The proposed site will have a significant impact on several protected species of raptors, including Golden Eagles. Other species were Osprey, Merlins, Hen Harriers, Goshawks - with nesting sites for Osprey and Goshawks detected. The EIA survey revealed:
"a number of significant habitats and species of conservation value that have the potential to be affected by the construction of a wind farm"
The ornthithology survey states in point 7.8.12 that raptors are displaced 200-300 meters from turbine blades. Below the, using the proposed turbine sites as centres, are the areas 250 m in radius in which now raptors will now be excluded. Clearly this a significant portion of the site. The exclusion zone does not account for the length of the turbine blade - which would add another c.150 meter to the exclusion zone meaning that they will effectively overlap.
To protect raptor species and a whole host of other bird species, including schedule 1 and IUCN red listed species (Appendix 7.12), the number of turbines needs to be cut significantly to avoid creating and avian wildlife deadzone.
The 'outline' habitat management presented needs to be fleshed out into a full habitat management plan given the ecological importance of the site
I worry about the raptors but I also worry about the wild geese who fly up and down this valley to Carelaverock in there thousands!