BCT response to the government policy statement on onshore wind

Climate change poses a threat to the survival of bats, as recognised in our newly launched strategy. We share the new Government’s sense of urgency to take action to reduce and mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.

The scrapping of the ban (that has been in place in England) on small-scale onshore wind developments (see the policy statement here) announced this week has been well received as a first step in this process. However, we think it is important that individuals and communities can still raise concerns and objections as part of the planning application process. This change will bring small-scale onshore wind power developments in line with other energy development proposals.

As with any development proposal, it is important that bats and other wildlife continue to be considered as early as possible in the planning process. Surveys and ecological impact assessments must be carried out by suitably qualified ecologists, to inform the positioning, design and management of onshore wind turbines to avoid negative impacts on bats and other wildlife.

The guidance for bat survey, assessment and mitigation at proposed onshore wind sites was developed by the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies, Bat Conservation Trust, industry and academia and is available from the NatureScot website. This clearly outlines steps to take to consider bats.

Our climate change position statement acknowledges the potential negative impacts wind turbine developments could have on bats, and recommends mitigation techniques.