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Ecology & OrnithologyDETAILED ECOLOGY AND BIRD SURVEYS HAVE BEEN UNDERTAKEN AND ARE INCUDED IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT ACCOMPANYING THE PLANNING APPLICATION. THE PURPOSE OF THESE SURVEYS IS TO ASSESS THOROUGHLY THE WILDLIFE PRESENT ON, AROUND AND OVER THE PROPOSED WIND FARM SITE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT THE WIND FARM DOES NOT HAVE ANY DETRIMENTAL IMPACTS ON THE AREA’S IMPORTANT WILDLIFE.Detailed ecological and ornithological surveys began at the site in October 2005. As well as extensive fieldwork, these surveys include consultation with local and national conservation groups (such as Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Wildlife Trust) and collation of existing information about the wildlife of the area. The dominant habitats are dry dwarf shrub heath on the ridge surrounded by conifer plantation. The ornithological surveys have included Vantage Point surveys of geese and raptors while breeding birds surveys have been undertaken on both the moorland and in the plantation over two years. Breeding birds included Golden Plover and Common Gull on the ridge and Goshawk in the plantation. Geese were observed only occasionally. Specialist surveys have been carried out for bats, badgers, otters, water vole and red squirrel. Red squirrels are present in the plantation. No evidence for the presence of badgers was found. Avoiding adverse impacts on the area’s wildlife is of prime importance and the findings of the ecological surveys have been incorporated into the site design process in order to reduce the possibility of any potentially negative results resulting from the development. A construction management plan will ensure that construction activities take full account of wildlife. A full ecological and ornithological assessment of the proposal is presented in the Environmental Statement. |
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