Wind Energy – Future of Seabirds
Nature charities are urging ministers to refuse the mega offshore wind farm development, Berwick Bank, which they say threatens the future of seabirds.
Berwick Bank is planned for an area four times the size of the entire City of Edinburgh Council area, just 40km off the East Lothian coast, close to iconic seabird sites like the Bass Rock and Isle of May.
RSPB Scotland has joined forces with the Marine Conservation Society, National Trust for Scotland, Scottish Seabird Centre, and Scottish Wildlife Trust to urge Scottish ministers to refuse Berwick Bank “to protect wildlife and progress less damaging offshore projects”.
The charities say new offshore wind developments are currently being held back due to their combined impacts on Berwick Bank on Scotland’s globally important seabird populations.
It comes as seabirds already face serious challenges, from Avian Flu to unsustainable fishing practices.
Around 70% of seabird species are in decline in Scotland, including much-loved Puffins, which face national and global extinction, according to RSPB Scotland.
