Concerns Raised Over Wind Farm Impact on Golden Eagles
A project aimed at increasing golden eagle populations in southern Scotland has reiterated its opposition to a proposed wind farm, citing concerns about the potential for bird collisions.
Fred Olsen Renewables plans to build eight turbines at Scawd Law, near Walkerburn in the Scottish Borders.
The conservation charity Restoring Upland Nature (RUN), formerly known as the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP), estimates that the wind farm could result in 14 collision incidents over its 40-year operational lifespan.
Fred Olsen Renewables responded by emphasizing the seriousness with which it approaches ornithological assessments and stated it disagrees with RUN's interpretation of the data.
RUN highlighted that the projected 14 incidents surpass the combined estimated collision risk at all other 41 wind farms across southern Scotland.
Golden Eagle Population Growth and Project Background
The first golden eagle chicks associated with the project were released in 2018 at a confidential location in the Moffat Hills, having been relocated from the Highlands.
At that time, the southern Scotland region had only two to four breeding pairs of golden eagles.
Since then, the population has increased to approximately 50 pairs, with the birds expanding their range into England.
Despite this growth, conservationists remain concerned about the potential effects of the Scawd Law wind farm, particularly in the Moorfoot Hills, which are home to one of the earliest established breeding pairs from the project.
Conservationists' Position
RUN's Dr Cat Barlow expressed reservations about the suitability of the wind farm location.
"We do not believe it is the right place for a wind farm,"
"We have significant concerns that the proposal would pose an unacceptable risk to the fragile local golden eagle population at a particularly critical time."
"Some of the data currently relied upon by the developer is outdated and substantially underestimates golden eagle activity in the area,"
she added.
Developer's Response and Community Benefits
Fred Olsen Renewables stated confidence that its plans are appropriate for the local environment.
The company also highlighted a "substantial" community benefit fund of £8 million associated with the project and expressed hope that the scheme would offer numerous opportunities for the local community.
A company statement read:
"We take ornithological assessments seriously when considering new project locations.
We have carefully reviewed the concerns raised by RUN regarding the Scawd Law proposal.
Our assessments, supported by independent specialists, indicate that the predicted impacts and associated risks have been fully considered and assessed in line with the relevant licence requirements and, as such, we don't agree with RUN's interpretation of their own data."
Fred Olsen Renewables also affirmed its commitment to maintaining "open and constructive dialogue with stakeholders."
