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Wind Farm vs. Wild Goats: Scottish Hills Face Clash

Summary

  • An 18-turbine wind farm is planned on hills near Newcastleton.
  • A goat cull to preserve habitats has drawn protest.
  • Low Carbon UK proposes 720ft turbines near the village.
Wind Farm vs. Wild Goats: Scottish Hills Face Clash

Plans for a significant wind farm are emerging on hills near Newcastleton, an area also experiencing a cull of its wild goat population. The conservation group Oxygen Conservation states the goat cull is necessary to allow tree growth due to a population increase since early 2023.

However, this action has spurred a campaign for better protection, leading to a petition being submitted to the Scottish government. Simultaneously, Low Carbon UK has revealed proposals for an 18-turbine wind farm, featuring turbines reaching 720ft (220m) in height, situated on land owned by Oxygen Conservation.

The proposed wind farm includes a battery energy storage system and is located less than two miles from the village. Scoping requests have been submitted to relevant authorities, and a comprehensive environmental impact study will precede a full planning application.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.
Oxygen Conservation is culling wild goats to manage population growth and allow for habitat regeneration, specifically tree growth.
Low Carbon UK plans to erect 18 wind turbines, each up to 720ft tall, near Newcastleton, alongside a battery storage system.
Yes, a petition has been submitted to the Scottish government by campaigners demanding better protection for the wild goats.

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