Will plans to build Wales’ first tidal lagoon in a conservation area harm birdlife using the Dee Estuary?

Mostyn SeaPower Ltd hopes turbines on the Dee Estuary in Flintshire will provide electricity for 82,000 homes, but there are significant concerns that the development could damage birds due to the disruption of their habitat.

The company said ecological surveys had been carried out and there would be “no significant impacts” on wildlife. Mostyn Seapower Ltd, a subsidiary of the Port of Mostyn, hopes to construct the £600m tidal lagoon, which would be the first of its kind in Wales. At about 4.2 miles (6.7km) in length, the lagoon wall would run along the estuary between Mostyn and Point of Ayr, covering an enclosed area of 12.2 km (7.6 miles) and, at high tides, would hold 72 million cubic metres of water. But while the company say with a rising energy crisis, now is the time for green energy development, others fear the location of the tidal lagoon could lead to a loss of habitat for birds. Read this BBC article for more news on this potential development. WOS will be amongst the wildlife and conservation organisations watching and commenting on the planning proposal.