Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Species
Oyster
catcher
Conservation
Value at
Forthbank
Local
Effect Construction Significance Operation Significance
through the ‘corridor’ which would exist between turbines 1 and
2 and therefore mallard may habitually follow this route
between the two habitats. In any case, given the small scale of
the proposed wind energy development it is likely that birds will
continue to commute between these habitats simply passing
around or over the wind energy development to avoid the
turbines. Consequently, it is concluded that the proposed wind
energy development is unlikely to act as a significant barrier to
the movement of mallard (low).
Collision N/A at construction N/A Of the 91 flights recorded within and adjacent to the application
site, 29 (147 birds) were “at risk”. Mallard were present during
both the breeding and non-breeding season and therefore
collision estimates were carried out for both of these seasons.
During the breeding season the collision risk modelling
produced a collision estimate of between 1 bird every 6-7
months (95% avoidance) and 1 bird every 2-3 years (99%
avoidance). Meanwhile, during the non-breeding season the
predicted collision rate was between 1 bird every 2-3 months
(95% avoidance) and 1 bird every year (99% avoidance).
Taking the precautionary 95% avoidance rate predictions for
the two seasons combined this would equal 1 bird every two
months which result in approximately 158 collisions over the 25
year lifespan of the proposed wind energy development.
However, this annual collision rate would represent 0.2% of the
SPA qualifying population per year. Consequently, the collision
risk for mallard is considered to be well within acceptable limits
and thus will not significantly affect the SPA qualifying
population (neutral).
Habitat Loss No loss of habitat which is of value to the species (neutral). Not significant N/A at operation N/A
Disturbance &
Minor
Minor
Displacement
Oystercatcher were recorded for most the year at Forthbank
although numbers were highest during the winter and spring
passage months, with the peak count being of 70 birds
(February estuary zone count). Birds were typically found
roosting at the margins of the estuary or foraging out on the
exposed mudflat. In addition, one pair/territory was recorded
at Black Devon Wetlands during the breeding season,
approximately 150m from the application site. Compared to
the SPA qualifying population however, numbers were low
with even the peak count representing