The challenge

We have very limited understanding of how birds use the landscape, why there is a greater risk of collision in certain areas, and whether current mitigating measures are effective. Consequently, few planning tools have been developed to help us make less intrusive choices for power line routes or find good marking solutions.

 

The goal

The Birdpol project (bird-friendly design of power lines) aims to understand more about how we can plan, design and build power lines in a way that has as little impact on local birdlife as possible.

 

The project

In the first phase of the project, we will place a bird radar in the natural environment and leave it there for an extended period to collect data on the flight patterns of local birds and collisions. Radar technology will provide us with solid data on flight patterns and information about the local landscape. The data can be analysed by species, season, time of day, etc.

 

Then, we will develop a tool (collision database) that, in the next phase, can help identify the most vulnerable areas and ensure that we select the least intrusive power line routes.

 

Project team members

  • The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) Project Manager
  • The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE)
  • Statnett

 

Funding

  • The Research Council of Norway (RCN)
  • The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE)
  • Statnett