SSSI and pSPA Site Too Near The Proposed Wind Farm

The Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SSSI and pSPA is notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and is considered of national importance. 

It is notified for the following specific features:

·         Wet woodland

·         Breeding bird assemblage of lowland open water and marginal vegetation

·         Non-breeding assemblage in excess of 20,000 water birds

·         Nationally important numbers of wintering birds of the following species:

o   Golden Plover

o   Gadwall

o   Tufted Duck

o   Cormorant

o   Bittern

o   Great-crested Grebe

o   Shoveler

o   Coot

o   Pochard

o   Mute Swan

o   Wigeon

Part of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) has been recommended as a potential Special Protection Area (pSPA) because of its European ornithological importance, particularly as wintering habitat for wildfowl and wading birds; in particular the following features:

·         Non breeding assemblage of waterbirds in excess of 20,000 birds

·         Gadwall, Golden Plover and  Bittern

Further information on SSSIs can be found at: www.naturalengland.org.uk/information_for/sssi_owners_and_occupiers/default.aspx

Further information on SPAs can be found at:  www.jncc.gov.uk/page-162 

There is no doubt that there will be a significant impact on the wildlife protected by the SSSI if the Wind Turbines are built.