Why Hands Off Our Hills Are In Objection

The proposed Shennanton Industrial Wind Turbine Site, located near Kirkcowan and Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway, presents significant risks to the historical and environmental landscape of the area. The site is in proximity to several designated heritage assets, including 36 listed buildings and 35 non-designated assets within the immediate vicinity. These structures, many of which date back centuries, are an integral part of the historical fabric of the region. The introduction of large-scale wind turbines, some reaching up to 200 metres, threatens the visual integrity and historical atmosphere of the area.

Among the notable risks is the potential disruption to the archaeology and cultural heritage of the site. While efforts may be made to reduce the impact on these assets by E-Power, the presence of such significant industrial structures in a predominantly rural and historically rich landscape cannot be understated. Historical buildings, whether listed or non-designated, face a loss of context as the surrounding environment shifts from pastoral farmland and untouched wilderness to one dominated by towering turbines. This not only disrupts the historical viewsheds but also alters the character of the area in a way that is irreversibly damaging.

The Black Burn, which runs through the site and is part of the River Bladnoch Special Area of Conservation (SAC), is also at risk. As an important watercourse with ecological significance, any disturbance due to construction or ongoing maintenance activities poses a threat to its environmental integrity. The Black Burn is a crucial part of the natural and historical environment, and its proximity to the wind farm means that potential damage to hydrology could have lasting effects on the area’s historical water systems, which have shaped human settlement and land use over centuries.

Furthermore, the cumulative impact of the Shennanton Industrial Wind Turbine Site alongside existing and proposed developments could dramatically alter the landscape’s historical character. Dumfries and Galloway is known for its rich history and picturesque landscapes, much of which is tied to its rural and relatively undeveloped environment. The encroachment of wind turbines into this region risks undermining the historical and visual significance of the entire area, transforming it into an industrial zone incompatible with its heritage.

The approval of the Shennanton Industrial Wind Turbine Site threatens not only individual historical structures but also the broader historical landscape that defines this region of Scotland. The long-term risks to cultural heritage, archaeology, and the environment are substantial and warrant careful consideration. The visual dominance of the turbines will irrevocably alter a region steeped in history, and once lost, these elements of heritage and environmental beauty cannot be restored.

Recognised for its rich biodiversity and part of the wider European network of Natura 2000 sites, which are designated under the European Union’s Habitats Directive to conserve key habitats and species.

Key Features of the River Bladnoch SAC

1. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar): The River Bladnoch is particularly important for the conservation of Atlantic salmon. The SAC provides crucial spawning and nursery habitats for this species, which are vital for maintaining the population of salmon not only in the river itself but also in connected marine environments. Salmon are a priority species under conservation legislation due to their economic, ecological, and cultural importance in Scotland.
2. Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera): Another significant species found within the River Bladnoch SAC is the freshwater pearl mussel. These mussels rely on clean, fast-flowing rivers, and their lifecycle is intricately linked to the presence of healthy salmon populations, as they use salmon as hosts during part of their reproductive cycle. Freshwater pearl mussels are highly endangered, and the Bladnoch provides one of the few remaining suitable habitats in the UK for their survival.
3. Otters (Lutra lutra): The river and its surrounding habitats also support otters, a species protected under UK and European law. Otters require clean rivers with abundant food supplies and undisturbed areas for shelter. The River Bladnoch, with its relatively pristine conditions, provides an ideal habitat for this elusive species.

Environmental Concerns

The River Bladnoch SAC is a delicate ecosystem that depends on maintaining clean water and a natural flow regime. The proposed Shennanton Industrial Wind Turbine Site could pose threats to the SAC in several ways:

• Water Quality: Construction activities, such as the excavation and building of turbine foundations, can lead to increased sedimentation in watercourses. This could impact the spawning grounds for Atlantic salmon and affect the freshwater pearl mussel population, which relies on clean, well-oxygenated water.
• Hydrology: Any alteration to the natural flow of the River Bladnoch, such as changes in drainage patterns due to construction, could harm the habitats of the species that the SAC is meant to protect. Such changes may also affect the food availability and shelter for otters, which rely on stable and undisturbed riparian environments.
• Biodiversity Impact: The River Bladnoch is a critical refuge for several rare species, and disruptions in the surrounding environment could have far-reaching consequences for their survival. The potential cumulative impact of multiple developments in the area further heightens the risk to this fragile ecosystem.