Review of windfarms and their impact on biodiversity
 

Hen harrier chick

Project code 

QU09-06

Contact

Dr. Neil Reid

Project staff

Dr Marc Ruddock

Client

NIEA

Funding

NHRP

Client Officer(s)

Gregor Watson

Start date

01/07/2009

End date

30/01/2010

The UK Government is committed to the conservation of indigenous biodiversity as well as renewable energy targets. Renewable energy currently represents 5% of consumption regionally with an imminent target of 12% by 2012/13 and subsequently 20% by 2020. 
 
Whilst the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment is largely responsible for the renewable energy targets, the Natural Heritage Directorate of Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is responsible for the implementation of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) and the NH Biodiversity Implementation Plan 2008/09. Furthermore, NIEA are a statutory consultee for all proposed wind turbine installations with respect to planning, mitigation and establishing a framework for determining potential impacts on biodiversity through Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports. 

Birds may be vulnerable to turbine blade strikes

This project aims to examine the impacts of wind turbine installation on local biodiversity including habitats and vulnerable groups such as birds (including birds of prey) and bats.
 
In addition to an academic review of all published research we intend to make recommendations and guidelines for the management of windfarm applications in Northern Ireland with respect to their impact on biodiversity.
 
The end product will be a publically a available guidence booklet similar to that produced by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to inform windfarm developers of environmental considerations of any application prior to submission to NIEA. 
 
The specific aims of the project are to:

  1. Assess the likely direct and indirect effects of windfarms on biodiversity.
  2. Assess the likely direct and indirect effects of windfarms on biodiversity in Northern Ireland.
  3. Evaluate existing protocols and guidelines for assessing windfarms application in Northern Ireland making appropriate recommendations.

This project is funded by the NIEA under the Natural Heritage Research Partnership (NHRP).

This project is funded by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) under the Natural Heritage Research Partnership (NHRP).