Lucy Wright Email & Phone Number

Sandy, England, United Kingdom

Lead RSPB's team of talented marine scientists to deliver scientific research and advice to ensure that our marine conservation work is based on robust evidence.

Sandy, Bedfordshire, Uk

I lead a team of scientists who provide scientific support for site conservation. Together, we provide scientific advice to support the RSPB's policy and casework required for the effective conservation of protected sites, and conduct primary research to support this work.Our scientific support work includes critique of environmental impact assessments and habitats regulations assessments for new developments, as part of the planning process; sitting on steering groups and expert panels for various research programmes; acting as expert witnesses in public inquiries and legal cases.Our primary research currently focuses on understanding the impacts of offshore wind farms on seabirds in the UK, and includes population and distribution modelling, and the collection and analysis of high-resolution tracking data to understand more about the three-dimensional behaviour of individual birds, and how this may change in areas where wind turbines are constructed. This work informs our understanding of how to minimise the risks to seabirds from offshore wind development so that we can use robust evidence to decide how best to tackle the climate crisis and biodiversity crisis together. I sit on the UK Marine Renewables Ornithology Group (MROG) and various expert panels including those related to new leasing for offshore wind farms in the UK.I also sit on the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Committee that oversees bird ringing in Britain and Ireland.I am Associate Editor of the scientific journal Bird Study.

I managed, secured funding for, and undertook research examining the causes of changes in the abundance of waterbirds and seabirds, and potential impacts of man-made developments (renewable energy, airports, etc) on their populations. I also worked on assessing the benefits and limitations of protected area networks for bird conservation. I managed two permanent staff members and various temporary fieldworkers, and helped to manage the Wetland and Marine team’s workload, supporting the Head of Team. For the last few months of this position, I covered a role managing the distribution of work and staffing levels across the BTO's science teams, sitting on the BTO's Project Management Group alongside four of the BTO's Directors. I was also part of a small working group (with 6 other staff) that produced the BTO's science strategy. I was the science co-lead for the BTO's Curlew Appeal.

My work included lead authorship of the biodiversity theme of the Severn Tidal Power Strategic Environmental Assessment. I ran a secretariat (www.bto.org/soss) providing ornithological advice to the UK offshore wind farm industry in partnership with The Crown Estate and a large number of collaborating organisations, developing strategic research projects to reduce consenting risk. I also conducted other research and wrote reports, papers, tenders, concept notes and scopes of work.

Analysed causes of black grouse population decline and studied garden bird populations.

Field surveys and writing technical reports for planning applications. Liaison with partners and clients. Managed the business during the owner’s holiday periods.

Woodlark and Dartford warbler survey fieldwork, liaison with volunteers and landowners.

Demonstrator for computer and field-based practical classes, leading seminars, marking.

Monthly low-tide bird counts on the Swale estuary.

Bird surveys and management recommendations for a heathland re-creation project.

Management of flamingo captive breeding programme: Daily presentations to public visitors, avicultural and behavioural research, training and supervising volunteers.

Determining the movements of feral Canada geese around Heathrow Airport.

Phd, Ecology

Demography and Productivity of Woodlarks Lullula arborea in Breckland. Investigating the causes of population change over 35 years.

Mres, Ecology And Environmental Management

Activities and Societies: President, Vice-Captain and Coach of University Trampoline Club, University Colours for trampolining. NERC.

Bsc (Hons), Ecology Conservation & Environment

Activities and Societies: President, Vice-Captain and Coach of University Trampoline Club, University Colours for trampolining. Elected.