Birdwatch News Archive

Wind farms, like this one at Royd Moor, Penistone, South Yorkshire, are certainly not always good for the environment. Photo: Charles Cook (commons.wikimedia.org).

Lewis wind farm plans withdrawn

Posted on: 11 Aug 2012

RSPB Scotland has welcomed the decision by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) to drop its interest in a 26 turbine wind farm proposed for Pairc on the Isle of Lewis.

Following environmental assessments and consultation with stakeholders, the developer determined the project was no longer feasible due to the likelihood of bird strikes. The scheme had potential to harm sensitive bird species including Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Merlin, Black-throated Diver, European Golden Plover and Dunlin.

Aedán Smith, RSPB Scotland’s Head of Planning and Development, said: “This is very welcome news from SSE. We have been concerned about this proposal for a number of years. SSE should be commended on this responsible decision which recognises the importance of this site for sensitive species. We hope SSE and other wind farm developers will continue to apply similar thinking and consideration to other sites where there are environmental concerns.

“Although much of Lewis is important for wildlife, there is still scope to develop wind farms as long as they are well sited and designed. We recently withdrew our objection to the 36 turbine Stornoway wind farm on a less sensitive part of Lewis, following efforts of the developer to reduce impacts on wildlife. We look forward to continuing our constructive relationship with SSE and the renewables industry to ensure wind farms can continue to be built in the right places, without harming Scotland’s fantastic environmental assets.”

RSPB supports the development of renewable energy including wind farms to help tackle climate change, but they must be located in the right place avoiding our most important places for wildlife.