Strengthening our offshore ornithology capability – Mike Armitage joins the RPS team

Concern over offshore wind turbine effects on seabirds is one of the key consent risks for offshore wind farm developers. Finding solutions demands well designed surveys and statistically robust analysis of collision risk and displacement from foraging areas.

RPS has successfully been providing offshore ornithology expertise in the UK for over ten years. To ensure we continue delivering pragmatic, expert advice to our clients on this critical issue, Mike Armitage joins the team as Technical Director for offshore ornithology - to support clients locally and internationally, for site assessment, consent and construction.

The UK has already installed more offshore wind generation farms than any other country in the world, with ambitious plans to expand further.

This adds to the risk of cumulative impacts on birds, which makes it critically important that RPS has the in-house capability to advise clients on this topic.

Commenting on his appointment Mike said: “It’s great to see the UK offshore wind industry booming, with up to 7GW of capacity in the Round 4 leases soon to be announced.

It’s incredibly important to find the right balance between environment and industry - so I’m delighted to be back with RPS, working with our clients to understand and assess the interaction between birds and turbines in the offshore environment. I’m also excited by the opportunity to extend our ornithological expertise into the international offshore wind market.”

Mike, who previously led RPS’ ornithology team, returns after 12 years, having worked on a range of on- and offshore renewable developments. In his new role at RPS, Mike will work with Dr. Huw Powell, Operations Director - Energy and Alun Williams, head of RPS’ offshore renewables team. 

Contact: Mike Armitage