February 19, 2008
England
England
Wildlife experts have urged wind farm developers in Cumbria to be more aware of the potential risk to wild birds.
The RSPB has issued a planning guide, which highlights areas which are home to species like the pink footed goose, whooper swan and hen harrier.
The organisation said the proliferation of wind turbine planning applications prompted the move.
The charity said it backed renewable energy plans, but wanted to reduce the number of poorly sited wind farms.
‘Adequately protected’
The RSPB produced the guide with the help of Natural England and Cumbria County Council.
Tim Youngs, RSPB conservation officer for Cumbria said: “The RSPB has been concerned for some time that areas lying outside statutory nature conservation areas are not adequately protected through the planning system.
“This has become an issue especially with the large number of wind energy proposals in Cumbria.”
Jenny Wain, principal planning officer for Cumbria County Council added: “The guide provides a very good starting point for planners and developers alike when looking at the potential areas might have for wind energy development.”
19 February 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/02/19/wind-farm-threat-to-bird-species/