Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
12 Ornithology
12.1 Introduction
12.1.1 This Chapter assesses the effects of the proposed wind energy development on birds.
Together with Chapter 11 (Ecology) it completes the assessment of the effects of the proposed
wind energy development on the natural heritage.
12.1.2 The assessment uses: data from specifically commissioned surveys in 2009-2010; pre-existing
information from other bird surveys on the site and adjacent areas; and information and data
from organisations and individuals with local knowledge who responded to consultations on the
proposed wind energy development. Bird names used in this chapter follow the vernacular
names recommended by the British Ornithologists’ Union 1 .
12.1.3 The location of the proposed wind energy development is shown in Figure 1.1 (Site Location
Plan).
Predicted Key Issues
12.1.4 The key ornithological issues associated with the proposed wind energy development are likely
to relate to its potential to adversely affect the:
• site integrity of the Firth of Forth Special Protection Area (SPA; EU Wild Birds
Directive 79/409/EEC) and Ramsar Site (Convention on Wetlands of International
Importance), classified for passage and wintering populations of waterfowl, waders
and seabirds;
• conservation status of bird species given the highest level of statutory protection
through inclusion in Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive and/or Schedule 1 of the
Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended);
• notified features of the Firth of Forth Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI);
• conservation status of geese and other waterfowl due to the risk of turbine collisions
if they fly through the proposed wind energy development area on migration or while
commuting between local feeding and roosting areas;
• conservation status of local breeding and wintering birds through habitat loss,
disturbance, displacement and collisions with turbines; and
• ornithological interests of local sites designated for bird species.
November 2010 Chapter 12 Page 1
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