Meeting Europe's renewable energy targets in harmony with - RSPB

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RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY 47 Short rotation coppice could displace birds such as Montagu’s harriers. Overall, large-scale planting of SRC is expected to have a negative impact on open habitat species (Cunningham et al., 2006; EEA, 2006; Rowe et al., 2009). There is a potential for locally occurring farmland specialists to be displaced (eg, yellow wagtails, grey partridges, or stone curlews) (Sage et al., 2006; Rowe et al., 2009). Less widespread species are particularly vulnerable. For example, if SRC replaced arable land, stone curlews, Montagu’s harriers and quails might be at risk; and if it replaced grassland, breeding waders such as lapwings would most likely be negatively affected (Sage et al., 2006). Therefore, it will be important to avoid the habitats of vulnerable species when planning plantations. The value of SRC as habitat appears to change over time, with the greater structural complexity of older stands attracting a higher number of species as a perennial ground flora is able to develop (Cunningham et al., 2006; Rowe et al., 2009). There may be a trade-off between value for wildlife and productivity (yield), such that maximum biodiversity benefits may require a compromise in terms of profit. However, it may be possible to incorporate management techniques (eg, harvesting in a cycle which allows a maximum density of breeding birds, installation of nest boxes, sowing of perennial ground flora) that attract support through agri-environment payment schemes (Cunningham et al., 2006; Sage et al., 2006; Rowe et al., 2009). Short rotation forestry (SRF) Positive overall effects on bird species richness and diversity, similar to those found in SRC, have been observed if SRF is grown within a farmland landscape, with particular benefits for species typically associated with scrub, hedgerows and woodland (Hardcastle, 2006). As with SRC, many of the species recorded are of low conservation concern (Britt et al., 2002; Hardcastle, 2006).
48 MEETING EUROPE’S RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGETS IN HARMONY WITH NATURE Species that feed on litter and soil-dwelling invertebrates are likely to benefit, for example, woodcock and snipe, as are insectivorous species hunting in the canopy. Other species of conservation concern potentially benefiting include grey partridge, woodlark, dunnock, song thrush and bullfinch (Hardcastle, 2006). SRF also provides winter cover, which may be particularly valuable in open landscapes (EEA, 2006). A number of rare species that depend on plantations could benefit greatly from widespread SRF, depending on the tree species grown (eg, in the UK, common crossbill, goshawk, firecrest and golden oriole) (Hardcastle, 2006). The edges of plantations and associated habitats appear to have greater attraction to birds, including species of conservation concern such as yellowhammer, cirl bunting and corn bunting, and birds of prey such as barn owl, kestrel and sparrowhawk are likely to adapt well to using SRF plantations for hunting (Hardcastle, 2006). Species requiring habitats associated with mature semi-natural woodland (such as mature or decaying wood) will not automatically be attracted to plantations, however – for example, marsh tit and nuthatch. Some exotic tree species seem to provide more food for insectivores than native ones (Hardcastle, 2006), but the density of the canopy has a large influence over the species likely to use SRF – for example, those which rely on understory vegetation for food or cover will not be attracted to dense plantations with little understory cover. Eucalypts are likely candidates for European plantations due to their vigorous growth rates, but concerns have been raised over potential impacts on biodiversity due to high canopy densities and suppression of other plants, as well as the high water demand of these species. There is also concern that eucalyptus stands might not survive cold winters, with research underway into hybrids to overcome this (Hardcastle, 2006). Little evidence is available to indicate that birds would avoid these plantations – in fact some species appear to favour them, but eucalyptus trees support fewer arthropods (eg, insects and spiders), and therefore provide less food for birds (Hardcastle, 2006). Likewise, sparse understory vegetation is likely to reduce the abundance and diversity of other wildlife able to utilise the plantations. As so few stands have been studied, these areas need further clarification before firm conclusions can be drawn. Agricultural residues Using agricultural residues as feedstocks can involve their conversion into biogas and digestate via anaerobic digestion (AD), combustion in dedicated power plants (eg, straw), co-firing with conventional fuels, or potentially fermentation to produce alcohols. The use of this material for bioenergy is likely to be of benefit by reducing the need to store and then dispose of these materials and reducing the demand for biomass from other sources. Environmental benefits might consist of reducing point source pollution from stored manures/wastes, and less material going to landfill. The digestate from AD can be used in place of raw slurry or manure to fertilise crop fields, reducing leaching and overall fertiliser demand. The AD process also destroys weed seeds (reducing the need for herbicides), reduces pathogen content and renders nutrients more readily available to crops. Better use of material which is otherwise incinerated (eg, poultry residues) could also improve local air quality. Municipal solid waste, including wood waste Municipal solid waste (MSW) consists of food and garden wastes, waste from home improvements, large household items, local commercial waste and litter. Waste wood encompasses a wide range of materials (eg, paper and paper production byproducts, end-of-life furniture, domestic and industrial packaging). While it is important not to compromise the “waste hierarchy” of first reducing, then reusing and then recycling waste, the largescale utilisation of the biodegradable element in MSW for energy would have significant benefits by reducing leachate and greenhouse gas production by landfilled material. There may be environmental impacts of using MSW for energy production (depending on the technology used to generate bioenergy), but increased efficiency of use of material is likely to outweigh any negative impacts. Imported feedstocks It is extremely difficult to quantify the direct environmental impacts of imported feedstocks for heat and power generation, given how little is known about their provenance. Imported crops whose production has resulted in the destruction of biodiverse forests will carry a particularly high environmental burden. The use of palm oil as a feedstock, for example, is particularly alarming, given that palm oil production is implicated in driving the destruction of South East Asian rainforest. While this is largely for transport use,
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Page 3 and 4: Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy
Page 5 and 6: CHAPTER THREE THE ECOLOGICAL SUSTAI
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HOW TO ACHIEVE A EUROPEAN RENEWABLE
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This Chapter provides an evaluation
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TABLE 4 BirdLife Partners’ evalua
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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NATIONAL AND EU
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REFERENCES 129 Daunt, F. (2006) Mar
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REFERENCES 131 Lonsdale, D., Pautas
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ENDNOTES 133 ENDNOTES i Chris Huhne
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Birdlife European and Central Asian
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Meeting Europe's renewable energy targets in harmony with - RSPB

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