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World’s First Artificial Bird Nests Built Near Wind Farm

As the world strives to transition towards sustainable and renewable energy sources, the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting vulnerable species becomes paramount. Danish wind energy giant Ørsted has taken a significant step in this direction with the completion of three artificial nests, designed to provide a haven for a vulnerable seabird species near the UK’s Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm.

Hornsea 3 is an ambitious 2.85-gigawatt offshore wind farm situated off England’s east coast, approximately 120 km (75 miles) from Norfolk and 160 km (99 miles) from Yorkshire. Once operational, it is expected to generate enough clean energy to power over three million households, contributing significantly to the country’s renewable energy goals.

One of the remarkable aspects of the Hornsea 3 project is that it marks the first UK offshore wind initiative to incorporate ecological compensation measures. To obtain consent for the wind farm’s construction, Ørsted was obliged to address potential environmental impacts on the Black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), a vulnerable seabird species whose numbers have been declining since 2000, likely due to food shortages and Climate change.

Unlike the typical gull often seen scavenging for food in urban areas, kittiwakes are characterized by their small and gentle nature. They rely solely on marine fish and small crustaceans for sustenance, exhibiting none of the nuisance behaviors often associated with their larger counterparts.

Recognizing the importance of preserving this at-risk species, Ørsted’s environmental manager, Eleni Antoniou, expressed the potential benefits of a green energy system in contributing to the long-term Conservation of kittiwakes. Furthermore, Ørsted’s efforts to provide artificial nesting structures align to enable future generations of kittiwakes to raise their young safely away from predators and urban centers.

Collaborating with UK marine contractor Red7Marine, Ørsted designed and constructed the innovative nearshore artificial nesting structures (ANS) off the coast of Suffolk, which lies south of Norfolk. This location was chosen due to the likelihood of rapid colonization by the kittiwakes, even in the absence of natural nesting sites, such as cliffs, in the area. The kittiwake population has already started to grow in Suffolk, making it an ideal spot for artificial nests.

The gigantic bird nests, meticulously designed by a team of ecologists, architects, and engineers, are situated approximately 1 km (0.6 miles) offshore. Supported on a single monopile above the water, each octagonal topside houses a space equipped with a table, chairs, and a whiteboard to facilitate data recording by researchers. To ensure careful observation without disturbing the birds, two cameras have been installed on each structure.

Each artificial nest boasts an impressive capacity for around 500 nesting spaces, spread across eight rows of ledges on each nesting face. The individual nesting spaces feature sliding Perspex panels that enable researchers to observe the kittiwakes from within, while remaining undetected by the birds.

The design of the artificial nests closely replicates the cliffs where kittiwakes would naturally nest, featuring narrow ledges and vertical sides. With eight sides, the nests offer kittiwakes different options to choose from based on varying weather conditions, ensuring their comfort and safety. The off-white color of the main structure seamlessly blends with the sky and sea, creating an environment that feels natural to the birds.

To fulfill its commitment to ecological Conservation, Ørsted will diligently monitor the kittiwakes throughout the lifetime of the ANS. This will not only provide valuable data on the success of the artificial nests but also enable researchers to better understand the behaviors and needs of these vulnerable seabirds in their new habitat.

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