Latest news with #AnneMcCall
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Threatened island species makes comeback after massive numbers of predators are removed: 'The signs are really promising'
After several years of efforts at controlling an invasive predator species, a rare shorebird called the curlew is making a comeback in the Orkney archipelago of Scotland, the BBC reported. The issue these birds faced was stoats — an animal similar to a large weasel, which, in addition to hunting rabbits and smaller rodents, also eats birds and their eggs. It's not entirely clear how stoats made their way to the islands; they may have been stowaways on cargo ships carrying hay or other imports, or they may have been introduced intentionally to kill rabbits. Regardless of the reasons, the ground-nesting curlews were easy prey for the invasive stoats, and in 2019, it appeared that the curlew population had decreased by half in a mere decade, with only 12 breeding pairs of the birds per square mile across the territory. That was when the Orkney Native Wildlife Project leapt into action, beginning a project to humanely cull over 7,000 stoats in the six years since. It is believed to be the biggest predator cull conducted on an inhabited island, and it achieved results. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds says the curlew population is up 21% in the archipelago (unlike the rest of Scotland and the UK where they're still declining), and there are now 14.5 breeding pairs per square mile. "It is fantastic to see that the hard work of the project team and many volunteers is starting to restore a positive future for vulnerable species in Orkney," Anne McCall, director of RSPB Scotland, told the BBC. "This is the first major population survey for waders since work started to remove stoats from Orkney and the signs are really promising, as we see declines for curlew reversed." The recovery of the curlew in Scotland is not to be taken for granted. The related slender-billed curlew was officially declared extinct in 2024 after many years without sightings. These birds exist in a precarious balance with their environments and the human population, and all our choices affect their chance of survival. Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tens of thousands of seabirds ‘at risk' from proposed wind farm
Plans for one of the world's biggest offshore wind farms on Scotland's east coast would kill and displace an estimated 31,000 seabirds, according to wildlife charities. Kittiwakes, gannets and herring gulls would be most affected, according to an impact assessment for a 307-turbine scheme at Berwick Bank in the Firth of Forth. Scottish ministers are being urged by five charities, including RSPB Scotland, to reject plans submitted by energy giant SSE Renewables on the grounds that the wind farm would undermine efforts to protect nature. The proposed site would cover an area four times the size of Edinburgh. It would be located about 23 miles from seabird colonies at Bass Rock and St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve, cared for by The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) and home to about 45,000 seabirds during breeding season, including protected kittiwake, guillemot, razorbill and shag species. Analysis carried out for SSE three years ago predicted hundreds of bird collisions a year, which the charities said could mean tens of thousands killed and displaced over the scheme's 35-year lifespan. However, the SSE said its designs have been altered to minimise potential risks to seabirds, after consultation with stakeholders including RSPB and the Scottish Seabird Centre. It is understood that the 31,000 bird deaths estimate is based on a worst-case predicted impact scenario produced in a report by SEE in December 2022. However, a letter to John Swinney, the First Minister, calling for the application to be rejected has been signed by RSPB Scotland, NTS, the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the Marine Conservation Society and the Scottish Seabird Centre. Anne McCall, the director of RSPB Scotland, said Berwick Bank is one of the best places on earth for seabirds, which have been in significant decline. 'I've never seen a development with so much potential damage,' she added. The conservation groups argue that technology has advanced significantly since Berwick Bank was conceived and that floating wind farms, further offshore, would be a better alternative. SSE Renewables submitted a planning application to the Scottish government in late 2022 and is awaiting a decision. It said it has conducted one of the largest known ornithology surveys in the world as part of the application process and that it disagrees strongly with the points put forward in the letter. The company insists that seabird densities are 'not exceptional' in the area and that the impact on seabirds would be among the lowest of any wind farm site. Both those claims are disputed by RSPB Scotland. Alex Meredith, the project director at SSE Renewables' Berwick Bank, said: 'Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is critical to ensuring we prevent the worst possible impacts of climate change which, according to the most recent expert assessment, is the biggest single threat to Scottish seabirds. 'The UN has already warned the world could warm by a massive 3.1C this century without greater action. 'Developing a world-leading offshore wind industry, with projects of the scale and ambition of Berwick Bank, is a key part of combating the catastrophic consequences of that. 'But the reality is that Berwick Bank has now been in planning for almost 30 months and whilst we will always continue to work constructively with stakeholders we must move forward urgently with action and delivery for the climate and our iconic Scottish seabirds.' SSE said it is also committed to supporting seabirds and the productivity of key colonies around the coast of Scotland. Diarmid Hearns, the interim director of conservation and policy at NTS, said: 'Climate change is one of the biggest threats to seabirds and offshore wind development is important to meet Scotland's climate ambitions, therefore we are fully supportive of it. 'However, installations must be located with sensitivity to the very habitats we're trying to protect from climate impacts - the proposed site for Berwick Bank is likely to cause high levels of ecological damage and severely impact the seabird colonies at St Abb's Head.' The wind farm would generate 4.1 gigawatts of electricity which is enough to power about six million homes. The electricity would be brought to shore at Dunbar in East Lothian and Blyth in Northumberland. The Scottish government said it would not be appropriate to comment on a live application. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
30-04-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Tens of thousands of seabirds ‘at risk from proposed wind farm'
Building one of the world's biggest offshore wind farms on Scotland's east coast would kill and displace an estimated 31,000 seabirds, according to wildlife charities. Kittiwakes, gannets and herring gulls would be most affected, according to an impact assessment for the proposed 307-turbine scheme at Berwick Bank in the Firth of Forth. Scottish ministers are being urged by five charities, including RSPB Scotland, to reject plans submitted by energy giant SSE Renewables, on the grounds that the wind farm would undermine efforts to protect nature. The proposed site would cover an area four times the size of Edinburgh. It would be located about 23 miles from seabird colonies at Bass Rock and St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve, cared for by The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) and home to about 45,000 seabirds during breeding season, including protected kittiwake, guillemot, razorbill and shag species. Analysis carried out for SSE three years ago predicted hundreds of bird collisions a year, which the charities said could mean tens of thousands killed and displaced over the scheme's 35-year lifespan. However, the SSE said its designs had been altered to minimise potential risks to seabirds, after consultation with stakeholders including RSPB and the Scottish Seabird Centre. It is understood that the 31,000 bird deaths estimate is based on a worst-case predicted impact scenario produced in a report by SEE in December 2022. However, a letter to John Swinney, the First Minister, calling for the application to be rejected has been signed by RSPB Scotland, NTS, the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the Marine Conservation Society and the Scottish Seabird Centre. Anne McCall, the director of RSPB Scotland, said Berwick Bank is one of the best places on earth for seabirds, which have been in significant decline. 'I've never seen a development with so much potential damage,' she added. The conservation groups argue that technology has advanced significantly since Berwick Bank was conceived and that floating wind farms, further offshore, would be a better alternative. SSE Renewables submitted a planning application to the Scottish government in late 2022 and is awaiting a decision. It said it had conducted one of the largest known ornithology surveys in the world as part of the application process and that it disagreed strongly with the points put forward in the letter. The company insisted that seabird densities were 'not exceptional' in the area and that the impact on seabirds would be among the lowest of any wind farm site. Both those claims are disputed by RSPB Scotland. Climate change is 'biggest threat' Alex Meredith, the project director at SSE Renewables' Berwick Bank, said: 'Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is critical to ensuring we prevent the worst possible impacts of climate change which, according to the most recent expert assessment, is the biggest single threat to Scottish seabirds. ' The UN has already warned the world could warm by a massive 3.1C this century without greater action. 'Developing a world-leading offshore wind industry, with projects of the scale and ambition of Berwick Bank, is a key part of combating the catastrophic consequences of that. 'But the reality is that Berwick Bank has now been in planning for almost 30 months and whilst we will always continue to work constructively with stakeholders we must move forward urgently with action and delivery for the climate and our iconic Scottish seabirds.' SSE said it is also committed to supporting seabirds and the productivity of key colonies around the coast of Scotland. Diarmid Hearns, the interim director of conservation and policy at NTS, said: 'Climate change is one of the biggest threats to seabirds and offshore wind development is important to meet Scotland's climate ambitions, therefore we are fully supportive of it. 'However, installations must be located with sensitivity to the very habitats we're trying to protect from climate impacts – the proposed site for Berwick Bank is likely to cause high levels of ecological damage and severely impact the seabird colonies at St Abb's Head.' The wind farm would generate 4.1 gigawatts of electricity which is enough to power about six million homes. The electricity would be brought to shore at Dunbar in East Lothian and Blyth in Northumberland. The Scottish government said it would not be appropriate to comment on a live application.
Epoch Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Charities Call for Wind Farm to Be Blocked as Thousands of Bird Deaths Feared
Nature charities are urging the Scottish Government to refuse consent for one of the world's largest offshore wind farms, warning it could kill and displace tens of thousands of seabirds. They warn the Berwick Bank wind farm would be 'catastrophic' for Scotland's seabirds and call for developments in more 'appropriate' locations. Berwick Bank would have up to 307 turbines located in the outer Firth of Forth, around 25 miles off the Scottish coast near seabird sites like Bass Rock, St. Abb's Head, and the Isle of May, which is home to puffins. RSPB Scotland, the Marine Conservation Society, National Trust for Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust, and Scottish Seabird Centre have united to call for the development to be refused and have written to Scotland's First Minister John Swinney. SSE Renewables said it has amended the development designs to reduce, as much as practical, any potential risks to Scottish seabirds. Anne McCall, director of RSPB Scotland, said: 'Offshore wind has a key role in tackling the climate and nature emergency. We fully support well-sited wind farms which work with nature. But they are being held back by a major spanner in the works. Related Stories 3/25/2025 7/24/2024 'Berwick Bank would be catastrophic for Scotland's globally important seabirds. Its impacts are so damaging it is blocking plans for new, less-harmful wind farms. 'As the first minister said earlier this year, nature should be at the heart of climate action. Our message to the Scottish Government is clear: Refuse Berwick Bank to unlock the full potential of offshore wind while protecting our outstanding wildlife.' The charities claim new offshore wind developments are being held back owing to their combined impacts with Berwick Bank on Scotland's seabird populations, and suggest refusing it could open up opportunities for other such projects. Berwick Bank has been awaiting a decision for two years after SSE Renewables submitted a planning application to the Scottish Government in late 2022. The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) cares for St. Abb's Head National Nature Reserve, which is home to around 45,000 seabirds during breeding season, including protected kittiwake, guillemot, razorbill, and shag species. Diarmid Hearns, interim director of conservation and policy at NTS, said: '[Offshore wind] installations must be located with sensitivity to the very habitats we're trying to protect from climate impacts—the proposed site for Berwick Bank is likely to cause high levels of ecological damage and severely impact the seabird colonies at St. Abb's Head. 'We urge ministers to reject the proposal for Berwick Bank and instead focus on advancing proposals in more appropriate locations.' Analysis carried out for the developer predicts hundreds of bird collisions a year, which the charities said could mean tens of thousands killed and displaced over the coming years. Harry Huyton, chief executive at the Scottish Seabird Centre, said Berwick Bank is 'simply the wrong place for an offshore wind farm.' He added: 'Most of Scotland's seabird species are already in decline, and Berwick Bank threatens to undermine attempts to restore populations by killing and displacing tens of thousands of seabirds.' Berwick Bank could generate up to 4.1 gigawatts, enough energy to power more than 6 million homes, and is described as one of the world's largest offshore wind opportunities by SSE Renewables. On the Berwick Bank project website, SSE Renewables said it spent a decade carrying out one of the world's largest aerial bird surveys, enabling it to put forward a more environmentally friendly design. A Scottish Government spokesperson said, 'It would not be appropriate to comment on a live consenting application.' Alex Meredith, SSE Renewables's Berwick Bank project director, said: 'The U.N. has already warned the world could warm by a massive 3.1 degrees C this century without greater action. 'Developing a world-leading offshore wind industry, with projects of the scale and ambition of Berwick Bank, is a key part of combating the catastrophic consequences of that. 'But the reality is that Berwick Bank has now been in planning for almost 30 months and whilst we will always continue to work constructively with stakeholders we must move forward urgently with action and delivery for the climate and our iconic Scottish seabirds.'
The Independent
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Charities call for wind farm to be blocked as thousands of bird deaths feared
Nature charities are urging the Scottish Government to refuse consent for one of the world's largest offshore wind farms, warning it could kill and displace tens of thousands of seabirds. They warn the Berwick Bank wind farm would be 'catastrophic' for Scotland's seabirds and call for developments in more 'appropriate' locations. Berwick Bank would have up to 307 turbines located in the outer Firth of Forth, around 40km off the Scottish coast near seabird sites like Bass Rock, St Abb's Head and the Isle of May – which is home to puffins. RSPB Scotland, the Marine Conservation Society, National Trust for Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust and Scottish Seabird Centre have united to call for the development to be refused and have written to Scotland's First Minister John Swinney. SSE Renewables said it has amended the development designs to reduce, as much as practical, any potential risks to Scottish seabirds. Anne McCall, director of RSPB Scotland, said: 'Offshore wind has a key role in tackling the climate and nature emergency. We fully support well-sited wind farms which work with nature. But they are being held back by a major spanner in the works. 'Berwick Bank would be catastrophic for Scotland's globally important seabirds. Its impacts are so damaging it is blocking plans for new, less-harmful wind farms. 'As the First Minister said earlier this year, nature should be at the heart of climate action. Our message to the Scottish Government is clear: Refuse Berwick Bank to unlock the full potential of offshore wind while protecting our outstanding wildlife.' The charities claim new offshore wind developments are being held back due to their combined impacts with Berwick Bank on Scotland's seabird populations, and suggest refusing it could open up opportunities for other such projects. Berwick Bank has been awaiting a decision for two years after SSE Renewables submitted a planning application to the Scottish Government in late 2022. The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) cares for St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve, which is home to around 45,000 seabirds during breeding season, including protected kittiwake, guillemot, razorbill and shag species. Diarmid Hearns, interim director of conservation and policy at NTS, said: 'Climate change is one of the biggest threats to seabirds and offshore wind development is important to meet Scotland's climate ambitions, therefore we are fully supportive of it. 'However, installations must be located with sensitivity to the very habitats we're trying to protect from climate impacts – the proposed site for Berwick Bank is likely to cause high levels of ecological damage and severely impact the seabird colonies at St Abb's Head. 'We urge ministers to reject the proposal for Berwick Bank and instead focus on advancing proposals in more appropriate locations.' Analysis carried out for the developer predicts hundreds of bird collisions a year, which the charities said could mean tens of thousands killed and displaced over the coming years. Harry Huyton, chief executive at the Scottish Seabird Centre, said Berwick Bank is 'simply the wrong place for an offshore wind farm'. He added: 'Most of Scotland's seabird species are already in decline, and Berwick Bank threatens to undermine attempts to restore populations by killing and displacing tens of thousands of seabirds.' Berwick Bank could generate up to 4.1 gigawatts, enough energy to power more than six million homes, and is described as one of the world's largest offshore wind opportunities by SSE Renewables. On the Berwick Bank project website, SSE Renewables said it spent a decade carrying out one of the world's largest aerial bird surveys, enabling it to put forward a more environmentally friendly design. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'It would not be appropriate to comment on a live consenting application.' Alex Meredith, SSE Renewables' Berwick Bank project director, said: 'Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is critical to ensuring we prevent the worst possible impacts of climate change which, according to the most recent expert assessment, is the biggest single threat to Scottish seabirds. 'The UN has already warned the world could warm by a massive 3.1C this century without greater action. 'Developing a world-leading offshore wind industry, with projects of the scale and ambition of Berwick Bank, is a key part of combating the catastrophic consequences of that. 'But the reality is that Berwick Bank has now been in planning for almost 30 months and whilst we will always continue to work constructively with stakeholders we must move forward urgently with action and delivery for the climate and our iconic Scottish seabirds.'
