The Quarterly Newsletter for the UK New and Renewable Energy Industry

NEW REVIEW

ISSUE 29
July 1996

Wind Seminar Underlines Low Impact on Birds

Wind turbines' impact on birdlife was the subject of a one-day seminar in March at the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology (ITE) near Huntingdon.  "Birds and Wind Turbines - Can They Co-exist?" attracted over 40 delegates, representing planners, ornithologists, conservation groups and wind farm developers.  Presentations by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, developers, environmental consultants and others concluded that, in the UK, few birds have fallen victim to turbines, while most appear unaffected in daily foraging and roosting routines.  Delegates agreed that sensitively designed wind projects do not pose a risk to birds and that future schemes should continue to avoid areas of sensitive habitat.  A strategic approach to research aimed at filling gaps in knowledge about long-term habitat issues was suggested.

The seminar was organised by ETSU on behalf of the DTI, with support from the EC's ALTENER programme, the ITE and the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA).  Proceedings are available on loan from the Enquiries Bureau.

NEW REVIEW

NEW REVIEW is edited by ETSU on behalf of the DTI. Views expressed in the publication do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Government. The DTI does not endorse any of the products or services featured in NEW REVIEW. Please address correspondence to: Barry Hague, Editor - NEW REVIEW, ETSU, Harwell, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0RA.

For more information about the DTI's New and Renewable Energy Programme, contact: New and Renewable Energy Enquiries Bureau, ETSU, Harwell, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0RA; Tel 01235 432450/ 433601, Fax: 01235 433066