proposed Severn barrage

tabbykitten · #1 (**permalink**) 14-04-2006, 08:39 AM

No formal campaign around yet but can I ask folks to keep a watch out for anything.

the intention of the Welsh Assembly (BOO BOO BOO) e al is that a tidal power barrier is constructed from Lavernock, west of Cardiff, to Brean in Somerset.

Although I am in favour of harnessing tidal energy such a large construction must surely be detrimental to wild life. Brean and its sand dunes is an especially interesting area. The Severn Bore would also be affected.

My hubby (very ungreen) reckons it would be effective but pointless

nightshade · #2 (**permalink**) 14-04-2006, 04:38 PM

I know someone who was very involved in the project some years ago,trying to establish the likely impact on the marine life

tabbykitten · #3 (**permalink**) 15-04-2006, 07:55 AM

I've been doing a bit of a surf. Get the impression that a good deal of research is going to be done.
The Cardiff Bay marina barrage caused a lot of worries but many were unfounded.
Think those of us who care for the world just do not trust politicians to behave sensibly!

nightshade · #4 (**permalink**) 15-04-2006, 08:07 AM

I cannot get hold of him but the remit took him right out to sea

tabbykitten · #5 (**permalink**) 16-04-2006, 08:47 AM

There was an item on BBC Wales online news yesterday where several wild life trusts had expressed concern.
I've been doing a closer study of maps and it is interesting how close the two points (Lavernock and Brean) are. Also that the shortest line between the two cuts right across Flat Holm.
More and more pro and con factors building up on this one!

Hawkwind · #6 (**permalink**) 11-06-2006, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tabbykitten

No formal campaign around yet but can I ask folks to keep a watch out for anything.

the intention of the Welsh Assembly (BOO BOO BOO) e al is that a tidal power barrier is constructed from Lavernock, west of Cardiff, to Brean in Somerset.

Although I am in favour of harnessing tidal energy such a large construction must surely be detrimental to wild life. Brean and its sand dunes is an especially interesting area. The Severn Bore would also be affected.

My hubby (very ungreen) reckons it would be effective but pointless

Hi Tabbykitten,
I have just read your posting regarding the proposals for the construction of the new Severn Barrage. I can help you with information regarding this matter. I work for the RSPB and live in South Wales and we are currently running a campaign oppossing this scheme.
The RSPB supports any form of re-newable energy but the Severn Barrage would displace 65,000 wildfowl and have impact on four sites protected by European law.
The construction of the barrage will cost between 10 to 15 billion pounds and the RSPB believes the money would be better spent building smaller renewable energy plants across Wales, generating the same amount of energy and providing more jobs locally.
The Welsh Assembly Government have committed themselves to reducing carbon emmissions in Wales but have overlooked the tremendous amount of carbon dioxide that would be created during the seven year construction of the barrage.
If you want to know more and get involved in our campaign please phone my colleage Ruth Lovell, Policy Advocate for the RSPB, Cyrmu in Cardiff. Tel. 029 2035 3000 or e-mail www.rspb.org.uk. Please help us in our campaign and get back to me if you need any more information. Many thanks, Hawkwind.

Hawkwind · #7 (**permalink**) 11-06-2006, 09:16 PM

Sorry Tabbykitten, The e-mail adress you need to find out about the Seven Barrage campaign is ruth.lovell@rspb.org.uk. Good luck and help us stop this development. Many thanks, Hawkwind.

tabbykitten · #8 (**permalink**) 12-06-2006, 08:49 AM

Thanks Hawkwind.

I am already linked to RSPB nationally, although not a member, but the extra info from you is useful. I have a cybermate living near Swansea, we are both fanatical about caring for the environment. I will email her too regarding your message.

xestop1 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-07-2006, 09:49 PM

Looks like its time to get active and make sure that the Severn Barrage proposals go no further than mere proposals. This government has pledged to protect and conserve the environment, but when it really comes to the crunch it is only lip service. Who is against this and how can we stop it ? Stand up and be counted...

Pete

tabbykitten · #10 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 08:15 AM

Looks like things are kicking off.

the RSPB contact - see early posts - is a starting point. Friends of the Earth are also opposing the barrage.

what concerns me is that development of nuclear power stations - Hinkley and Wylfa in the Wales and Bristol area seem to be the only alternative the government will consider.

A barrage seems like a lesser evil. doesn't mean it is right though!