Critics say energy-saving technology is a
threat to rare species already suffering from low numbers
The Royal Society for the Protection of
Birds has completed construction of a 100 metre wind turbine at its headquarters despite warnings they are a deadly
danger to some birds and bats.
The turbine will save an estimated 800
tonnes of carbon emissions a year as it generates the equivalent of half the
electricity the RSPB uses across its 127 sites.
Critics of the technology warn turbines
pose a threat to birds, particularly rare species which are already suffering
from low numbers or migratory species, as well as to bats.
The Scottish Gamekeepers' Association (SGA) has previously claimed
wind turbines are killing killed more birds of prey than deliberate
poisoning or shooting.
But RSPB's turbine got the go-ahead as an
article in the journal Nature claimed they killed far fewer birds than than
other human causes such as buildings, cars, power lines, pesticides and pet
cats.
