Mapped and written guidance in relation to birds and onshore wind energy development in England J. A. Bright1, R. H. W. Langston1*, S. Anthony2 1RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL 2Natural England, 6th Floor, Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DE 1*
[email protected] RSPB Research Report No 35 A report by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, as part of a programme of work jointly funded by the RSPB and Natural England 2009 i ©The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL ISBN 1-905601-18-2 ii Mapped and written guidance in relation to birds and onshore wind energy development in England Executive Summary Concerns over climate change have led to renewable energy targets for EU member states, with the UK being allocated a target of 15 % of energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020. This will require a large increase in renewable energy production, with wind energy currently representing the fastest growing renewable energy source. Climate change poses the single greatest long-term threat to birds and other wildlife, and the RSPB recognises the essential role renewable energy, including wind, plays in addressing this problem. However, poorly sited wind farms can also have negative effects on birds, leading to potential conflict where proposals coincide with areas of activity for species of conservation concern. To help minimise this conflict, the RSPB and Natural England have jointly produced a GIS map and written guidance to aid the planning process for onshore wind energy development in England.