Cruach Mhor Windfarm
Cruach Mhor is typical of upland landscapes in Argyll, dominated by blanket bog, heath, acid grassland and coniferous plantation. A habitat management plan will deliver 250 hectares of high quality habitat for hen harriers, short-eared owls and black grouse, adjacent to the windfarm.
A pair of Hen Harriers – attractive birds of prey the size of seagulls – nested within the construction area in summer 2003. A 150-metre buffer zone around the nest was observed to minimise disturbance and, while work continued to erect turbines and chop down trees, the harriers raised and fledged a brood of two youngsters.
Since construction of the windfarm, the hen harriers have returned to breed each year – fledging nine chicks successfully to date.