The RSPB and SNH have dropped objections to a proposed wind farm on Lewis following Lewis Wind Power's decision to reduce the number of turbines from 42 to 36. This reduction apparently significantly reduces the threat to golden eagles and red throated divers. Really? One of the best decisons I ever made was to stop my membership of the RSPB. The article is here
12 comments:
I cancelled my subscription a number of years ago. Apart from periodic bad decisions like the one you highlight I reckon they are one of the richest "charities" in the UK, so I diverted my contributions to what I consider more deserving causes.
I am also not so happy about the National Trust who seem to be going round our a.o.n.b wantonly chopping down trees. The cul-de-sac road leading up to Arnside Knott was lined with mature and majestic trees which they felled. I asked for an explanation and they said that it was in consideration of the poor old land owner who was having difficulty accessing the verges to control the undergrowth etc. and also that, unbelievably, the branches posed a danger to personnel riding on top of fire engines in the event of them being called out to the Knott. Well, I have never heard of personnel riding on the top of fire engines, and I doubt if they have ever had to go up there anyway - what a load of rubbish - sorry, you've got me going now so I'd better shut up before I have overstepped the hospitality of your comments section.
"The challenge now is to ensure that the construction and operational impacts are minimised, and that the development is thoroughly monitored, so that any eagle displacement or collision is discovered, and urgent remedial action taken.
"We look forward to working with the developer and our partners in the statutory sector in order to help achieve this."
So, After a Golden eagle has "collided" with a turbine, just what urgent remedial action will be taken? Will someone be stitching the eagle's wing back on? Will they be giving it the kiss of life?
How utterly ridiculous. The RSPB should be ashamed of themselves. The RSPB has taken the wind industry's money and now the wind industry is getting their payback. Quite disgraceful behaviour.
You can never outstay your welcome here Conrad. Personnel on the top of fire engines? I've never, ever seen that. It all sounds absurd but it's exactly the sort of drivel I've come to expect from our lot as well.
I think they will ask golden eagles to file flight plans for approval Alan. The truth is that the first paragraph you've quoted is meaningless. Tosh. Once the wind farm is built, there is no way to take "urgent remedial action". The RSPB is a complete disgrace.
I parted company with the RSPB a few years back for similar reasons. Conservation of species, restoration of habitat is what they should be involved in; more often than not they should be an implacable opponent of turbines rather than a collaborative partner. The good work they do at places like Ynys Hir and Loch Garten is undermined by their association with the likes of E-on and Powergen.
The National Trust do at least have the merit of not allowing turbines on their land; the money spent in maintaining the remnants of failed aristocracies in the style to which they have become accustomed is another matter entirely. The NT's work on my local hills is exemplary and, to my mind, exactly what they should be involved in.
And following the Scottish Government's "open invitation to wind comapanies", NTS and JMT land will eventually be just about the only places without turbines.
Do you know what APRS ( Assoc for the Protection of Rural Scotland) is doing to oppose wind-farms in inappropriate areas? They have a position paper on their website but it is dated 2008. I would have thought that this was overdue for a re-appraisal in light of SNP's stance. I am a member of CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) and they have very much stepped up their opposition of late.
Hi Mark
I know they opposed the proposed (and rejected) Standingfaulds wind farm near Braco but I didn't see any objection by them to the recently proposed extension to the Ochils abominations. I recall that they also issued statements on the Beauly to Denny power line but I'm vague on the detail. I've emailed to ask what their policy is and will have a more detailed look at their website when I have a minute.
I sigh deeply. We saw more raptors there than i have seen in the wild anywhere else in the UK. The RSPB are a disgrace. Taking 6 turbines out is, i suppose their way of saying "well we did our best". Pitiful.
It's all too depressing. I note also that Highland Council planning officers have recommended that councillors do not object to the Lochluichart extension plans which will see an additional six turbines erected. The original application was for 43, then reduced to 22 and now it will be 28. I wonder how long it will take to get back up to near 43?
Depressing, unlike the rest of your postings - I've enjoyed catching up with them Gibson. It'll be a while until next time - have a great summer.
Thanks Martin. I won't be able to comment on your posts when you are away because we will be in the Lake District. However, I can read your posts on the BB. Have a wonderful trip.
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