Frodsham Marshes site has no special status

Oct 22 2009 by Mark Smith, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

MARSHLAND which is home to several species of rare birds and could soon be overshadowed by 21 giant wind turbines is not a site of special protection or of scientific interest, even though it is home to several rare bird species.

The Frodsham Marshes, which is a site regularly used by birdwatchers from Halton, is home to a variety of birds including endangered waders and wildfowl.

Chris Collett spokesman for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said: “We don’t have a position on this particular development but we are meeting Peel today.

“We are pro-wind farms because we are pro renewable energy but obviously we are only pro wind farms as long as there isn’t any significant effect on the wildlife.”

There are several important species living along the Mersey Estuary, including the shell duck, teal, dunlin and redshank. Dunlin are on the endangered list.