FLI Structures has begun installing what it says is the world’s first modular, and relocatable kittiwake nesting structure referred to as ‘Kittiwakery’ in Gateshead, England.
The Kittiwakery has been commissioned by RWE to compensate for its wind farm in the area.
The tower designs are the result of a three year collaboration with Shoney (Seonaidh) Wind.
The Kittiwake nesting structure, has been designed by FLI’s in-house engineering team to allow for future expansion.
A 12.5 metre structure is being installed initially but has been structurally designed to allow for the addition of a further nesting module in the future, which would increase the height to 15 metres and increase nesting capacity.
The modular construction offers flexibility in terms of tower height and quantity of nesting ledges which can be accommodated.
Nesting ledges and partitions can be easily reconfigured by ornithologists between breeding seasons.
Access to the nesting module is via an in-built staircase, which enables quick, safe and easy access without the need for experienced rope climbers or mobile access equipment.
Kittiwake can be monitored from the nesting module interior, via access hatches located at each nest position.
In addition, the design includes the provision of supplementary feeding holes, which allows kittiwake to be supplementary fed in the future, in the event that prey availability is limited.
The nesting module is designed with longevity in mind to limit maintenance.