Environmental Impact » Ecology
A wide range of ecological surveys have been carried out at the site and in the local area to understand and assess the habitats, birds and other wildlife. It is important to ensure that the wind farm does not have any significant effects on the area’s important wildlife.
Detailed surveys began in February 2005. As well as extensive fieldwork, these surveys included consultation with local and national conservation groups (including Scottish Natural Heritage and the RSPB) and the collation of existing information about the wildlife of the Rhins peninsula.
Bird surveys have included: waterfowl, raptors, breeding birds and nocturnal species.
A number of bird species of conservation interest were recorded from the survey area, including peregrine, hen harrier, merlin, short-eared owl and barn owl. Many of these species use the area for feeding and hence do not fly at turbine height. An assessment of collision risk was undertaken as part of the environmental assessment process.
Other surveys have included: flora and habitats, badgers, red squirrels, otters, great crested newts, bats, reptiles and amphibians.
Signs of otters and roe deer were recorded on site and there is a badger sett in the west of the site. Several species of reptiles were found on site, including adders. Common frogs were found, but no great crested newts were recorded. The site is also used by bats.
The site includes wide strips of agricultural semi-improved and improved grassland and areas of heathland habitats and blanket bog.
Avoiding adverse impacts on the area’s wildlife is of great importance and the findings of the ecological surveys have been and will continue to be a key factor in informing the layout of the wind farm to reduce any potential negative effects.
The current layout seeks to avoid areas of habitat of particular conservation value. It also seeks to avoid parts of the site which are known to be used widely by a variety of bird species.
