add buffer to polygon and determine if points are inside or outside

Hi all


I am trying to do some simulations of bird distributions overlaid on
polygons (representing windfarms) so that we can estimate survey effort.
Part of this involves the addition of buffers around the polygon at
fixed distances - I thought this would be simple to do from first
principles but have realised that there is more to it. I've searched for
help but haven't found the solution to this. I also want to be able to
determine if a (randomly generated) point, which represents a bird
observation, lies inside or outside the polygon.

Any guidance on this would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

Mark

Ps: re-posted due to technical problems!

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