Wildlife
Contents:
Objection statement
Supporting documents:
 Barn Owl Survey Methodology revised 2012
 Natural England TIN051_edition_3 bats*
 Natural England TIN059_edition_3 bats single*
 Natural England TIN069_edition_3 birds*
 Dell Farm bird survey
 Racing Pigeons: Asst Sec Flying Club letter of objection
& photo authentication
(* attached to Matters Arising Document)
Introduction
Research relating to the impact of wind turbines on wildlife is in its very early stages,
particularly in the UK; there are links to a range of articles and research studies covering
these issues on: http://www.voicesagainstturbines.co.uk/wildlife/
In broad terms:
 There are growing signs that mammals (wildlife, domestic pets, farm animals) are
likely to be susceptible to low-frequency infrasound in the same way as humans,
although some species seem more prone than others (there are at least two
powerful stories about the impact on collie dogs, for example, one of which resulted
in the de-commissioning of a turbine in Yorkshire).
 However, these are not yet material planning considerations.
 In the meantime, the proposed wind turbine (14/00497/FUL) does also pose a
significant risk to wildlife (birds and bats) through collision risk.
Please also refer to detailed objections and queries raised in the Matters Arising document
(attached) with reference to the applicant’s ecological survey.
 Even within the limited scope of an ecological walkover, the report identifies
significant sightings of birds (including red-list species) and also identified a good
range of bats (also including red-list species).
 Detailed comments about these sightings can be found in the Matters Arising
document, including queries relating to the need for further investigations.
The Belvoir Ridge ‘Flight Corridor’
The Belvoir Ridge above Upper Broughton appears to be a nationally significant migratory
route for endangered birds of prey (including the most northerly population of honey
buzzards nesting in N Notts). The proposed turbine would adversely affect local indigenous
populations of owls and other raptors (which covers a remarkably wide-range of species)
and have a significant impact on migratory species (which migrate using well defined
landscape features; rivers, coastline and raised escarpments – the Belvoir ridge/escarpment
is a particularly important route for this area because of the absence of other appropriate
landscape features to the east of the Vale).
To Whom It May Concern:
Open Letter
The Rushcliffe Barn Owl Project have 4 active barn owl nest sites in the area (they
are just beginning their annual survey of nests in this area). Two at Upper Broughton,
one at Hickling Pastures and one between Upper Broughton and A46 which may be
quite close to the turbine site.
There are confirmed expert sightings of goshawk on Green Lane in 2012 and 2013.
I have seen red kite soaring over Upper Broughton last year and have records of
Merlin, peregrine , hobby and short eared owls within one mile of the site.
In October 2012 I saw a honey buzzard flying south low along the ridge at Owthorpe.
I have also seen Osprey migrating through Langar.
Buzzards are regular all along the ridge.
The ridge provides thermals which are vital for raptors to gain height to hunt. The
turbine would obviously cause problems and possibly deaths to any raptors in the
area.
Goshawks are nationally rare, as are honey buzzards. Red kites have been
reintroduced from extinction at great cost . They are recovering well and are now
seen more often in the area and may even nest locally.
A study of red kite deaths in Germany estimated 308 deaths in an area of 29,483
km2 due to wind turbines. Young breeding pairs were most commonly killed and it
stated that with a likely increase in turbines then the population would be
threatened. (Journal of Nature Conservation).
A carcass count commissioned by the German government recorded 69 dead eagles,
186 kites, 192 buzzards, 13 harriers, 59 falcons, 12 hawks and 7 ospreys at turbine
sites. Obviously not all the birds killed will be found.
The facts are that turbines do kill raptors and not just displace them and we
desperately need more research to determine the scale of impact before we put up
any more.
(P Playle, Conservation Professional)
Local birdwatchers and wildlife experts who have built up detailed records and sighting
diaries over many years confirm the importance of this area for both resident and
migrating birds of prey.
 Furthermore, the Osprey research facility at Rutland Water have expressed an
interest in being involved in consultation for this application since they have
confirmed sightings of Osprey as close to the site as Melton and Asfordby, suggesting
ospreys also use this flight corridor during migration.
 At the same time, the Osprey team confirmed they are aware of a thriving local
population of red kite on the Belvoir ridge in the vicinity of Upper Broughton.
 These enquiries are on-going and unfortunately the full information wasn’t ready in
time for the submission of this objection report.
 As a red-list species of national importance and associated with the Remsar reserve
at Rutland Water, this aspect of the ecological survey requires investigation before
proceeding any further.
Swans and Geese
Hickling and the Grantham Canal are extremely well known for their healthy swan
population. Whilst firmly based (& successfully breeding) in the canal area they also have
very clearly defined and regular flying routes/circles. This is particularly true when the adults
are chasing off semi-mature offspring before the breeding season.
At these times, individuals, pairs and small groups can frequently be seen taking to the air in
very well-defined routes/patterns (same behaviour & routes year after year after year); one
regular and observable route is from the Hickling Basin towards Kinoulton, around the A606
and back in to the Basin over the Standard. A similar circular route takes swans back in to
the Vale from Hickling towards Long Clawson. These swans are highly likely to fall victim to
rotating turbine blades.
Similar flight circles also seem to be used by visiting Canada Geese (which breed on and
around the canal in Hickling) whilst the ridge is also used as a migratory flight corridor –
residents on Green Lane report individual geese resting, drinking water and then moving on
in the early Spring and Autumn.
The Wolds Environment
This is an important Wolds environment and specialised species are present and established
(greater crested newts, lapwings etc). This would include the pond sited on the edge of the
glebe land under discussion.
More detailed notes can be found in the Matters Arising document; the sightings obtained
during the short observation periods included in the applicant’s ecological survey indicate
an interesting and richly biodiverse ecology on and in the immediate vicinity of the
proposed turbine site.
Bats
The area is home to significant local bat populations (local churches and farm buildings, the
near-by canal & Holwell tunnels) and the applicant’s ecological survey also found a healthy
population on and around the proposed turbine site. This survey included the identification
of red-list species and also all 6 of the bat species identified by Natural England as being at
risk of wind turbine injuries/mortality.
Apart from the obvious threat posed by the blades of a turbine to flying bats there is
also the possible disruption to their hunting method of echo-location caused by lowfrequency and sub-frequency noise from the turbine.
It is understood that the heat generated around a moving turbine attracts insects to
the hub area, which in turn draws bats in to this risky food source. Because of the
proximity of the proposed turbine to hedges and the wooded area around the pond,
it would be straightforward for the hub of the turbine to become incorporated in to
the existing foraging corridors.
Wildlife experts have recently raised further concerns about bat deaths from barotrauma
(similar to the effects divers experience underwater and which is often described in terms of
‘exploding lungs’) caused by changes in air pressure as wind turbine blades rotate; these
should be carefully considered before giving permission for wind turbines so close to such
extensive and important bat roosts.
(Telegraph Sept 13th 2013:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/renewableenergy/10307646/Windturbines-may-be-killing-bats-by-exploding-their-lungs.html)
A range of additional/specific points and queries can be found in the Matters Arising
document, in relation to the applicant’s ecological survey.
Planning References:
National Policy Planning Framework
 (p27) “To minimise impacts on biodiversity and geodiversity, planning policies should
… identify and map components of the local ecological networks, including the
hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites of importance for
biodiversity, wildlife corridors and stepping stones that connect them and areas
identified by local partnerships for habitat restoration or creation;
o The Belvoir Ridge represents an important flight corridor for resident and
migrating birds, some of which are species of national importance (ospreys &
golden plover linked to the nearby Rutland Water Remsar site)
DCLG (July 2013) PPG renewables & low carbon energy
 (p11) “Evidence suggests that there is a risk of collision between moving turbine
blades and birds and/or bats. Other risks including disturbance and displacement of
birds and bats and the drop in air pressure close to the blades which can cause
barotrauma (lung expansion) in bats, which can be fatal. Whilst these are generally a
relatively low risk, in some situations, such as in close proximity to important
habitats used by birds or bats, the risk is greater and the impacts on birds and bats
should therefore be assessed. Advice on assessing risks is available from Natural
England’s website”
o Further comments are included in the wildlife section and in the Matters
Arising document.
Rushcliffe Local Plan (pt2 Environment)
2.31 “The Borough Council has produced the Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy
(2003). This document brings together information relating to the Rushcliffe area and
identifies how conservation organisations including Rushcliffe Borough Council will protect
and enhance Rushcliffe’s wildlife for future generations.”
o Rushcliffe recognises the importance of wildlife protection and, in this case, it would
be appropriate to request the applicant to conduct further surveys and/or consult
more widely so that concerns in relation to bats on the site can be clarified and
confirmation of the effect of the turbine on birds (resident and migratory) using the
Belvoir Ridge as a flight corridor can be assessed.
It is our belief that the proposed turbine poses a significant hazard to resident and
migrating birds and also to the local bat population and we consequently request that the
application should be turned down on this basis.
Racing Pigeons
As explained in the section above, the Belvoir Ridge running across to Hickling Pastures is an
important flight corridor for birds; it represents a geographical feature for navigation and
beneficial thermals for flight.
Not only is it important for wild birds but also for racing pigeons:
 Local racing pigeon owners on Hickling Pastures
 & nationally important for pigeons racing north from their regular Melton Mowbray
release sites.
A turbine on this site would represent a significant flying hazard to these pigeons and its
approval would mean the end of pigeon racing for locals and the removal from this area of
an important release point for national races.
As explained in the attached letter; pigeon racing is not a simple, low-key hobby for a few
fanatics. It is a very popular and widespread activity which for many is a near-professional
occupation. Local clubs are active in their local communities, encouraging social events for
many who wouldn’t otherwise have such opportunities and actively fundraising for local and
national charities. Individual birds can be very valuable and income from racing is significant
for many.
“When the wind turbine is erected in a direct line of flight for racing pigeons, there is
no way there cannot be casualties. The sheer numbers of racing pigeons in a kit
mean that all the pigeons will not be able to swerve to miss the wind turbine blades
and so some are bound to get their wings broken which means they cannot fly and
will die a slow death.”
(Brian Ford Secretary of the West Durham Pigeon Racing Amalgamation)
Melton Mowbray is a major release spot every Saturday between April and Sept/Oct; some
20,000 pigeons are released each week in races which head north; however, before heading
north, they follow the Belvoir Ridge towards Cotgrave and then turn (we believe, this is to
do either with the ridge as a landscape feature or because it offers specific types of wind
currents).
This is a truly impressive sight but it doesn’t last long – pigeons can be travelling at 70mph
and because they are still so close to the release point and haven’t yet begun to disperse as
they take a northerly direction, they pass overhead suddenly and quickly in dense clusters of
birds:
This photograph was taken on Saturday 19th April 2014 from High Holborn, neighbouring the proposed wind
turbine site (verification letter attached).
In this way, we request that you reject this application on the basis that the proposed
turbine will do significant harm to racing pigeons if erected on this site whilst also
preventing local and national pigeon enthusiasts from pursuing this recreation in this
area.