Nature and the environment
Find out how our proposal for Lethans Wind Farm Extension will bring additional benefits to local nature, wildlife and biodiversity.
Environmental
A lot of care was taken with the design of our proposed site layout. We ensured that we took the local ecology into account with both the turbine placement and the creation of site infrastructure.
Ecology & Ornithology
We conducted surveys over a number of years for both the original Lethans site and the Extension. Our detailed assessment work, including the modelling of potential collision risk to birds was presented in our planning application. In line with our nature-first approach, the site design and construction methods will seek to minimise ecological impacts as much as possible.
Hydrology
The Lethans Extension site features a number of watercourses. The turbines, access tracks and supporting infrastructure have been carefully positioned to stand off the watercourses with an appropriate buffer. Watercourse crossings have been located sensitively to minimise disturbance to habitats.
Peat
This particular region of Scotland has some areas of deep peat. Peat is a valuable carbon store, helping to keep carbon out of the atmosphere which is important for tackling climate change. We conducted surveys to understand the extent and depth of peat across the site, used this information in the site design to minimise peat disturbance as much as possible.
Topography and Landscape
The Lethans Extension site is located in an undulating, upland landscape which does not fall within any nationally or locally designated landscape areas. The landscape is considered suitable to accommodate wind farms, and the turbines have been carefully positioned with consideration for views from important receptors and interaction with the consented Lethans Wind Farm.