There was a report on this solar farm on Radio 4's 'You and Yours' on Friday. Don't know what in particular had prompted it, but presumably United Utilities thought it time to report on its perceived success. It was reported that it covers 80-90% of the water surface. There were Canada Geese calling on the report. They seemed very loud, so I suspect a microphone had been placed deliberately near to them to emphasise an impression that the site was still used by wildlife.. Apparently UU see it as important in strengthening their protection against volatile energy markets.
Why do we have reservoirs if the water is not used?
Call me a cynic, but perhaps he means it in the context "water unused for additional revenue streams", such as angling, sailing, etc..
850 Lapwings probably don't contribute a lot of hard cash to the company coffers, and as for Goosanders - don't get me started on migrants again - they come over here, they take all our fish
there is an ominous quote from the CEO of Floating Solar UK, the company that developed the UK's first floating solar panel array, as follows:
"The potential for these systems to change the UK's solar landscape is huge, and we expect many organisations with bodies of unused water are seriously considering installing them"
Interesting use of the words "unused water"
Why do we have reservoirs if the water is not used?
Roger mentioned the fencing off of the site, and the rumour of a terrorist threat. I have no evidence, but it seems possible that the securing of the site could have been part of the preparations for the solar farm.
On 14th August 2014, I stopped off to have a look around Godley Reservoir, but was unable to see any of the reservoir from the Mottram Road access area, without trespassing. The only record I managed was of 2 Lapwing flying west.
Further to Steve's comments on record submission, there is an ominous quote from the CEO of Floating Solar UK, the company that developed the UK's first floating solar panel array, as follows:
"The potential for these systems to change the UK's solar landscape is huge, and we expect many organisations with bodies of unused water are seriously considering installing them"
Worryingly, then, it would appear that the Godley scheme could be the tip of the iceberg. The motto, for any wetland watchers who do not currently send in records, could well be; submit or die (the site, that is, not the watcher). However, record submission is obviously hampered somewhat, if the landowner bars public access to the site.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Friday 30th of October 2015 06:51:03 AM
According to the BTO's WeBS data Godley Reservoir was first counted in the winter of 1990-91 and there was then a gap until 1997-98. It was then counted up to winter 2009-10. The highest number of birds recorded by WeBS at the site was on 16/11/2003 when 1195 individuals were present made up of the following species:
Lapwing - 850
Black-headed Gull - 120
Mallard - 95
Common Gull - 30
Goosander - 8
Canada Goose - 8
Goldeneye - 4
Pochard - 4
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 2
Unfortunately, the lack of more recent surveys, or even casual records, makes it very difficult to assess what the impact of this solar farm will be and clearly demonstrates not only the importance of WeBS in monitoring Greater Manchester's wetland sites, but also the importance of recording generally. It is only by submitting your records to the BTO, GM Bird Recording Group or GM Local Record Centre that the true value of local sites can be assessed and it is only by knowing which sites are important for which species that we can protect them.
The header at the top of the forum makes it clear that posting on here is not a method of submitting records to the GM Bird Recording Group. There are a number of ways to submit your valuable records which are outlined on the Manchester Birding website http://www.manchesterbirding.com/recordingcountybirds.htm
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The Watergrove Skyline (January 2010) - before desecration.
Steve "Statto" Atkins is quick off the mark as usual - the site hasn't had a WeBS count since 2009 (presumably that was when the big fence was erected).
Steve's going to check his records for anything of significance.
Hi Steve, I saw that on the news the other night, I was wondering what reservoir it was ? it looks a nightmare, I can see lots of problems with, surely wildfowl are going to land on it, it looked very flat?
wil look into it a bit more now I know where it is .
