Claims of bird and bat deaths by turbines are studied

Published on Monday 16 February 2009 20:51

THE effects of domestic wind turbines on birds and bats are to be investigated by Scottish researchers.

A University of Stirling team will study whether the environmental benefits of renewable wind energy will come at a high cost to Britain's wildlife.

The study follows anecdotal reports of birds and bats being killed after crashing into "micro-turbines" – small turbines that are usually mounted on houses and business premises or in gardens and fields.

Dr Kirsty Park, a lecturer in ecology and conservation biology at Stirling University, said little was known about the impact of these turbines on bird and bat numbers.

She said: "There have been anecdotal reports of bird and bat fatalities resulting from collisions with micro-turbines, but we don't know whether these pose a threat to wildlife populations, or if they are just isolated events.

"To date, there have been no studies anywhere in the world to assess the importance of collisions – or any other risks that micro-turbines may pose – to bird or bat populations."

The researchers have been given a grant from the Leverhulme Trust for the two-year study. They will examine the number of animals being killed by micro-turbines.

The team will also look at the impact these turbines may have on flight patterns, as well as any effects on nesting birds and roosting bats.

About 1,000 domestic micro-turbines have been installed around Britain, and Dr Park believes that number may be about to rise.