December 28, 2011
Scotland

Windfarm should not impact on wildlife

By Sarah McLean, Kirrimuir Herald, www.kirriemuirherald.co.uk 28 December 2011

A new wildlife survey work at the site of the proposed Carrach wind farm has confirmed that ospreys and other species would not be adversely affected by the project should it be approved by Angus Council early next year.

A number of objections from individuals to the wind farm have been submitted to Angus Council highlighting concerns about ospreys in the local area.

Following advice from the government environmental watchdog Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the landowners behind the project decided to conduct additional research looking at protected ospreys as well as wildcats to determine whether they would be impacted by the wind farm.

Tayside Raptor Group and ecologist Dr Garry Mortimer conducted the additional survey work.

Speaking on behalf of the Carrach partnership, Alistair Lang said: “Ospreys are often seen fishing in the Loch of Lintrathen, so we wanted to respond directly to objectors concerns that the wind farm would have an impact on these iconic birds.

“Thankfully, years of data from groups studying bird of prey flight patterns in the area have confirmed that there would be no adverse impact on the ospreys from the wind farm and SNH have stated that they agree with this conclusion.

“In addition, fresh survey work on protected wildcats has also been concluded.”

Mr Lang added: “Survey results for both bats and wildcats show that the wind farm can be built in a way that would also avoid adverse impact on these protected animals.

“While there is no current evidence of wildcats living on the site, it would be possible to make some of the local habitats on our farms more attractive for both the cats and their prey as part of the work on the wind farm.

“Ultimately we want Carrach wind farm to make a positive contribution to tackling the global environmental crisis of climate change without damaging our local environment. We think the proposal manages to do this while also delivering economic and direct financial benefits to the local community.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/12/28/windfarm-should-not-impact-on-wildlife/