Wood Of Cree RSPB

Only 330 Meters away from the Glenvernoch industrial wind turbine site.

The Wood of Cree stands as the largest ancient woodland in southern Scotland, offering an ideal setting for a day of exploration. During spring, the forest blooms with Bluebells covering the ground, accompanied by the melodic calls of Pied Flycatchers and warblers. This extensive woodland is renowned for providing excellent opportunities to observe Willow Tits, as well as Barn and Tawny Owls.

As a seasonal habitat, the Wood of Cree becomes a temporary residence for migratory species such as Redstarts, Pied Flycatchers, and Wood Warblers, arriving from Africa in May to establish their summer abode. The woodland hosts a diverse bat population, with up to eight different species, including the elusive Leisler’s Bat.

In addition to the wooded areas, the landscape comprises wood pasture, open moorland, wet floodplain woodland, fen and grassland, and scrub, creating diverse habitats for a rich array of wildlife. Each specific area harbors distinctive fauna, including Black Grouse, Willow Tit, Whinchat, Grasshopper Warbler, and Cuckoo. The rivers within the reserve may even offer glimpses of otters.

Galloway Oakwoods SAC

Designated Special Area of Conservation.

This collection of oakwoods stands as the exclusive site within the SAC series that represents the Atlantic Bryophyte zone in the South-west Lowlands of Scotland.

Despite the small and scattered nature of individual sites, they hold regional significance owing to the highly fragmented state of remaining semi-natural woodlands in south-west Scotland.

The complex showcases well-preserved instances of ancient sessile oak woods, some of which have undergone coppicing in the past. Notably, it houses a distinctive oceanic bryophyte flora, featuring species that are uncommon in this region.

These areas typically boast diverse collections of Atlantic mosses and liverworts, along with flourishing lichen communities and ferns, such as the hard fern Blechnum spicant.

The understorey commonly includes the presence of Holly (Ilex aquifolium).

Economy

Newton Stewart and its surrounding region heavily depend on tourism throughout the year to maintain the financial viability of local businesses. Visitors are drawn to the untapped natural beauty of Newton Stewart, Glentrool, and neighbouring villages, engaging in activities such as hillwalking, cycling, and photography amidst the serene Galloway Hills.

The proposed installation of large industrial wind turbines, reaching a height of 200 meters, is expected to directly impact tourism in the area. Studies indicate a correlation between the presence of such turbines and a decline in tourism.

Community benefit funds offered by the EnergieKontor are perceived by some as attempts to offset the impact of the turbines on the landscape and the associated financial repercussions for the community.  The question arises as to why cash incentives are deemed necessary if these companies and the Scottish Government are confident in the environmental benefits of such initiatives?

Light Pollution

In adherence to regulations outlined by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, each turbine is obligated to feature a continuously illuminated aviation beacon positioned at its apex. These bright red lights are operational 24/7, ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards.

However, the persistent radiance of these lights presents a challenge to upholding Dark Sky Status in the surrounding area, contributing significantly to light pollution. This light pollution poses an impediment to the visibility of stars and the solar system during nighttime hours, impacting enthusiasts of astronomy in the vicinity.

The Gold Status currently held by Galloway Forest Park is at risk of being compromised due to the intense light emitted by these turbines during the night.

Saturation

Dumfries and Galloway currently accommodates more than 30 Industrial Wind Turbine Sites, featuring a cumulative total of over 590 turbines.

Our research suggests that Dumfries and Galloway has made a substantial contribution to green energy production, albeit acknowledging that the environmental impact of Industrial Wind Turbine Sites may not align seamlessly with their designation as “Green Energy.”

The saturation of such sites prompts a critical examination of the necessity for the inclusion of the Glenvernoch Industrial Wind Turbine Site in the Scottish Government’s objectives for carbon emissions reduction. As of now, empirical evidence supporting the requirement for the Glenvernoch site within the context of these goals remains unsubstantiated.

Futher Information

If you’d like more details about how the Glenvernoch industrial wind turbine site might affect Glentrool or Newton Stewart and the surrounding villages, feel free to reach out to us.  We’d be delighted to share a comprehensive list of information with you. Alternatively, you can check out our FAQ section, where you might find the additional information you’re looking for.