Association of Noise Consultants puts the impact of noise on wildlife above the radar

In the run up to Noise Action Week,  taking place from 11 - 15 May 2026, the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC) is appealing for partners with an interest in the impact of noise on wildlife to join a new cross-collaborative group.

Bringing together acousticians, ecologists and other specialists, the ANC Acoustics and Wildlife Group aims to investigate the impact of noise pollution on UK wildlife and push for stronger future protection of nature. With a remit to investigate the effects that different levels of sound have on the natural environment, the group will look at the responses that exposure to noise can have on a variety of native species.

Chair of the ANC, Louise Beamish, is leading the new group. She said:

“The World Health Organisation lists the impact of excessive noise on humans as increasing the risk for ischemic heart disease and hypertension, sleep disturbance, hearing impairment, tinnitus and cognitive impairment, as well as causing widespread annoyance. The WHO also points to increasing evidence for other health impacts such as adverse birth outcomes and mental health problems. These are very serious, detrimental effects on society that ANC members work to address, but the impact of excessive noise on wildlife is not so clearly defined.

To address that gap, we’ve created the ANC Acoustics and Wildlife Group to work collectively with other professionals to investigate these impacts. ANC members have the skills and capability to measure and evaluate the noise issues that wildlife encounter. We can then work with ecologists and other professionals to look at those impacts and draw up safeguards for the future. Our objective is to have the protection of wildlife from noise ingrained in future legislation.”

The ANC is appealing to representatives from professional bodies and organisations with an interest in protecting wildlife from noise to support the new group. Please email info@theanc.co.uk to register interest and receive further information.

The new group is the latest initiative from the ANC to put noise and sustainability centre stage. The Association has recently set up a dedicated sustainability committee, which signposts acousticians to the formation of sustainable working practices, and to understand more about the issues facing the planet. 

About Noise Action Week

Noise Action Week is the UK's campaign to raise awareness and reduce noise pollution. It is organised by the Environmental Policy Implementation Community (EPIC) at the IES. Find out more here.