A PROTECTED area of countryside near Cumnock would be IMPROVED if an eight
turbine wind farm was built on the land.
That’s according to a report by ecology experts drafted in by High Cumnock
developers Banks Renewables.
The wind energy company have laid out a series of improvements at the
proposed 270 hectare site to restore degraded wetlands, revive protected
native woodland and create hedgerow corridors which are a lifeline to wildlife.
Independent ecology experts, led by Scott Knowles, senior ecologist with
Perthshire-based Heritage Environmental Limited, were called in by Banks to
conduct an environmental assessment and to make sure that plant and animal
life in the area surrounding the proposed wind farm is protected and enhanced.
The Hamilton-based company hopes to create an eight-turbine wind farm at
the site, between Cumnock and New Cumnock, which takes in farmland, as well
as ailing ancient woodland and other interesting habitats which are being
eroded by current land use.
Scott Knowles said: “We are very pleased to be involved in a project that
will increase the biodiversity value of the site.
“From the outset, our brief from Banks Renewables was to produce a plan
that would be of long term benefit to nature conservation.
“Certain habitats on the site have become degraded, mainly as a result of
sustained agricultural practices.
“Consequently, we have drawn up a series of recommendations to restore and
enhance these habitats.
“These improvements will result in a range of indirect benefits,
particularly for bats and farmland birds. They will also help in achieving
both local and national biodiversity targets.”
Currently two thirds of the site is made up of grazing land and coniferous
plantations which offer minimal ecological value.
Banks say they would plant a wide variety of new native trees on the site
as well as including around 2.5km of hedgerow to provide food and shelter
for wildlife.
Colin Anderson, director at Banks Renewables, said: “We have worked closely
with groups, businesses and families across this part of East Ayrshire to
ensure our wind farm would deliver real financial and social benefits,
supporting good causes and creating jobs and training opportunities.
“Despite all of that, it is even more satisfying to know that if our plans
are given the go-ahead then we’ll be doing a massive amount of work to
restore some of the most precious aspects of the countryside, supporting
plants and animals – all of which are irreplaceable.”
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