“Independent office Natura conducts new fauna and flora research for proposed wind farm on Mont de Boveresse”

Collect new data concerning the fauna and flora on the Mont de Boveresse site. This is the objective of the independent office Natura, commissioned by the developer ennova, which wishes to build a wind farm on the site. It is one of the places identified in the cantonal strategy, and whose works will only be launched after the final decisions concerning the Montagne de Buttes project have been made. The latter is in the hands of the Federal Court.

Update the last 10-year-old measures

Still, to get ahead, the developer has already installed three measurement masts a month ago, in order to update the data on the strength of the wind, the latest of which dated from around 10 years ago. It is also a question of observing the fauna and flora in order to identify the places which must be protected during the eventual installation of wind turbines. Birds’ nests are sought, their habits are studied, and important biotopes are located. The Natura team spend several days a month on the Mont de Boveresse site. Acoustic recordings also make it possible to detect certain birds at night.

The scree are also noted, because reptiles can hide there, like a refuge. It is therefore a question of highlighting these structures in the report that will be submitted to ennova. The type of grassland is also noted by the biologists during their various visits, while the soil profiles are studied by a pedologist (soil specialist). These data will make it possible to define what revaluation will be necessary after the passage of a construction site.

The studies of biologists are carried out over a year, if the weather is favorable. A report will then be returned to the developer, as well as a map, identifying all the sectors to be avoided when setting up wind turbines. /swe