More than 2,000 people have added their voice to the Say No to Berwick Bank Windfarm campaign
On World Seabird Day (2 July), conservation charities have called on the Scottish Government to refuse plans for huge windfarm in the Firth of Forth.
More than 2,000 people have added their voice to the Scottish Seabird Centre’s Say No to Berwick Bank Windfarm campaign, sending a clear message about the strength of support for their calls to reject the Berwick Bank proposal and get behind nature-positive offshore wind instead.
They have emailed Gillian Martin, cabinet secretary for climate action and energy, demanding that consent for the windfarm be refused.
The development would be sited in the outer Firth of Forth, which is home to internationally important populations of seabirds during the summer months, including one of the largest colonies of northern gannets in the world on the Bass Rock.
It would cover an area four times the size of greater Edinburgh with turbines the height of six Scott Monuments, and is predicted to kill many tens of thousands of seabirds, including some of our most endangered species, such as kittiwakes and puffins.
This World Seabird Day, the Scottish Seabird Centre and RSPB Scotland are appealing to nature-lovers to take a stand for Scotland’s seabirds by adding their voice to the campaign.
Emily Burton, senior conservation officer at the centre, said: “We’re thrilled that over 2,000 people have already spoken up to protect Scotland’s seabirds by emailing the cabinet secretary to oppose the Berwick Bank wind farm. This outpouring of public support shows how deeply people care about safeguarding our precious marine wildlife.
“Berwick Bank is proposed in the outer Firth of Forth, an area critical for seabirds like puffins, gannets and kittiwakes during the summer months. This is simply the wrong place for an offshore wind farm. We need offshore wind to tackle the climate crisis, but it must be developed in harmony with nature. By saying no to Berwick Bank, we can unlock a host of offshore wind projects that are more nature-positive and avoid devastating impacts on seabird populations.
“If you haven’t yet added your voice, please join us in standing up for Scotland’s seabirds. Every email shows the Scottish Government that we want renewable energy solutions that protect, not harm, our natural heritage.”
Paul Walton, head of species and habitats at RSPB Scotland, added: "There are few birds people love more than seabirds and Scotland’s internationally important seabird populations are at the top of this country’s global wildlife responsibilities. Facing multiple human pressures, seabirds are also among our most threatened wildlife, with 70% of species suffering severe declines.
"When human activities kill seabirds, these naturally long-lived animals cannot breed fast enough to make up the losses, and populations decline faster and further. We must guide major developments like offshore wind so they avoid killing our much-loved seabirds - including endangered puffins.
“We must also ensure the benefits from developments help build resilience in these populations and our marine environment through effective conservation action."
Find out more about the campaign here.
