Moorland windfarm would be 'a nightmare for endangered birds' claims ex-cricketer Ian Botham

                                                      

The moorland habitat earmarked for the controversial project

FORMER England test cricket captain Ian Botham claims moorland windfarms are a menace to birds.

In a contribution to The Daily Telegraph, he expresses particular scorn for proposals to build one  of 23 turbines - each 200 metres high - on the top of Hope Moor near Barnard Castle in Co Durham.

He writes "These monster turbines would be a nightmare for the endangered birds that flourish on these moors.

"Their habitat would be destroyed, their lives disturbed by constant noise and blade tips slicing through the air at over 170 mph."

Lord Botham continues: "They would be a disaster for people, too.

"I have spent my life walking across these moors. I love them.

"These mega-turbines must be stopped.

"If you care about the desecration of our environment, please join me in resisting this stupidity."   

In an earlier piece for the Daily Mail, Lord Botham identified the three species - all raptors - that he fears might be most at risk: Hen Harrier, Merlin and Peregrine.                               

                                    

At risk? Lapwing

         

Breeding Curlews, Lapwings and possibly other wading birds -  plus Meadow Pipits, Twite, Linnets and Grey Wagtails -  are also believed  to frequent this peatland habitat.

The consortium behind the venture, which is in the North Pennines, is called simply Hope Moor Wind Farm. The member-companies are not known. 

It states:  "We take the potential impact of Hope Moor on birds and other local wildlife very seriously, and we are committed to protecting and enhancing biodiversity onsite.

"Research indicates that windfarms have a minimal impact on bird habitats and flight patterns, particularly when viewed alongside wider environmental pressures such as climate change, and that careful positioning of turbines can further limit any effects.

"We recognise that the area supports rare and red-listed bird species, and we will undertake detailed environmental and technical surveys to monitor these species and adopt suitable mitigation measures."   

                              

Between Barnard Castle and Richmond - location of the proposed windfarm

The former cricketer's comment piece in The Daily Telegraph