Discussion
The discussion at the AGM ranged quite widely and was generally concerned about, and critical of, the potential impact of windfarms on the Ochils. Topics covered included:
- the impact on birds, especially rare birds
- the lack of a coherent and transparent national strategy other than a rush for wind
- the economics and (in)efficiency of wind power set against the potential for energy saving and reduced greenhouse gas emissions through increased efficiency of use and improved methods of conventional generation, plus the potential of tidal power
- the impact of access roads
- the difficulty of ever returning a site to its original state if/when dismantled
- the visibility of the proposed Green Knowes site
- noise
This map of windfarm proposals in and around the Ochils comes courtesy of Bob Neish and the Ochils Environmental Protection Group. See http://www.oepg.org.uk/ for more details.
Newsletter 24 Index