Ecology

The proposed site for the wind farm is on agricultural land, which does not have important ecological value, as the habitats and plant communities found there are widespread and common. There will be a small loss of sections of hedgerows and roadside grassland verge during construction, but these have been minimised and avoided as much as possible. For example, the access route has been diverted onto agricultural land, in order to avoid the removal of or impact on the hedgerows along the southern end of Sewstern Lane.

Badger, brown hare, bats, butterflies and great crested newt were found during the ecological surveys; all of which may experience loss and disturbance of habitat adjacent to the Site during construction. As an example of a mitigation measure, we would propose carrying out specific construction works during the annual aquatic period of the newts. Since the nearby ponds will not be disturbed, harm is avoided.

The bird population at the site is typical, with no species present in numbers of international or regional importance. The risk of bird collision is expected to be low, as sensitive species such as raptors, gulls and some flocking species are not abundant. Overall, it has been assessed the operation of the wind farm would have no significant impact on wintering or breeding bird populations present in the local area.