Rachel Kennedy

When did you join Natural Power?

I joined in January 2023.

What does your role entail?

My role involves offering advice and recommendations on all aspects of ecology and ornithology. I carry out fieldwork, manage projects, write technical reports and work with clients and consultees to ensure the environment is protected at all stages of a project. I am lucky enough to work on a variety of different developments, at all stages of project life across the UK.

What are the most rewarding and challenging parts of your role?

One of the most fulfilling parts of my role is seeing the real-time differences our team can make to wildlife and habitats. Enhancing the biodiversity of a site and leaving it in a better condition compared to before a development is incredibly rewarding.

A big challenge we face is how quickly things can change on site. Wildlife is transient, and so we must be ready to adapt to any new situations we encounter. This can be particularly tricky when there are tight deadlines, but with the knowledge and expertise of our team we are able to help clients ensure a high standard of environmental protection.

Getting outside and immersing myself in nature is a reward all to itself. My job can take me to some beautiful and remote locations and, as someone who loves watching birds, having the opportunity to spend some of my days observing the species around me can be a real pinch-me moment.

What is the most interesting project you have undertaken and why?

Working on one of our client’s Scottish wind farms has provided a variety of experience unlike any other project I have worked on. I have carried out a range of different field surveys and been involved with all phases of wind farm construction. I even had the opportunity to monitor barn owl nest boxes and helped to ring some baby barn owls! (under licence, of course)

Provide a hidden talent or quirky fact about yourself!?

I have been a member of East Kilbride Archery Club for almost a decade and take part in a variety of different shoots and competitions. Firing a bow can be oddly cathartic (especially when the arrow hits where you’re aiming!)