The Scottish Seabird Centre objects to weakening of Berwick Bank Wind Farm seabird plan

The Scottish Seabird Centre has warned that a new proposal from the developer of Berwick Bank offshore wind farm, which is predicted to kill tens of thousands of seabirds, risks further undermining confidence in the development.

The consent for Berwick Bank offshore windfarm was issued by Scottish Ministers in August 2025, but is conditional on an acceptable ‘Seabird Compensation Plan’ being produced. The plan needs to set out how the developer will compensate for the seabirds that the project is expected to kill.

In their formal objection to the plans, the Scottish Seabird Centre has warned that ‘salami-slicing’ the plan risks undermining this important condition.

Harry Huyton, CEO of the Scottish Seabird Centre, said:

“We fully support the transition to renewable energy, but it must be delivered in harmony with nature. The Berwick Bank area is rich with wildlife and an important foraging ground for seabirds that are already on the brink. An offshore windfarm on this site would be devastating, and it simply should not have been consented.

The requirement for a Seabird Compensation Plan to be in place before Berwick Bank is developed at least gave us some assurance that these issues will be taken seriously. But this new request to salami-slice the plan into three would, if accepted, deviate from best practice, further undermine confidence in the plans, and set a dangerous precedent for future developments.

Scotland has set bold targets to halt and reverse declines in biodiversity and ensure our seabird populations thrive. We urge the Scottish Government to reject this application and ensure that nature is truly valued in decision-making. Offshore wind is a great opportunity for Scotland, but only if it is developed in a way that protects and restores our natural environment.”

Our Objection Letter
Read Here

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. Their mission is to save seabirds and restore Scotland’s seas through their conservation work, 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

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