Hengistbury Head
It is important that you follow the viewing instructions for these simulations of the windfarm.
High Definition Videos
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194, 5MW turbine array (Feb 2014 layout)
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This computer simulation shows what the view might look like from Hengistbury Head. It is a long, slow sweep starting from the Isle of Wight. The windfarm does not come into view immediately, so be patient.
The assumptions behind the video are explained on the Animation FAQ page. (194, 177m 5MW turbines). |
122, 8MW turbine array (Feb 2014 layout)
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This is the same view as above, but with the array of 122 200m tall 8MW turbines for comparison.
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How Hengistbury Head and its surroundings would be affected
From Hengistbury Head and the local area, the windfarm would be visible to the south, occupying approximately 26% of the horizon between the Needles and Durlston Head. The closest part of the development area is 12.5 miles (20.1km) from the headland, compared with 8.1 miles to the Needles, and 11.9 miles to Durlston Head. Depending on final turbine height, the tallest turbines would appear to be about the same height of West High Down (left of the Needles) on the Isle of Wight. Because the turbines lie to the south, they would be back-lit, and therefore more visible, for much of the day. From the height of Hengistbury Head, almost the whole height of even the most distant turbines would be visible despite the curvature of the Earth.
The headland and Christchurch Harbour are important staging posts for birds migrating to and from France. Although the windfarm's toll on birds is difficult to quantify with any certainty, as a precaution it would seem sensible not to build large windfarms on known migration routes.
The headland and Christchurch Harbour are important staging posts for birds migrating to and from France. Although the windfarm's toll on birds is difficult to quantify with any certainty, as a precaution it would seem sensible not to build large windfarms on known migration routes.