How are wind developers attracting East Anglian kittiwakes

Over the past several decades, food shortages and climate change have wiped out huge swathes of kittiwake (Image: Mick Howes)

But over the past several decades, food shortages and climate change have wiped out huge swathes of kittiwake, with the global population estimated to have fallen by around 40pc since the 1970s.

This major drop in numbers has resulted in the species being listed as vulnerable and at risk of extinction on the UK’s Red List for Birds of Conservation Concern.

And as one of the few urban colonies left in the country, Lowestoft's kittiwake population has been driving one of the offshore wind industry’s most exciting conservation efforts to date.

KITTIWAKE 'HOTELS'

Under the terms of their planning permissions, the biggest offshore wind developers in the region have joined forces to create a series of “bird hotels” to help Lowestoft’s kittiwake population raise their young in safety and comfort.

Drone footage of the Orsted Artificial Nesting Structures in Lowestoft. Picture: R7M (Image: R7M)

These giant nesting structures have been built by Vattenfall, Scottish Power, and Orsted, and will be placed both on and offshore in an effort to attract as many pairs as possible.

Developed by a team of ornithologists, architects, ecologists and engineers, the structures have narrow ledges and vertical sides to mimic the cliffs on which the kittiwakes normally nest.

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The structures, which were unveiled by Vattenfall and Scottish Power in March last year, are the UK’s first kittiwake nesting structures to support consented offshore wind farms.

The kittiwake hotels at the port of Lowestoft (Image: Mick Howes)

Each one has between 400 and 500 nesting spaces, to introduce enough new chicks into the population and will be monitored every year to count the number of birds, occupied nests, and their productivity.

'RESPONSIBLE RENEWABLES'

Developers are also working closely with the Lowestoft Kittiwake Partnership, a joint venture between Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the RSPB, councils, and business groups to advocate for the local colony.

Orsetd and Vattenfall have both committed to contributing £50,000 a year to pay for cleaning buildings affected by nesting birds, and other interventions to help people and businesses enable kittiwakes to nest in more suitable locations.

Over the past several decades, food shortages and climate change have wiped out huge swathes of kittiwake (Image: Mick Howes)

Ross Ovens, ScottishPower Renewables’ managing director for the East Anglia Hub, said: “This project is a great example of how responsible renewables development can ensure that wind farms and wildlife can happily co-exist so we can all benefit from a cleaner and greener future.

“Ecology and conservation are key issues for us and we always focus on how we can enhance the environment as well as mitigate the impact of any planned developments, and that’s exactly what we have done here.”

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Rob Anderson, project director of Vattenfall’s Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone, agreed, and added: “We’re really pleased that we’ve been able to play our part in protecting seabirds and making sure that Vattenfall’s Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone supports local wildlife. 

“The east of England is famous for its seabirds so it’s great we’ve been able to look after them for generations to come. 

“The funding for the Kittiwake Partnership will really help Lowestoft residents and businesses, who will be able to access support and advice on how to safely manage the impact of kittiwakes in the town. 

“This is all part of our long-term commitment to the area as we build one of the world’s largest wind farms.”