Experts are warning that wind farm developments could wipe out freshwater pearl mussels

The Scottish Government and environment agency NatureScot must step in to protect “critically endangered” freshwater pearl mussels before they become extinct because of the threat posed by wind farm developments, an expert has warned.

The Scottish Government and environment agency NatureScot must step in to protect “critically endangered” freshwater pearl mussels before they become extinct because of the threat posed by wind farm developments, an expert has warned.

Juergen Geist, professor of aquatic systems biology at the Technical University of Munich, believes a proposed wind farm development in the Highlands and other similar schemes pose a serious threat to the survival of the species.

The plans by German company EnergieKontor UK will see 11 turbines measuring 200m high and several battery electricity storage system units being built at Strath Oykel, Sutherland.

There are also plans for several more wind farm developments which could see up to 179 turbines surrounding the nearby villages of Rosehall, Brae, Doune and Altass.

It is understood NatureScot has not lodged an objection to the Sutherland proposal despite the concern for freshwater pearl mussels.

Professor Geist said: “Scotland is a global stronghold for the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera, but like other populations in Europe they are declining.

“Both from an ecological as well as from an economic perspective, conserving intact pearl mussel populations is much more useful than trying to restore deteriorating ones.

“The mussels and their fish hosts now face the increasing threat of climate change linked to rising temperatures, and a sustainable plan is needed to protect them from extinction.

“Pearl mussels are extremely sensitive even to small changes in the river catchments such as increased erosion or changes of flow regimes.

“Where there is a risk of this happening because of new developments, the impact must be critically assessed.

“There are few locations left in Scotland which are home to healthy mussel populations and the Scottish Government and its agencies must do everything in their power to protect them from negative impacts before it’s too late.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Ministers have imposed a range of conditions to mitigate the environmental impacts of the proposed development.

“Detailed reasons, and all conditions of the consent, are published in the decision letter which is available to view on the Scottish Government’s website.”

A spokesperson for NatureScot said: “In our response to the application for the proposed Strath Oykel wind farm we requested it was subject to strict conditions to protect the internationally important natural heritage interests in the River Oykel Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

“This includes a species protection plan for freshwater pearl mussel and a pollution prevention plan.

“We confirmed with the Scottish Government last year that those conditions had been met to our satisfaction. Scottish Ministers then approved the application on 8 January 2025.

“NatureScot is working with partners across Scotland to restore freshwater pearl mussel habitat and protect populations.

“This includes several river restoration projects funded by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund administered by NatureScot.

“From the Forth to Angus, these projects aim to improve the habitat for freshwater pearl mussels – for example by planting riverside trees to provide shade, stabilise riverbanks and reduce sediment runoff into rivers.”

Published: 16/03/2025 by Radio NewsHub