Kris Roberts, an ecologist, shares his worries about the impact of proposed wind turbines on local habitats and wildlife in Cwmbran
Roberts points out that while renewable energy is crucial, the proposed wind farm could seriously harm local ecosystems. He’s worried about the unique habitats, like peat bogs and dwarf shrub heath, that are vital for conservation. These areas help store carbon and water, which are essential for fighting climate change.
He’s also concerned about the impact on local wildlife, especially migratory birds. With turbines towering at 150 meters, there’s a real risk of bird strikes, and we don’t have enough data to know how these birds interact with the area. The developers haven’t done a thorough assessment of how the turbines might affect nearby protected areas.
Roberts explains that building these turbines isn’t just about putting up some windmills. It involves creating access roads and quarries, which can disrupt the land and its natural processes. Plus, he mentions that concrete isn’t exactly eco-friendly, which seems counterproductive for a project aimed at being carbon-neutral.
He’s also worried about the loss of open spaces where people in Cwmbran enjoy nature and exercise. The proposed sites would restrict access to these areas, changing the landscape and the experience for locals.
Roberts has been working with local commoners to improve habitats for species like the great crested newt. He’s found that some of their efforts have paid off, but now there’s a risk that the construction could disrupt these habitats without proper assessments.
In his view, the potential flooding issues could worsen with the new development, as more water would run off the mountain. He’s committed to reviewing all the environmental impact assessments to ensure that the planning application doesn’t get the green light without addressing these critical concerns. He believes the people of Torfaen deserve better protection for their wildlife and habitats.
