The staff at GFT provide an important service to other organisations due to our specialised expertise and experience. We regularly provide expert advice on silt control measures, culvert design, complete specialised surveys and perform fish rescues.
Whether it is wind farms, hydroelectric schemes or solar power initiatives, renewable energy developments are becoming more prevalent.
GFT staff are experienced in delivering a range of surveys and monitoring programmes to assess potential impacts and to design suitable mitigation measures associated with constructing and running of renewable energy schemes. GFT undertakes surveys for many fish species to inform and monitor these schemes. GFT staff are considered expert on the possible impacts of wind farm developments on surrounding fish and aquatic invertebrate populations and are regularly approached for advice on these issues. There are numerous ways in which fish can be impacted by renewable energy developments and as such there is a requirement to assess these impacts by performing surveys pre-construction, during construction and post construction.
GFT has provided input and/or completed relevant surveys on a number of wind farm developments, including over 50 in Dumfries and Galloway.
GFT are able to offer a wide range of consultancy services including:
GFT staff are qualified to deliver the surveys listed above, are CSCS card qualified, possess suitable PPE and are experienced in working on construction sites to strict risk assessment procedures.
SEPA have been undertaking a review of the current CAR license which the Galloway Hydro Scheme operates under.
On Saturday 26th August we held our annual Kirkcowan Fishing Competition. 35 adults and 12 juniors entered the competition this year, providing a fund of £211 that is put back into the event via prizes and a buffet.
Riparian zones bridge the gap between land and river, creating an important habitat for insects while also providing shade and protection against erosion. We do a lot of habitat work mainly to help aquatic species like fish, but we are keen to monitor and understand the wider biodiversity benefits.