The construction of a wind farm in Sutherland has contributed to the decline of local breeding bird numbers, a RSPB Scotland report claims.
The five-year study reports that numbers of golden plovers, which are protected under the European Birds Directive, dropped by 80% within Gordonbush wind farm during its first two years of operation.
These declines were 'markedly greater' than on areas surrounding the site that were studied over the same period.
Lead researcher Dr Alex Sansom said it is likely the wind turbines presence led to bird avoiding areas around the turbines.
"This study shows that such displacement may cause large declines in bird numbers within wind farms," she said. "It will be important to examine whether these effects are maintained over the longer term at this site, and we should also use these detailed studies to examine the effects of wind farms on other bird species."
Aedan Smith, Head of Planning and Development for RSPB Scotland, added: "We desperately need more renewable energy projects including wind farms to help tackle the causes of climate change, which is harming wildlife in Scotland and across the world. However, it is vital that wind farms, like any development, are sited to avoid harming our most important places for wildlife.
"Fortunately, the vast majority of wind farms pose no significant risk to our wildlife. This important study shows that bird numbers can be seriously affected by badly-sited wind farms in more ways than simply colliding with turbine blades, and highlights the importance of getting things right at the outset, so that impacts can be avoided."
To view the study, visit here.
(LM/JP)
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Construction News
15/04/2016
Gordonbush Wind Farm 'Reduced Golden Plover Numbers By 80%'
Latest Construction News
01/05/2024
GRAHAM has announced the start of construction work on a new £59m low-carbon development in Edinburgh which combines student flats, build-to-rent and affordable homes. The Burnet Point scheme in Abbey Lane is the first-ever mixed-use residential development of its kind by Unite Students, one of ...
01/05/2024
A groundbreaking ceremony has marked the start of the next major phase of works on the replacement development at Liberton High School. Contractor Balfour Beatty welcomed Head Teacher Alison Humphreys, current high school and primary school pupils who will be educated at the new school, and ...
01/05/2024
Scottish housebuilder, Springfield Properties, has signed a new £10 million contract to deliver affordable housing for Moray Council. The Group will receive funds from the sale of the land to Moray Council in the current financial year and the design and build phase, which accounts for the vast ...
01/05/2024
Consulting and engineering firm, Wood, has been awarded a new decarbonisation contract by TotalEnergies (TEPUK) to support flare gas recovery in the North Sea. The 23-month contract, part of the Elgin-Franklin Flare Gas Recovery System Project, follows Wood's successful completion of a field study ...
01/05/2024
The CCG Group has welcomed the news that they have received seven nominations across six categories at this year's Scottish Home Awards. The Scottish Home Awards is one of the most prestigious in the Scottish housing sector and are set to take place at a glitzy award ceremony on the 13th of ...
01/05/2024
SSEN Distribution has announced month-long programme of infrastructure upgrade works at Loch Ness, to improve the reliability of supplies to over 1,300 homes and businesses, as well as boosting network capacity. The project starts on 2 May and is scheduled to finish by the end of the month. Teams ...
01/05/2024
SSEN Transmission has announced the successful completion of the final phase of the new Port Ann to Crossaig electricity transmission line, after almost three years of construction. Supported on 148 new steel-lattice towers, the new line is designed to be more resilient in extreme weather events, ...
01/05/2024
National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) has been announced as a double winner at this year's British Council of Offices (BCO) Regional Awards for Scotland. The project – developed by Morrison Construction on behalf of University of Strathclyde – was successful in the Corporate Workplace ...
01/05/2024
Perth & Kinross Council has announced that a restoration project on Crieff's 130-year-old Murray Fountain will get underway this month, The improvement project, which was announced last year, will see the James Square landmark's masonry repaired and repointed, as well as electrical works to ...
01/05/2024
The Scottish Government has launched a public consultation on proposals to replacing the UK Government's Industrial Injuries Scheme in Scotland. Views are sought on how the Scottish Government's planned Employment Injury Assistance should be delivered and on the next steps for introducing this ...