International renewable energy consultancy Natural Power has confirmed the recent appointments of Dr Ross McGregor, Senior Ornithologist and Leona Graves as Senior Ecologist within the industry leading Ecology & Hydrology department.
Leona is an experienced ecological consultant, with a six year track record in environmental consultancy and a background in both terrestrial and aquatic ecology. Leona joined Natural Power from Xodus Group in Autumn 2012 and is currently managing ecological projects on onshore and offshore wind, and marine energy projects, providing site specific ecological input into project design and consent, including consultation and negotiation with stakeholders and statutory authorities.
Leona commented on her new role with Natural Power: “It’s great to be part of an integrated team and be involved with projects throughout the entire project lifecycle, enabling us to ensure ecological impacts are minimised and environmental benefits are gained where possible.”
Ross McGregor also joined Natural Power in Autumn 2012 as Senior Ornithologist. Ross joined the business from the Scottish National Heritage (SNH) where he was their marine renewable ornithologist, providing advice on potential impacts to bird populations from all of Scotland’s offshore wind and marine energy developments. This included advice on policy, guidance, research and environmental impact assessment.
Ross’s new role will see him providing ornithological expertise to all of the renewable sectors Natural Power supports, including onshore and offshore wind and marine.
Ross McGregor said: “I’m looking forward to implementing my skills and expertise in the private sector and bringing all that I gained while working for SNH as a statutory advisor to Natural Power and its clients. It’s an interesting time to be working in marine renewables and I am enjoying contributing to Natural Powers already extensive experience and diverse range of projects.”
Since its foundations, the company has been providing naturally balanced ecology and hydrology support to clients for over a decade, onshore and offshore.
Richard Walls, Director of Ecology commented on the expansion of the team: “Natural Power is well recognised for providing industry leading approaches to resolve environmental uncertainty, using expertise from our ecology and hydrology department of experienced staff. The skills, experience and talent of both Ross and Leona who have a breadth of experience in both the public and private sectors will complement the 40 ecological staff in the department and will provide further considerable benefit to our clients in successfully delivering projects.”
[mappress]
Press release, January 14, 2013