We aim not only to minimise the effects of our operations on biodiversity, but also promote wildlife and habitats by implementing positive conservation management and research at our sites and in the wider countryside. 

ScottishPower has significant land holdings – power stations, windfarms and substations – ranging from southern England to the Scottish Highlands, many of which are rich in wildlife.

We recognise that our activities could have potential effects on biodiversity. As a key element of sustainable development, biodiversity has been an integral part of our Environmental Policy for many years.  See our Biodiversity Policy.

We work closely with statutory agencies such as Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural England, Fisheries Boards and non-governmental organisations, including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), WWF and Wildlife Trusts, in respect of our present sites and future developments.
 
Our approach includes:

• Carrying out Environmental Impact Assessments for new build developments, such as overhead lines, and ensuring Environmental Management Plans are developed for projects where conservation issues are identified
  
  
• Following a Biodiversity Procedure to protect wildlife and habitats during overhead line or substation construction
  
  
• As a minimum standard, implementing Biodiversity Action Plans at our electricity generation sites
  
  
• Working in partnership with Fisheries Boards, particularly at our hydroelectric facilities, to protect and enhance the aquatic environment, and linking in to local authority biodiversity plans and projects
  
  
• Developing our windfarms in accordance with industry leading policies that focus on careful site selection, extensive consultation and proactive conservation management. For more information, see Windfarm Sustainable Development Strategy, and Biodiversity Conservation Strategy
  
  
• Developing Windfarm Habitat Management Areas. Setting aside 3,426 hectares of land to promote biodiversity at four of our windfarms – Beinn an Tuirc and Cruach Mhor in Argyll; Black Law in Lanarkshire; and Beinn Tharsuinn in the Scottish Highlands
  
  
• Playing a key role in pioneering research into bird and bat interactions with windfarms, blanket bog and vegetation restoration, including tree-felling techniques, and supporting the development of best practice habitat management in a partnership with WWF, Scottish Natural Heritage and RSPB
  
  
• Much of our biodiversity work goes well beyond any statutory obligations or planning conditions. For example, the Habitat Management Plans at UK windfarms go beyond mitigation for the effects of the windfarm and aim to preserve special wildlife species such as Golden Eagles, Hen Harriers, Black Grouse and Otters