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Wind farm planned close to Flow Country World Heritage Site

Getty Images A view up a white wind turbine tower to its hub and long blades. There is another turbine nearby. The sky above is blue with wispy white cloud.Getty Images
Developer Low Carbon had originally planned up to 19 turbines

Plans for up to 12 wind turbines near the Flow Country World Heritage Site in the Highlands have been submitted to the Scottish government.

Low Carbon said its Forsinain Forest Wind Farm, proposed for land 2 miles (3km) north of Forsinard, would be "fully outwith" the Unesco-designated site.

It said the project include proposals to restore 383 acres of non-native forest to peatbog.

The world heritage site covers almost 469,500 acres of one of the most intact and extensive blanket bog systems in the world.

Unesco status was achieved for the Flow Country, which includes parts of Caithness and Sutherland, in July 2024 after an almost 40-year campaign.

Low Carbon had planned up to 19 turbines but reduced the number during a series of "design refinements".

The company said the project could generate enough electricity to power more than 98,000 homes each year.

It added that a community benefit fund associated with the wind farm could be worth about £432,000 per year, and the project could provide an estimated £1m annually in business rates for Highland Council.

Low Carbon A view down a rough track between an area of thick, commercial forestry. In the distance is more forestry and mountains.Low Carbon
Low Carbon said its project would see an area of non-native forest restored to peatbog

Andy Sloan, project development director at Low Carbon, said: "Forsinain Forest is a key part of our growing pipeline of onshore wind in Scotland, which if approved, will support Scottish climate targets, help accelerate the UK's transition to clean energy and bolster energy security by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

"By combining clean energy generation with nature restoration and long-term community benefit, Forsinain Forest can help to deliver lasting economic value for the communities that host it."

'Significant concerns'

The Flow Country's rare blanket bog ecosystem supports a range of notable species including a host of sphagnum mosses and other wetland plants.

There are all sorts of insects and a host of rare birds including greenshank, golden plover, dunlin and hen harrier.

The Flow Country Partnership has been contacted for comment.

RSPB Scotland, which manages a reserve at Forsinard, said it was supportive of "carefully sited" renewable energy schemes.

A spokesperson said: "We have just been consulted on the full application for Forsinain Forest Wind Farm and will be carefully considering the proposed development.

"However, we do have significant concerns over a wind farm at this very sensitive location for nature, in the heart of The Flow Country Unesco World Heritage Site, adjacent to nationally and internationally protected sites for nature and RSPB's Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve."