Energy company accused of being ‘dismissive’ over impact on birdlife at Swarclett
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The renewable energy company planning Swarclett Wind Farm has been accused of taking a “dismissive” attitude over the potential impact on birdlife.
Members of the campaign group No to Swarclett claim wind turbines will drive curlews away, “a tragedy for a species that is in serious decline”.
They point out that the recent World Curlew Day – held on April 21 each year – seeks to raise awareness of the dangers these wading birds face.
Wind2, based in Wales, is proposing two turbines – each with a maximum blade-tip height of 149.9 metres – on land at Bowertower, along with a battery energy storage system.
A statement from No to Swarclett said: “They [Wind2] are very dismissive of any impact on wildlife. They tell us that the results of their ornithological assessment determined ‘there would be no significant adverse effects on ornithological receptors (birds) on or in the vicinity of the wind farm’.
“The report they refer to is commissioned and paid for by them. We don’t need to pay for a report to tell us that there will be an effect.
“We can rely on independent research that shows that around 70 per cent of species populations, not just birds, do not return to wind farm disturbed sites.”
The group added: “Our main concern is the curlew, that beautiful bird, formerly so common across all of Caithness and now in serious decline worldwide – still present in Bowertower, thankfully, but one aspect of its behaviour makes it particularly vulnerable to wind farms.”
In 2015, curlews were added to the red list – the highest conservation priority – on the UK Conservation Status Report. According to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the curlew “is now regarded as the most pressing bird conservation priority in the UK”.
According to the Swarclett Wind Farm website, the project will have a total installed capacity of around 20 megawatts if approved by Highland Council. A planning application is expected this month.
Project manager Hannah Brown from Wind2 said: “Ornithological surveys have been conducted in line with NatureScot guidance and will be presented in full within the environmental impact assessment submitted alongside the planning application.
“With regard to curlew in particular, our surveys have shown that there was one territory within the survey area. Collision risk modelling has been conducted in line with NatureScot guidance for this species and shows an anticipated collision rate of less than one single bird over the 30-year lifetime of the project.
“This is deemed acceptable within NatureScot guidance.
“Additionally, habitat enhancement by way of wildflower meadow creation has been identified which would improve foraging habitat for this species and help support the surrounding population within the proposed development boundary.”
Opponents have argued that the turbines are too close to homes and will have a “massive negative impact” on the surrounding area.
The No to Swarclett Facebook group now has more than 100 members.
