How can wind turbines affect areas of ecological value?
Where a proposed development will have an adverse impact on the integrity of the areas mentioned above, development is likely to be resisted by statutory and non-statutory nature conservation bodies. Potential effects during construction and decommissioning of wind turbines are similar due to the land area, infrastructure and operations involved. The extent and type of impacts depend on the site in question; for example, the access road extensions/amendments required, the number of turbines and the foundations required, the surrounding land uses and current levels of biodiversity are all specific to each onshore development. Potential effects during the operation of the turbines are again development specific. However, they do tend to relate more to species on the move rather than to habitats, for example birds. It is essential that the possible impacts of the development are properly scoped, and any adverse effects investigated in detail.
