Controversy as RSPB builds 100m wind turbine despite deadly threat to birds

Critics say energy-saving technology is a threat to rare species already suffering from low numbers

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has completed construction of a 100 metre wind turbine at its headquarters despite warnings they are a deadly danger to some birds and bats.

The turbine will save an estimated 800 tonnes of carbon emissions a year as it generates the equivalent of half the electricity the RSPB uses across its 127 sites.

Critics of the technology warn turbines pose a threat to birds, particularly rare species which are already suffering from low numbers or migratory species, as well as to bats.

The Scottish Gamekeepers' Association (SGA) has previously claimed wind turbines are killing more birds of prey than deliberate poisoning or shooting.

But RSPB's turbine got the go-ahead as an article in the journal Nature claimed they killed far fewer birds than than other human causes such as buildings, cars, power lines, pesticides and pet cats.

The turbine by energy company Ecotricity is now ready to start producing power at the RSPB's Lodge headquarters near Sandy, Bedfordshire.

The RSPB, to make its operations greener, warns climate change is the "single biggest threat" to birds and other wildlife and says it has been involved in hundreds of wind farm applications to make sure local bird nesting activity, migratory patterns and flight paths are taken into account.

The charity said it had worked in partnership with Ecotricity on three years of detailed ecological and environmental research to confirm the location at its headquarters was suitable for a turbine.

RSPB director of conservation Martin Harper said: "Climate change is the single biggest threat to our planet. This is about our birds and wildlife as well as our way of life.

"Around the world, and even in the UK, we can already see how these changes are affecting wildlife, the places where they live as well as damage to our homes and disruptions to the economy.

"It is down to everyone to play their part. In the UK, we have the potential to generate a significant portion, if not all, of our electricity from sustainable sources."

And he said: "Using wind energy is a proven and reliable technology that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. But turbines must be located where they are sympathetic to our natural environment."

Ecotricity has financed and installed the wind turbine which will produce power at a discounted cost to the charity, with excess electricity generated being sold by the energy company, a scheme which powers operations by Sainsbury's, Ford and B&Q.

Ecotricity founder Dale Vince said the partnership allowed the company to work with customers to make green energy where they needed it and to share the benefits.

"Green energy puts power in the hands of the people - the technology allows us to democratise and decentralise energy in Britain.

"Green energy is also a strong economic and an environmental choice - it's about jobs and the new industrial revolution, about building a truly sustainable economy in Britain," he said.