Vattenfall Celebrates a Decade of Positive Biodiversity Action in the Scottish Highlands
As part of its “10 Years in 10 Stories” community campaign, leading renewable energy company Vattenfall is celebrating a decade of fossil-free energy at the Clashindarroch Wind Farm, Huntly – and, importantly, a decade of positive biodiversity action in the Scottish Highlands.
Located in the heart of Aberdeenshire, the Clashindarroch Wind Farm has been quietly powering thousands of homes with renewable electricity while also delivering significant benefits to local communities through its community fund. Over the past ten years, the fund has supported a diverse range of local initiatives, including youth development, mental health support, heritage projects, and skills training, with over £2 million awarded to date.
Since beginning operations in 2015, Clashindarroch has not only contributed to renewable energy targets but has also played an active role in habitat restoration and ecological enhancement, particularly through peatland and moorland restoration work on formerly commercial forested areas.
One of the standout elements of Vattenfall’s environmental strategy at Clashindarroch has been the restoration of degraded peatlands and conifer plantations. Under the project’s Habitat Management Plan, felled commercial forestry areas are being transformed back into peat bog and open moorland, with complementary planting of native broadleaf species like birch trees, to increase habitat diversity.
Restoration techniques include ditch-blocking, “stump flipping” to facilitate peat formation, and proactive management of Sitka spruce regeneration – all aimed at fostering a healthier, more resilient ecosystem. Vattenfall works in partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland, SEPA, Aberdeenshire Council, and the RSPB within a habitat management group to guide these efforts and monitor outcomes.
Early results from ongoing biodiversity monitoring are encouraging, showing that in bog restoration zones, Sphagnum moss abundance has risen dramatically.
Bird species that thrive in open moorland – including skylark, meadow pipit, wheatear, and stonechat – are expected to benefit. Woodland and scrub birds like willow warbler, tree pipit, and redpoll are also projected to expand. The changes support small mammals and voles, which in turn benefit predators such as pine martens and Scottish wildcats. Through periodic vegetation and bird population surveys, Vattenfall continues to track ecological progress.
Chris Jackson, Director of Environmental Management for Vattenfall, says:
“The biodiversity crisis and the climate crisis are hugely interlinked, and we, as a renewable energy provider, have a responsibility to lead by example. We look to develop solutions that benefit not just society but also benefit biodiversity, and it is absolutely our belief that both biodiversity and energy production can coexist and go hand in hand.”
“At Clashindarroch, we see wind energy not only as a climate solution but as an opportunity to help protect and enhance biodiversity,” said Kerry Birse, Local Liaison Officer at Vattenfall. “By embedding habitat restoration into our operations, we’re aiming for a win-win: delivering renewable energy while improving nature.”
This biodiversity story is one of 10 featured stories in Vattenfall’s “10 Years in 10 Stories” campaign – crafted to share how the Clashindarroch Wind Farm is more than just turbines and energy, it’s a force for community and the environment. By demonstrating how renewable infrastructure can coexist with ecology, Vattenfall reinforces its broader commitment to Scotland’s climate and nature goals. The lessons learned here will feed into ongoing and future projects, including Clashindarroch II.
The Vattenfall Clashindarroch Wind Farm Community Fund continues to welcome applications from projects that benefit the communities of Huntly, Strathbogie, Tap O’ Noth, and the area served by Cabrach Community Association. The fund is administered by Foundation Scotland.
