It is already main the way in which within the UK’s quest for web zero, and shortly East Anglia may be recognised as a world chief for conservation, because of an revolutionary mission at one of many area’s largest wind farms.
Unless you’re a eager twitcher, you may not have heard of the seagull’s cute cousin, the Black-legged kittiwake.
These gentle-looking gulls have been as soon as widespread within the UK, and might be readily noticed nesting on cliff tops and rock ledges across the coast.
Over the previous a number of many years, meals shortages and local weather change have worn out enormous swathes of kittiwake (Image: Mick Howes)
But over the previous a number of many years, meals shortages and local weather change have worn out enormous swathes of kittiwake, with the worldwide inhabitants estimated to have fallen by round 40pc for the reason that Nineteen Seventies.
This main drop in numbers has resulted within the species being listed as vulnerable and vulnerable to extinction on the UK’s Red List for Birds of Conservation Concern.
And as one of many few city colonies left within the nation, Lowestoft’s kittiwake inhabitants has been driving one of many offshore wind business’s most enjoyable conservation efforts so far.
KITTIWAKE ‘HOTELS’
Under the phrases of their planning permissions, the most important offshore wind builders within the area have joined forces to create a sequence of “bird hotels” to assist Lowestoft’s kittiwake inhabitants elevate their young in security and luxury.
Drone footage of the Orsted Artificial Nesting Structures in Lowestoft. Picture: R7M (Image: R7M)
These large nesting constructions have been constructed by Vattenfall, Scottish Power, and Orsted, and might be placed each on and offshore in an effort to draw as many pairs as attainable.
Developed by a group of ornithologists, architects, ecologists and engineers, the constructions have slender ledges and vertical sides to imitate the cliffs on which the kittiwakes usually nest.
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The constructions, which have been unveiled by Vattenfall and Scottish Power in March final yr, are the UK’s first kittiwake nesting constructions to help consented offshore wind farms.
The kittiwake inns on the port of Lowestoft (Image: Mick Howes)
Each one has between 400 and 500 nesting areas, to introduce sufficient new chicks into the inhabitants and might be monitored yearly to depend the variety of birds, occupied nests, and their productiveness.
‘RESPONSIBLE RENEWABLES’
Developers are additionally working intently with the Lowestoft Kittiwake Partnership, a three way partnership between Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the RSPB, councils, and business teams to advocate for the native colony.
Orsetd and Vattenfall have each dedicated to contributing £50,000 a yr to pay for cleansing buildings affected by nesting birds, and different interventions to assist folks and businesses allow kittiwakes to nest in additional appropriate areas.
Over the previous a number of many years, meals shortages and local weather change have worn out enormous swathes of kittiwake (Image: Mick Howes)
Ross Ovens, ScottishPower Renewables’ managing director for the East Anglia Hub, mentioned: “This project is a great example of how responsible renewables development can ensure that wind farms and wildlife can happily co-exist so we can all benefit from a cleaner and greener future.
“Ecology and conservation are key issues for us and we always focus on how we can enhance the environment as well as mitigate the impact of any planned developments, and that’s exactly what we have done here.”
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Rob Anderson, mission director of Vattenfall’s Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone, agreed, and added: “We’re really pleased that we’ve been able to play our part in protecting seabirds and making sure that Vattenfall’s Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone supports local wildlife.
“The east of England is famous for its seabirds so it’s great we’ve been able to look after them for generations to come.
“The funding for the Kittiwake Partnership will really help Lowestoft residents and businesses, who will be able to access support and advice on how to safely manage the impact of kittiwakes in the town.
“This is all part of our long-term commitment to the area as we build one of the world’s largest wind farms.”
