Destroying The Severn Bore

Squirrel B said:

From todays Mail On Sunday

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/news/article-1208457/The-Wider-View-Surfing-swell-Severn-Bore.html

What do other members think of this project and where does the RSPB stand on it, with wetlands being involved?

 

Squirrel

Hi Squirrel

Thanks for your question. The Severn Bore is a unique natural phenomenon that symbolises the raw natural power of one of the most dynamic estuary systems in the UK, Europe or The World. The Severn Estuary is one of the largest estuaries, and most important wildlife habitats, in Europe. It supports huge numbers of invertebrates, over 100 fish species and is a vital migration route for fish like Salmon and Trout that spawn in the rivers Severn, Usk and Wye. Its also a key re-fuelling stop for migrating birds on long-haul international flights. It sits on the "North Atlantic Flyway" - a migration superhighway stretching from Siberia, across Europe, down to Africa – a service-station where birds can rest and refuel. It is one of the most important estuaries in Britain for wintering birds. Its vast marshes and mudflats are used by 69 thousand waterbirds each year. It’s particularly important as a haven in cold winters when bird numbers have peaked at over 100 thousand. The Estuary's internationally important bird populations and its wildlife habitats are protected by British, European and international law, and its part of a Europe-wide network of protected sites known as Natura 2000. It’s a really amazing place.

The Severn Bore is the result of the Severn's immense tidal range - a difference of 50-odd feet between high and low tide. These huge tides make the Estuary ecosystem what it is and give the Severn its muddy-brown appearance (up to 10 million tonnes of suspended silt can be churning up and down the estuary at a given moment!) However these huge tides also offer the potential to generate carbon-free, renewable electricity and, not for the first time, the UK Government is seeking ways to exploit the power of Severn.

So where does the RSPB stand on tidal power? Particularly tidal power from the Severn? The RSPB is committed to tackling climate change - the threat it poses to people and wildlife demands a revolution in the way that we generate and use energy. We support the concept of renewable and clean energy production, and recognise that tidal power has the potential to generate significant quantities of renewable energy. However, old-fashioned methods of generating tidal power - in particular tidal barrages - carry huge risks to sensitive environments. We oppose tidal barrages where they are likely to destroy habitats of international importance for birds and other wildlife. The Severn is too precious to destroy.

We welcomed the Government’s feasibility study investigating options for harnessing tidal power from the Severn but the shortlist of 5 options they selected for further investigation is a cause for huge concern. It includes 3 barrage schemes and 2 “lagoon” schemes (modified barrages). The largest of all, the Cardiff-Weston Barrage – a 10-mile long concrete wall - would be an ecological disaster. It would permanently destroy huge areas of vital feeding for birds and block the passage of migrating fish. All of the millions of tonnes of silt would drop out of suspension, permanent disrupting tidal flows and changing the very nature of the Estuary. And of course it would be the end of the Bore.

The RSPB, and our partner organisations (Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Wildlife Trusts, The Wye & Usk Foundation, The National Trust etc) believe there must be better, less damaging alternatives. We are challenging the UK Government to find an innovative tidal power solution for the Severn that maximises clean energy generation, while minimising environmental damage.

Sorry for the lecture. As you can tell it’s a matter close to my heart. Hope this gives the RSPB standpoint clearly enough.