERVIEW OF BAT ECOLOGY AT CLONES SINGLE WIND TURBINE ................ 4
4.0 BAT ACTIVITY MONITORING .......................................................................................... 5
4.1 MONITORING DURATION ....................................................................................................... 5
4.2 MONITORING OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................... 5
4.3 MONITORING METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................... 5
4.3.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................... 5
4.3.2 Static Bat Detectors ................................................................................................................... 6
4.3.3 Weather & Operational Data .................................................................................................... 7
5.0 BAT CARCASS MONITORING ........................................................................................... 8
5.1 MONITORING DURATION ....................................................................................................... 8
5.2 MONITORING OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................... 8
5.3 SEARCH METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................... 8
5.3.1 Survey Personnel ....................................................................................................................... 8
5.3.2 Search Area ................................................................................................................................ 8
5.3.3 Class Conditions in Search Plots ............................................................................................... 9
5.3.4 Search Frequency ...................................................................................................................... 9
5.3.5 Search Method ......................................................................................................................... 11
5.3.6 Carcass Persistence and Searcher Efficiency Trials ............................................................... 12
5.4 MORTALITY THRESHOLDS ................................................................................................... 13
5.5 ANALYSIS OF MONITORING DATA ....................................................................................... 15
6.0 REPORTING ......................................................................................................................... 16
6.1 REPORT CONTENT................................................................................................................ 16
6.2 CONSULTATION ................................................................................................................... 16
7.0 ADAPTIVE MITIGATION .................................................................................................. 18
7.1 BLADE FEATHERING ............................................................................................................ 18
7.2 CURTAILMENT ..................................................................................................................... 18
7.3 HABITAT MANAGEMENT ...................................................................................................... 19
7.4 ADDITIONAL MONITORING .................................................................................................. 20 RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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7.5 SIGNIFICANT MORTALITY EVENTS ...................................................................................... 20
8.0 REVIEW OF BMMP ............................................................................................................. 22
8.1 ANNUAL REVIEW ................................................................................................................. 22
8.2 FIVE-YEAR REVIEW ............................................................................................................. 22
8.3 EXTENSION/MODIFICATION OF BMMP ............................................................................... 22
9.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................................... 24
9.1 APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................. 24
9.2 ECOLOGICAL CLERK OF WORKS / ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANT .......................................... 24
10.0 CONCLUSION ...................................................................................................................... 25
APPENDIX 1: FATALITY THRESHOLD CALCULATION TOOL .......................................... 28
RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
This Bat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (BMMP) has been prepared to accompany the
Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) for the Clones Single Wind Turbine (the “Proposed
Development”). The purpose of this BMMP is to set out the measures that will be implemented
to avoid and minimise adverse effects to local bat populations during the operational phase as
well as to monitor bat activity such that adaptive mitigation measures can be implemented as
necessary. The BMMP has been developed in accordance with the findings of the bat surveys
set out in the EcIA and provides a framework for the implementation, management and
verification of mitigation measures throughout the lifetime of the Proposed Development.
The BMMP has been prepared with due regard to the requirements of the Wildlife Act 1976
(as amended) and current best-practice guidance, including Northern Ireland Environmental
Agency (NIEA) Natural Environment Division (NED) Guidance on Bat Surveys, Assessment
and Mitigation for Onshore Wind Turbine Development in Northern Ireland (NIEA, 2026) and
Bat Conservation Ireland’s Bat Survey, Assessment and Mitigation Guidelines for Onshore
Wind in Ireland (2026).
The BMMP should be read in conjunction with the EcIA, which presents the baseline ecological
surveys, impact assessment and mitigation strategy for the Proposed Development. The
mitigation measures contained within this BMMP are based upon the baseline survey findings,
including bat activity surveys, habitat assessments and roost suitability assessments, together
with an evaluation of the potential risks associated with habitat loss, disturbance, displacement,
barrier effects and collision mortality. The BMMP also establishes the post-construction
monitoring requirements necessary to verify the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation,
facilitate adaptive management where required, and demonstrate compliance with relevant
statutory obligations.
Implementation of this BMMP will be the responsibility of the Applicant and its appointed
contractors, with ecological oversight provided by a suitably qualified and experienced bat
ecologist.
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2.0 BMMP AIMS
2.1 PURPOSE OF THE BMMP
This BMMP has been prepared to support the operational phase of the Proposed Development.
The purpose of the BMMP is to establish a robust framework for operational phase monitoring
of bat activity and bat mortality, and to define an adaptive mitigation strategy to ensure that the
wind farm operates in accordance with relevant wildlife legislation, planning conditions, and
current best-practice guidance.
This BMMP has been prepared in order to satisfy requirements for operational phase protection
and monitoring of bat species at the Proposed Development site. This BMMP establishes the
minimum required mitigation and monitoring, and shall be updated following any grant of
permission for the Proposed Development to take on board the requirements as may be
identified by any associated planning conditions or informative.
2.2 BMMP OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this BMMP are to:
• Monitor operational phase bat activity across the Proposed Development site over a
period of five years;
• Monitor bat mortality through systematic carcass searches at all turbine locations over
a period of five years;
• Assess whether turbine operation is resulting in significant adverse effects on bat
populations;
• Provide annual monitoring reports to the planning authority;
• Establish adaptive mitigation and contingency measures where required, including
turbine curtailment; and
• Provide mechanisms for periodic review of monitoring and mitigation measures.
2.3 LEGISLATION & POLICY CONTEXT
The monitoring and mitigation measures outlined within this BMMP have been developed with
reference to the following legislation and guidance:
• Wildlife Act 1976, (as amended); RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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• Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) guidance;
• NIEA NED’s Guidance on Bat Surveys, Assessment and Mitigation for Onshore Wind
Turbine Developments in Northern Ireland;
• Bat Conservation Ireland guidance on bats and onshore wind turbines;
• NatureScot guidance on bats and onshore wind turbines;
• EUROBATS Publication Series guidance;
• Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) survey guidance.
RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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3.0 OVERVIEW OF BAT ECOLOGY AT CLONES SINGLE WIND TURBINE
The Proposed Development site is located within a rural landscape in Co. Monaghan and is
dominated by a grassland habitats with blocks of conifer plantation also occurring.
Baseline ecological surveys (refer to EcIA Section 4.4.2) identified the following bat taxa as
active at the Proposed Development site:
• Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus);
• Soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus);
• Leisler’s bat (Nyctalus leisleri);
Activity was high for these three species throughout the monitoring period according to the
Kepel (2011) bat activity classification adapted for Ireland.
During the 2025 monitoring the following results were identified:
• A total of 4,888 bat passes were recorded. lowland blanket bog
• Activity dominated by Common pipistrelle and Leisler's bat, followed by Soprano
pipistrelle. Myotis species, Nathusius pipistrelle and brown long-eared bat were not
recorded during the monitoring session, although the proposed development lies with
the range of these species in Ireland. The lesser horseshoe bats were not recorded during
the baseline surveys and the proposed development lies outside the range of this species
in Ireland.
Leisler's bat, Common pipistrelle and Soprano pipistrelle have been identified as high-risk
species to collision with turbines by NatureScot and the NIEA in their published guidance’s for
the assessment of bats at onshore wind energy developments. As such the presence of these
species at the Proposed Development site, at high levels of activity, has triggered the need for
the provision of this BMMP. The monitoring and adaptive mitigation strategy described below
has been designed to account for the potential susceptibility of these species to collision risk
and barotrauma associated with wind turbine operation.
RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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4.0 BAT ACTIVITY MONITORING
4.1 MONITORING DURATION
Post-construction bat activity monitoring shall be undertaken annually for a period of five years
following commissioning of the wind farm.
Monitoring Year 1 shall commence during the first full bat activity season following turbine
commissioning.
The bat activity season shall comprise the period of the year from April to October inclusive,
subject to prevailing weather conditions.
4.2 MONITORING OBJECTIVES
The objectives for the operation phase activity monitoring are to:
• Quantify bat activity levels across the operational wind farm;
• Assess patterns of bat activity in relation to turbine operation;
• Identify species composition and temporal patterns of activity;
• Identify any spatial concentration of activity;
• Inform assessment of collision risk;
• Inform adaptive mitigation where required.
4.3 MONITORING METHODOLOGY
4.3.1 Overview
Monitoring shall be undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced bat ecologists.
The methodology shall accord with current best practice guidance available at the time of
survey, including relevant guidance published by the NIEA, NatureScot, Bat Consesrvation
Ireland, Bat Conservation Trust and EUROBATS.
Monitoring shall comprise a combination of: RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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• Static automated bat detectors;
• Weather data collection;
• Turbine operational data review.
4.3.2 Static Bat Detectors
Static full-spectrum automated bat detectors shall be deployed annually throughout the five-
year monitoring period.
4.3.2.1 Detector Locations
A representative sample of detector locations shall be selected to include:
• One at the Turbine base;
• Detector at turbine blade-sweep height locations where feasible;
Control points will be provided as part of the monitoring. The control points will be located
outside of the 87m bat buffer implemented as part of the proposed development. Two no. static
detector control points will be selected, one along the reamining boundary of the conifer
plantation to the west of the proposed turbine and bat buffer and the second along the hedgerow
adjacent to the ruined structure to the southeast of the proposed turbine location.
4.3.2.2 Survey Effort
Static detector monitoring shall include:
A minimum of 10 consecutive survey nights per season i.e. Spring, Summer and Autumn;
Monitoring will be completed between April and October inclusive, with spring monitoring to
be completed between April and May; summer monitoring to be completed between June and
August; and Autumn monitoring to be completed between September and October;
Detectors shall be programmed to record bat activity nightly during monitoring sessions,
commencing at 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise. RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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4.3.3 Weather & Operational Data
Meteorological and turbine operational data shall be collected concurrently with bat monitoring
sessions.
Data shall include:
• Wind speed;
• Temperature;
• Rainfall;
• Humidity;
• Turbine operational status;
• Rotor speed;
• Curtailment periods, if any during the monitoring session.
This information shall be used to assess relationships between bat activity, weather conditions
and operational parameters.
RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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5.0 BAT CARCASS MONITORING
5.1 MONITORING DURATION
Bat carcass searches shall be undertaken at the operational turbine for a period of five years
following commissioning in accordance with the NatureScot guidance, Eurobats Publication
no 6, and the NIEA NED guidance updated in July 2026, or any subsequent updated guidance.
5.2 MONITORING OBJECTIVES
The objectives of carcass monitoring are to:
• Identify turbine-related bat mortality;
• Determine species affected;
• Assess temporal and spatial mortality patterns;
• Inform adaptive mitigation and operational management.
5.3 SEARCH METHODOLOGY
5.3.1 Survey Personnel
Searches shall be undertaken by suitably qualified ecologists experienced in bat carcass
detection.
Search personnel shall be trained in:
• Carcass identification;
• Search protocols;
• Biosecurity procedures;
• Data recording.
5.3.2 Search Area
Searches shall be conducted around the operational turbine. The search radius shall extend to
at least 50 metres from the turbine base, i.e. an approximate search area of 100m x 100m grid
centred on the turbine. RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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Prior to the commencement of the survey transect lines shall be drawn using Arc GIS within
the search plot for the turbine. Transects will be drawn 5m apart within the search plot with a
total of 20 transects per turbine search plot, however, in vegetation which is hard to search (e.g.
tall heather) this width should be reduced accordingly. All transects will be aligned on an east
to west axis in the turbine search plots. Each transect shall be numbered. All transects will be
made available on ESRI Field Maps (or similar) to facilitate use of transect by searcher in the
field.
5.3.3 Class Conditions in Search Plots
There is evidence that search efficiency is influenced by the height and type of vegetation
(Morrison 2002). As such conditions on the ground will be reviewed during a search plot
assessment prior to the commencement of the bat carcass monitoring and the first search of
each monitoring year. The “searchability class” of ground cover within the turbine search plot
shall be recorded in line with Limpens et al (2013) using the following descriptions:
1. Bare: paved, bare ground, thin, low vegetation with a cover of less than 10%;
vegetation lower than 20cm
2. Half covered: grass-like or herb vegetation; cover 10 – 75%; vegetation lower than
20cm.
3. Completely covered: grass-like or herb vegetation; cover > 75%, vegetation higher than
20cm but lower than 50cm.
4. Too densely covered/inaccessible: herb vegetation higher than 50cm; thicket and
bushes, hedgerows, wooded area, crops not to be damaged, deposit of stones/boulder
rock, open water or wetland.
The search plot ground conditions shall be inputted into a GIS database and searchability class
maps shall be prepared for the turbine search plot.
5.3.4 Search Frequency
Search frequency shall follow the NIEA NED July 2026 guidance, which states:
‘Carcass searches should be split into blocks of survey effort within which regular searches
take place. Searches should take place every 2-4 days within each survey block with one search RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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every two days the recommended frequency for most sites. However, sites with high levels of
carcass removal through predation or scavenging may require daily searches. There should be
no more than 4 days between each search.
Survey blocks should be between 5 and 10 days with the minimum number of searches within
each block being 3.
For example, in a 10 day survey block:
• a search every 2 days = total of 5 searches (day 1, day 3, day 5, day 7, day 9)
• a search every 3 days = total of 4 searches (day 1, day 4, day 7, day 10)
• a search every 4 days = total of 3 searches (day 1, day 5, day 10)
Survey blocks should cover at least two seasons (including summer) on low risk single turbine
sites but should cover every season on wind farms and higher risk single turbine sites, with
higher coverage during the summer or other high risk period.
Carcass searches should be timed to only occur on mornings after a night when there has been
favourable weather conditions for bat activity and the wind turbine has been operational.’
The recommended minimum survey effort will be completed in accordance with the details
requirements set out for a low risk site as set out in Table 1 of the NIEA NED Guidance Table
1. The extent of this survey effort is set out in Table 5.1 below.
RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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Table 5.1: Minimum standards of bat survey effort for wind farms
Site Risk Level
(taking into account habitat features and records of bats in the area)
Low
Carcass
Searches
(Mortality
Monitoring)
Minimum of 15 carcass searches per turbine across the survey period,
covering each season.
For example: 3 survey blocks of 10 days, covering each season, with a
minimum of 5 evenly spaced searches taking place during each block - e.g.
day 1, day 3, day 5, day 7, and day 9.
Alternatively: 5 survey blocks of 5 days with a minimum of 3 evenly
spaced searches taking place during each block - e.g. day 1, day 3 and day
5.1
5.3.5 Search Method
The search method will follow the methods described in the Eurobats guidelines which are as
follows:
• The searcher shall walk each transect at a slow and regular pace, looking for fatalities
within a 2.5m distance either side of each transect line (each transect line will be
separated by 5m).
• The searcher shall remain alert throughout the search for field signs that may indicate
the presence of carcasses. For instance, mobile insects (for example wasps,
grasshoppers, flies etc.) are attracted to carcasses. Each search shall start within 30
minutes after sunrise, to minimise removal of carcasses that have appeared during the
previous night by daytime scavengers and when the lighting conditions enable any dead
bats to be seen.
The following shall be recorded:
1 The exact breakdown of carcass search effort can be left up to professional judgement on a site by site basis
as long as the total number of searches meets the minimum effort, there is a minimum of 3 searches in each
survey block (separated by no more than 4 days) and searches are carried out concurrently with automated
surveys. RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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• Species (where identifiable);
• Age and sex where possible;
• Carcass condition;
• Location using GPS;
• Distance and bearing from turbine;
• Date and time;
• Weather conditions.
All carcasses shall be photographed and recorded.
Where required, carcasses shall be handled in accordance with relevant licensing and
biosecurity requirements.
5.3.6 Carcass Persistence and Searcher Efficiency Trials
To improve interpretation of mortality data, the following trials shall be undertaken during
Years 1 and 2:
• Carcass persistence trials;
• Searcher efficiency trials.
These trials shall be used to estimate carcass detection probability and scavenger removal rates.
The requirement for repeated trials in subsequent years shall be reviewed based on findings and
agreement with the planning authority.
The NIEA NED Guidance provides the following advice to correct for survey biases:
‘…an estimate of carcass removal rates and searcher efficiency should be carried out at each
wind turbine site. This will require at least two trained personnel to be involved – the seeker
and the tester. Carcass removal trials and searcher efficiency trials can be combined in an
integrated trial as they are both time sensitive. Using this method the same test carcasses should
be used for both trials and left in place for the duration of the survey period. Further guidance
on carcass removal trials, searcher efficiency trials and on the estimation of mortality rates is
contained within the NatureScot guidance and Eurobats No.6.’ RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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5.4 MORTALITY THRESHOLDS
The following indicative thresholds shall trigger review of mitigation measures:
• Repeated mortality events;
• Concentrated mortality during specific weather conditions;
• Mortality rates exceeding predicted levels;
Thresholds may be refined following consultation with the planning authority and statutory
consultees.
The annual mortality threshold to be applied for this BMMP is based on an adapted use of
potential biological removal (PBR) as set out by Frick et al. (2026)2. Frick et al. have published
a fatality threshold calculation tool that incorporates modified principles of PBR, general bat
reproductive biology, IUCN status, local bat ecology, and facility area to define fatality
thresholds for individual wind farms. This tool has been used to calculate the annual fatality
threshold for Pipistrelle species and Leisler's bat. Whilst Myotis species and Brown long-eared
bat were not recorded during the baseline surveys it is noted that the proposed development is
situated within the range of these species in Ireland. As such annual fatality thresholds have
also been calculated for these taxa. Table 5.2 sets out the annual fatality thresholds, as
calculated using the fatality threshold calculation tool, that will apply for each species during
the operation phase of the proposed development. The minimum and maximum bat density
estimates used in the model for Pipistrelle species, Myotis species and Brown long-eared bat
have been sourced from Frick et al.. It is noted that Leisler's bat population densities in Ireland
is substantially higher than in the UK and other parts of Europe. As such for the purposes of
calculating PBR fatality thresholds a crude island wide average density derived from population
estimates3 has been used to approximate the minimum and maximum densities per km2 for
2 Frick, W. F., Whitby, M., Wilson, D., MacEwan, K. L., Hulka, S., Akre, K. L., & O’Mara, M. T.
(2026). A global decision framework for reducing bat fatalities at wind energy facilities. Ecological
Solutions and Evidence, 7, e70189. https://doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.70189
3 Roche, N. & Langton, S. (2024) Population estimates, trends and background information for six
Irish bat species. Article 17 reporting 2018 -2023: Supporting document. Unpublished report to RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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Leisler's bat. On this basis the minimum and maximum densities per km2 for Leisler's bat range
from 1.6–2.9 individuals/km².
Table 5.2: Annual PBR Fatality Thresholds
Species PBR Fatality Threshold
Pipistrelle species (Pipistrellus pipistrellus,
Pipistrellus pygmaeus, Pipistrellus nathusius)
4
Leisler's bat (Nyctalus leisleri) 3
Brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) 2
Myotis Species 1
The fatality threshold calculation tool output table is presented as Appendix 2.
It is noted that the calculation of the PBR Fatality Threshold may well evolve during the
intervening time period between the finalisation of this BMMP and the commencement of
monitoring. As such the Project Bat Ecologist will be responsible for reviewing the above
fatality thresholds prior to the commencement of monitoring to confirm their continued
applicability or to update in line with current best scientific knowledge.
National Parks & Wildlife Service. https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/2018-
2023Art17SupportingDocument_Bats.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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5.5 ANALYSIS OF MONITORING DATA
Bat calls shall be analysed by an experienced bat ecologist using recognised acoustic analysis
software (e.g. Kaleidoscope Project software or other similar software).
Analysis shall include:
• Identification of bat calls recorded during monitoring to species levels for pipistrelle,
noctule and long-eared species; and identification to genus level for Myotis species;
• Calculation of the nightly bat activity in terms of bat pass per hour for each night of
monitoring;
• Calculation of the activity for each species for each monitoring session based on the
median bat pass per hour for each session
• A description of temporal activity patterns;
• A description of spatial distribution of bat activity;
• Correlation of bat activity with weather and turbine operational data.
RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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6.0 REPORTING
An annual monitoring report shall be prepared following completion of each monitoring year.
Reports shall be submitted to the planning authority within three months of the end of each
monitoring year.
6.1 REPORT CONTENT
Each annual report shall include:
• Overview of monitoring undertaken;
• Survey methodologies employed;
• Survey dates and weather conditions;
• Bat activity survey results;
• Carcass search results;
• Species records;
• Analysis of activity and mortality trends;
• Assessment of turbine-related impacts;
• Details of any mitigation measures implemented;
• Recommendations for subsequent monitoring years.
The report shall also include:
• Maps showing detector locations and carcass finds;
• Summary tables and appendices;
• Raw data where required.
6.2 CONSULTATION
Where significant mortality or unexpected impacts are identified, the Applicant shall consult
with:
• The planning authority; RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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• Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) Natural Environment Division (NED);
• Relevant ecological advisors.
Consultation shall determine whether additional mitigation measures are necessary
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7.0 ADAPTIVE MITIGATION
The monitoring programme shall operate within an adaptive management framework.
Monitoring findings shall be reviewed annually to determine whether mitigation measures
remain effective and proportionate. Where monitoring identifies elevated collision risk or
mortality, additional mitigation measures shall be implemented.
Options for adaptive mitigation and contingency that will be available as required in order to
minimise risk to bats during the operation phase include:
• Blade Feathering;
• Operation Curtailment;
• Habitat Management; and
• Additional Monitoring
7.1 BLADE FEATHERING
There is evidence that bat casualties at wind farms is reduced by pitching the blades out of the
wind (“feathering”) to reduce rotation speeds below 2 rpm while idling. Arnett et al. have
reported this reduction to be in the order of 50% when compared with normal idling. In view
of this, all turbine blades will be required to be feathered during idling. The implementation
of this measure is in line with the current NIEA NED guidelines Guidance on “Bat Surveys,
Assessment and Mitigation for Onshore Wind Turbine Developments in Northern Ireland”.
7.2 CURTAILMENT
Operational curtailment shall be considered where monitoring identifies significant bat
mortality or elevated activity associated with specific operational conditions.
Curtailment measures may include:
• Increasing turbine cut-in speed during high-risk periods;
• Feathering turbine blades below specified wind speeds;
• Seasonal shutdown during peak bat activity;
• Night-time curtailment under defined weather conditions. RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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Indicative curtailment triggers may include conditions when all the following criteria occur at
once:
• Low wind speeds;
• Temperatures above 10°C;
• Low rainfall;
• Peak activity periods between sunset and sunrise.
Specific curtailment parameters shall be informed by monitoring data and agreed with the
planning authority and NIEA.
7.3 HABITAT MANAGEMENT
The EcIA has set out a requirement for the implementation of a bat buffer for the operation
phase of the proposed development. The following habitat management principles shall apply
throughout the operational life of the Proposed Development (35 years):
• The turbine buffer zone established around the operational turbine shall be managed to
maintain low levels of habitat attractiveness for foraging and commuting bats. Habitat
management within this area shall avoid the creation of features that could concentrate
bat activity immediately adjacent to turbine blades, including woodland edges, dense
scrub, tree planting, wetland habitats, or species-rich linear features.
• Areas of forestry removed to accommodate turbine infrastructure and bat buffer
distances shall be managed in accordance with the above requirement. Regenerating
scrub, self-seeded trees and commercial forestry within the buffer zones shall be
monitored and controlled where necessary to maintain the intended separation distance
between suitable bat habitat and the operational turbine.
• Native hedgerow planting, woodland enhancement and other biodiversity gain
measures proposed under the wider habitat management proposed as part of the
proposed development have been located and designed to ensure that they do not create
new commuting corridors or focal foraging areas that direct bat activity towards the
operational turbine. RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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• The Bat surveyor shall liaise with the project ECoW to ensure that habitat restoration
and biodiversity enhancement measures remain compatible with bat collision risk
mitigation objectives throughout the operational life of the wind turbine.
This integrated approach will ensure that habitat management measures are achieved while
maintaining an appropriate level of protection for bat populations and avoiding the creation of
habitat conditions that could increase collision risk at the operational turbine.
7.4 ADDITIONAL MONITORING
Where required, monitoring intensity may be increased through:
• Additional detector deployment;
• Increased carcass search frequency; and
• Thermal imaging or radar surveys;
7.5 SIGNIFICANT MORTALITY EVENTS
Where a significant mortality event4 is identified, the following actions shall be undertaken:
1. Immediate notification to the planning authority and NPWS;
2. Review of operational and meteorological conditions;
4 Significant Mortality Event shall be defined as:
• Exceedance of any of the species-specific annual fatality thresholds set out in Appendix 1: Table
1;
• The discovery of any casualty of a species with an annual fatality threshold of zero within a
monitoring year;
• The discovery of multiple bat casualties within a single monitoring period indicating a potential
collision event associated with particular weather or operational conditions; or
• Any mortality event considered by the Project Bat Ecologist to indicate an unexpected or
potentially significant impact on bat populations.
The above criteria have been developed specifically for the Proposed Development using the species -
specific fatality threshold approach set out in this BMMP and do not constitute statutory significance
thresholds. RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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3. Assessment of species affected;
4. Implementation of interim mitigation where appropriate;
5. Review and update of the BMMP.
RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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8.0 REVIEW OF BMMP
8.1 ANNUAL REVIEW
The effectiveness of monitoring and mitigation measures shall be reviewed annually.
The review shall consider:
• Monitoring results;
• Mortality trends;
• Effectiveness of mitigation measures;
• Advances in guidance and best practice;
• Operational changes.
Recommendations for modifications to monitoring effort or mitigation measures shall be
included within annual reports.
8.2 FIVE-YEAR REVIEW
At the conclusion of Year 5, a comprehensive review shall be undertaken.
The review shall assess:
• Long-term bat activity trends;
• Mortality rates;
• Effectiveness of mitigation measures;
• Need for continued monitoring.
8.3 EXTENSION/MODIFICATION OF BMMP
Following the five-year review, the planning authority may require:
• Extension of monitoring beyond five years;
• Continuation or modification of mitigation measures; RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
Clones SWT 23
• Introduction of additional operational controls.
Where monitoring demonstrates consistently low activity and mortality rates, the planning
authority may agree to reduce or conclude monitoring requirements.
RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
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9.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
9.1 APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITIES
The Applicant shall:
• Ensure implementation of this BMMP;
• Appoint suitably qualified ecological consultants;
• Facilitate access for monitoring;
• Maintain records of operational data;
• Implement agreed mitigation measures.
9.2 ECOLOGICAL CLERK OF WORKS / ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANT
The appointed Bat Ecologist responsible for undertaking monitoring shall:
• Undertake monitoring in accordance with this BMMP;
• Analyse survey data;
• Prepare annual reports;
• Advise on mitigation measures;
• Liaise with the planning authority and statutory consultees where necessary.
RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
Clones SWT 25
10.0 CONCLUSION
This BMMP provides a robust and proportionate framework for operation phase monitoring
and management of bat impacts associated with the Proposed Development. The BMMP has
been informed by the findings of baseline bat surveys which identified a high level of activity
across the monitoring period for Leisler's bat, Common pipistrelle and Soprano pipistrelle . In
accordance with relevant guidance for bats and onshore wind energy developments and the
precautionary principle, a comprehensive programme of post-construction monitoring and
adaptive management will be implemented to verify these conclusions and ensure the continued
protection of bat populations.
The BMMP commits to five years of post-construction monitoring, incorporating both bat
activity surveys and turbine mortality monitoring, together with searcher-efficiency and
carcass-persistence trials. This monitoring programme will generate evidence to inform
assessment of operational effects and determine whether mitigation measures remain effective
throughout the operational monitoring period.
The BMMP also establishes a clear adaptive management framework, whereby monitoring
results will be reviewed annually and appropriate mitigation measures introduced where
required. These measures may include enhanced monitoring, habitat management, turbine
blade feathering and operational curtailment. The inclusion of species-specific mortality
thresholds and defined intervention triggers ensures that any unforeseen impacts can be
identified and addressed at an early stage.
Table 10.1 below provides a summary review of monitoring, reporting and mitigation to be
completed as part of this BMMP, whilst Table 10.2 provides a summary of the adaptive
mitigation framework to be implemented as part of the BMMP. Implementation of the measures
set out for this BMMP will:
• Ensure compliance with planning conditions, current best-practice guidance and
relevant wildlife legislation;
• Verify the conclusions of the Bat Assessment and facilitate robust assessment of
operational impacts on bats;
• Enable adaptive mitigation where required;
• Support the protection and conservation of bat populations within the wider landscape. RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
Clones SWT 26
Overall, this BMMP has been developed in accordance with current best practice guidance and
incorporates appropriate review mechanisms to ensure that monitoring and mitigation remain
proportionate and effective throughout the operational monitoring period for the Proposed
Development and ensures that appropriate mechanisms are in place to maintain a low level of
risk to bats throughout the project’s operational life. Following the grant of planning permission
for the Proposed Development this BMMP shall be updated to incorporate any associated
planning conditions and or informatives related to bats.
Table 10.1: Summary of BMMP Requirements
BMMP Element Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Static detector surveys ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Carcass searches ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Searcher efficiency trials ✓ ✓ Review Review Review
Carcass persistence
trials
✓ ✓ Review Review Review
Annual reporting ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Mitigation review ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
Clones SWT 27
Table 10.2: Summary of Adaptive Mitigation Framework
Monitoring Outcome Potential Response
Elevated bat activity at turbine Increased monitoring and operational review
Repeated mortality incidents Introduction of turbine curtailment
Mortality of high conservation concern
species
Immediate consultation and enhanced mitigation
Seasonal mortality trends identified Seasonal curtailment regime
Ineffective mitigation identified Review and revision of mitigation measures
RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
Clones SWT 28
APPENDIX 1: FATALITY THRESHOLD CALCULATION TOOL RECEIVED: 04/09/2026
Clones SWT 29
Table 1: Fatality Threshold Calculation Tool Output
Recovery
Factor
(based on
IUCN Status)
Bat Demographic Inputs
for Rmax
Project Area and Bat Density Inputs
for Estimating Nmin
Bat
Species IUCN Status
Adult
Survival
Rate
Age at
First
Breeding
Rmax F
Project
Area
(km2)*
Minimum
Bat Density
(bat/km2)#
Maximum
Bat
Density
(bat/km2)
Scaling
Factor Nmin
PBR
Fatality
Threshold
per Facility
Pipistrellus
pipistrellus
LC (Stable or
Increasing) 0.9 1.5 0.24 1 3.14 5.5 18.2 2
32
4
Myotis
Species
LC (Stable or
Increasing) 0.9 1.5 0.24 1 3.14 1 1.8 2
6
1
Plecotus
auritus
LC (Stable or
Increasing) 0.9 1.5 0.24 1 7 1.4 1.66 2
20
2
Nyctalus
leisleri
LC (Stable or
Increasing) 0.9 1.5 0.24 1 7 1.6 2.9 2
22
3
*Note: for this calculation, the Project Area is based on the extent of the core sustenance zone for each species, assuming that the proposed
turbine location represents the centre point of the local population’s core sustenance zone
#Note: the minimum and Maximum Bat Densities are based on the minimum and maximum density values provided by Table S2 of Frick et
al. (2026) and as per Section 5.4 above for Leisler's bats RECEIVED: 04/09/2026