BBC Scotland’s environment correspondent, Kevin Keane, reports that conservation groups are vehemently opposing the construction of an offshore wind farm, known as Berwick Bank, in the Firth of Forth. The developer, SSE, anticipates that the project could result in the deaths of tens of thousands of seabirds, with kittiwakes identified as the species most at risk from collisions. RSPB Scotland, along with four other charities, have penned a letter to the first minister, emphasizing that approving the wind farm would counteract efforts to safeguard nature.
Spanning an area four times the size of Edinburgh, the proposed development includes up to 307 turbines and is situated approximately 23 miles from key seabird colonies at St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve and the Bass Rock. Experts underscore the significance of this region as a critical feeding and foraging zone for seabirds. SSE’s environmental impact assessment estimates over 31,000 bird collisions throughout the projected 35-year operational span, with kittiwakes, gannets, and herring gulls expected to be the most affected species.
The conservation groups assert that advancements in technology advocate for the adoption of floating wind farms located further offshore as a more suitable alternative to Berwick Bank. For instance, RSPB Scotland’s director, Anne McCall, warns that the current proposal poses a considerable threat to the seabird population, which has already been experiencing a substantial decline. She stresses the urgent need to prevent detrimental impacts on these vulnerable species and calls for a reassessment of the wind farm’s location and design.
Despite SSE’s assertion that the wind farm’s impact on seabirds would be minimal, the opposition remains steadfast in their appeal for the application’s rejection. The National Trust for Scotland echoes concerns about the potential detrimental effects on seabird colonies in its St. Abbs reserve, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding these critical habitats. As discussions continue regarding the fate of Berwick Bank, stakeholders, including SSE and conservation groups, strive to find a common ground that prioritizes both environmental conservation and sustainable energy production
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
