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Wind Farm vs. Wild Goats: Scottish Hills Face Clash
25 Nov
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.
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.
