Windfarm siting must not threaten bird populations, says RSPB

Government must do more to consider the siting of windfarms in terms of their effects on local bird populations, the RSPB will tell the British Wind Energy Association conference tomorrow.

The RSPB said that nearly all the sites licensed for the second round of offshore windfarms were in areas identified by English Nature as potentially being of international importance for birds. The agency has called for detailed ecological surveys of these areas and for legal protection for those that qualify under European law.

The RSPB said that while supported increased renewable energy generation as part of a "balanced approach towards tackling climate change", it would object to any windfarms that "seriously threaten" important bird populations and their habitats.

Director of Conservation, Dr Mark Avery, said: “Government aspirations for more windfarms must be supported by clearer, strategic guidance based on a better understanding of the cumulative impacts of more and more windfarms.

He added: “Urgent research is needed into the locations, numbers and movements of birds around our coasts to help us understand the potential impacts. If we are to avoid expensive and time-consuming legal battles the government needs to do more to understand where there might be problems and to steer wind farm developments away from such areas."

The RSPB added that it would work "constructively" with government and the energy industry to help ensure positive progress on renewable generation without negative impacts upon birds.

Between 1998-2003, the RSPB objected to 27 wind farm proposals, both on and offshore, and lodged written concerns about a further 29.

The British Wind Energy Association conference – UK Offshore Wind 2004 – takes place at the Thistle Hotel in London, March 3-4.

(gmcg)