Improving & Sharing Knowledge
What is the context?
Given the limitations of carcass research and mortality data in these large areas, the impact of the lines is largely underestimated and therefore, in addition to the difficulty to identify responsible lines, insufficiently resolved.
The lack of data and knowledge due to difficulties in monitoring bird electrocutions and collisions (e.g. non-standardisation in data collection, difficulties on carcass recovering or determining the exact cause of death) is a major obstacle to accurately estimate the effect of power lines on birds and the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
© RGI
© James Dwyer
Secondly, engagement with all relevant actors is crucial for improving bird protection along the grid. Collaboration facilitates the exchange of valuable insights, experiences, and best practices, leading to the development and implementation of effective protective measures.
This collaborative effort not only enriches the pool of knowledge but also strengthens the commitment of all involved parties, promoting sustainable practices and driving the successful implementation of bird protection measures along the electricity grid.
What are the project actions?
The project aims to offer comprehensive insights into the interactions between birds and electricity grid infrastructure, aiming to gather a wealth of data and knowledge. To achieve this, we will compile information and experiences from European grid operators and environmental NGOs on a unified European platform. All collected data will be managed transparently and openly, accessible through the SafeLines4Birds digital platform. This approach streamlines the dissemination of knowledge concerning technical innovations and equipment throughout Europe, fostering the potential replication of successful initiatives in other countries.
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© RTE
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Additionally, our partners in France and Belgium will collect important data on the Black Stork, a species whose interactions with power lines are not yet well understood. Thanks to this innovative initiative, high-risk areas for the species will be identified. This will be achieved through a large-scale tracking of juvenile Black Storks contributing to the advancement of scientific data production, collection, and open sharing to better understand and mitigate the impacts of electricity infrastructure on vulnerable bird species.
By equipping 84 young Black Storks with GPS tags in France and Belgium in 2024 and 2025, the project has generated datasets that will help inform conservation and grid safety measures across Europe. The resulting data will reveal how juveniles interact with power lines during critical life stages: dispersal, rest, and migration. A systematic study of their movements will help identify specific electrocution and collision hotspots, particularly near medium-voltage poles in forest edges, wetlands, and open landscapes. Watch the video below for more information on this action in France.
Along short-term conservation actions, the project also builds long-term scientific understanding of Black Stork ecology, including movement dynamics and habitat use. As an umbrella species, insights gained will benefit other large birds with similar ecological traits, such as the White Stork, Osprey, Egyptian Vulture, and Bonelli’s Eagle.
Finally, diverse communication channels will be utilised to share results and knowledge, targeting not only the general public but also engaging various stakeholders, including civil society, grid operators, and regulatory bodies. Various of events have been organised by our partner Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI), such as ‘Connecting Biodiversity’ workshops and Wingspan 2024, to gather insights from diverse stakeholders, facilitating the replication of successful actions and promoting enhanced collaboration between environmental NGOs and grid operators across Europe and beyond.
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