Tonight just heard the UK Government want’s 25% of energy power in the UK to be Nuclear! What does that means for Minsmere?

Thanks for raising this Ian.

Although the Government has today described an increased role and accelerated development for nuclear power in the provision of domestic energy, and made mention of Sizewell C, it is important to understand that the new facility at Sizewell is still awaiting the green light from Government. This is not yet a “done deal”.

We believe the development still has much work to do to prove that it will not be disastrous for wildlife on the Suffolk coast and at the RSPB’s flagship nature reserve at Minsmere. Therefore, we continue to maintain that that the current Sizewell C project is not appropriate at this location

You can also keep up to date with the Love Minsmere campaign at www.rspb.org.uk/.../ and with our casework pages at www.rspb.org.uk/.../

Thomo - do you think RSPB should be giving political opinions, and respond to political posts such as this?

In reply to Ian Barthorpe:

Thanks for the response, Ian B. Got to say I struggle to form an opinion re energy policy. Biggest issue is lots of energy generation is unpopular. It has to be generated somehow.

Very difficult subject, but for what it is worth…..my thoughts are wind is only and can only be part of the solution. The more of it being rolled out, the more conflict with nature (onshore and offshore) and local residents (onshore mostly). Solar clearly is worth pursuing but latitude says unless technology has moved on, is of limited scope. Tidal again has cons as well as pros. Tidal is the only regular one of those options. Not sure what else can be done re hydro. Biomass cons as well as pros. 

Insulation is very important but doesn’t generate energy…..

A tough nut to crack. Recent events in the Ukraine highlight national and global energy security as critical factors in policy formation - a dynamic and delicate balancing act between political, economic, human and environmental considerations. The fate of belovéd Minsmere is caught up in all this and a symbol of it. Thank goodness there are still some ready to speak up, challenge, defend and seek to influence debate and outcomes. The RSPB has a key role to play.

In reply to ItisaRobbo:

Yes if it affects there own reserves. Not in such things such as shooting game birds owned by owners of field sports. In the past the Royal charter always mentioned that If the situation arose that did shoot or killl any species of wild birds/wild animals that was legal on RSPB land nested/bred or was on RSPB reserves and anyone tried to do just that the RSPB could always take action about as that was there land/reserve. But as far as on other owners of moorland where regular shooting of Game Birds took place and was legal, the RSPB where always neutral in the past. The difference here is that the RSPB are the landowners. The Royal Charted always mentioned that in the past. At the present time some say that, that differs now at the present time. But in the past it was clear in the Royal Charter about all of this!

Regards,

Ian.

In reply to THOMO:

THOMO said:

The difference here is that the RSPB are the landowners.

Please provide evidence of this opinion.

In reply to Sandmartin:

Sandmartin said:

A tough nut to crack.Thank goodness there are still some ready to speak up, challenge, defend and seek to influence debate and outcomes. The RSPB has a key role to play.

Totally agree, and RSPB as well as other conservation organisations have been extremely effective over the years. Not always successful, but in many cases, proved decisive. 

However, I would say that it is now more important than ever to ensure 'alternatives', credible 'alternatives' are put forward at the same time as opposition. some So many wind turbines, tidal proposals etc are requiring opposition. Very tough nut to crack. In the meantime, as last year, I have no doubt coal will again have to be burned to produce UK energy this year.  

In reply to ItisaRobbo:

The evidence is not there now. As it was changed. You can believe if you want to. But no doubt you won’t. But that doesn't matter.

Regards,

Ian.

www.energy.gov/.../advantanges-and-challenges-wind-energy
Here is a link to an article about the advantages and challenges about energy provided by wind power. Instead of always been challenged about my views!

Regards,

Ian.