Striking sand art on Scottish beach highlights the potentially catastrophic impact of offshore windfarm, Berwick Bank, on endangered seabirds.

Volunteers joined Scottish Seabird Centre staff this morning to create a striking representation of the thousands of seabirds predicted to be killed by a huge offshore wind development, Berwick Bank, which is set to be constructed in an important area for seabirds.

The Scottish Seabird Centre, alongside conservation charities across Scotland, have repeatedly called on Scottish Government to halt the development, which is predicted to kill more than 4000 seabirds every year.

Emily Burton, Conservation Manager at the Scottish Seabird Centre, said:

“The Firth of Forth is a haven for some of our most loved seabird species, including puffins, gannets and kittiwakes. But these seabirds, along with many others, are in serious trouble. Without our help we risk losing them from our coast forever.

It’s vital that steps to address seabird declines and the climate crisis are developed in harmony with nature.

We’ve created this artwork as a reminder to visitors and local people of all we stand to lose if Berwick Bank goes ahead as proposed. We’re asking everyone who cares about Scotland’s incredible wildlife to join us and call on MSPs to oppose this deadly development.”

Images

High resolution images available here.
Images free to use for this story only.
Please credit all images to: Andy Smith for the Scottish Seabird Centre.

Image caption:

Striking sand art on popular Scottish beach highlights the potentially catastrophic impact of offshore windfarm, Berwick Bank, on endangered seabirds in the Firth of Forth. The artwork was created by marine conservation and education charity the Scottish Seabird Centre alongside dedicated volunteers, who are campaigning for the development to be cancelled in favour of more nature friendly offshore wind solutions.

Image credit: Andy Smith for the Scottish Seabird Centre.

Notes

The Scottish Seabird Centre’s ‘Stop Berwick Bank’ campaign has already gained huge support with thousands of people writing to their MSPs asking them to oppose the development. https://www.seabird.org/cancel-berwick-bank-offshore-windfarm
Further background on the threats posed by Berwick Bank offshore windfarm to seabirds: https://www.seabird.org/conservation/berwick-bank-offshore-windfarm
The Scottish Seabird Centre’s objection to the Phasing Variation Application by Berwick Bank Wind Farm: https://www.seabird.org/uploads/store/mediaupload/3197/file/SSC%20letter%20-%20objection%20to%20Berwick%20Bank%20variation%20application.pdf

ENDS

For further press information:

Jamie McDermaid, Content and Communications Officer, jamiem@seabird.org, tel: +44(0)1620 890202.
Jess Thompson, Marketing and Communications Manager, jesst@seabird.org, tel: +44(0)1620 890202.

About the Scottish Seabird Centre

The Scottish Seabird Centre is an award-winning marine conservation and education charity based in the coastal town of North Berwick, overlooking the Bass Rock gannet colony. They’ve been connecting people with this incredible seabird colony and the amazing wildlife that Scotland’s sea’s support for over 25 years. Their mission is to save seabirds and restore Scotland’s seas through conservation projects, learning programmes and unforgettable wildlife experiences. The Charity has led a range of high-profile conservation and education projects including the SOS Puffin initiative in the Firth of Forth.

Follow the Scottish Seabird Centre on Facebook/ScottishSeabirdCentre and Instagram/@seabirdcentre For more information on the Scottish Seabird Centre visit https://www.seabird.org/about-us