Over 700 reptile mats have been installed across Manx Utilities proposed wind farm site and in neighbouring areas as part of the environmental impact assessment (EIA).
Manx Utilities’ onshore wind consultants Wardell Armstrong are continuing their ecology surveys at Earystane in the South of the Island.
This forms part of the EIA for the Island’s proposed onshore windfarm, which has now been named ‘Cair Vie’, which means ‘fair wind’.
Reptile mats have been deployed to coincide with the end of hibernation and involve seven survey periods which will be ongoing until at least September 2024, depending on weather.
Reptile mats
Manx Utilities says there are over 700 reptile mats installed across the site and neighbouring areas to capture a full range of possible locations where lizards may choose to rest, which include both sunny locations and more camouflaged spots.
Surveys to take place are as follows:
- March 2024 – common frog surveys within waterbodies
- April 2024 – reptile surveys using mats
- April 2024 – further bird & bat surveys
A full ecology timetable has been published on Manx Utilities’ website.
Wildlife concerns
When MUA made the announcement that the Earystane Scard site was selected to be the host of the wind turbines there was much concern and distain throughout the southern community.
At the time, Energy FM spoke to John Corteen who is licensed to hold owls and raptors, including red-listed hen harriers, and is the chosen contact for rescuing and rehabilitating these birds.
With John’s wealth of knowledge on these protected birds there isn’t anyone better to talk to regarding the potential risk the Wind Farm could bring to these birds habitats.
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