Construction of the Dębsk Wind Farm – activities to increase biodiversity

In addition to the long-term greenery planting program, which has been implemented in all the wind farm projects being developed, several other activities supporting biodiversity have been undertaken. These activities were identified and planned by the Polenergia Group in cooperation with the environmental supervision service overseeing the construction work on the Dębsk Wind Farm. They were also agreed with and approved by the representatives of the Żuromin City and Township Office. By implementing these measures and by engaging in active communication with authorities and residents, the Polenergia Group does not only have a positive impact on local biodiversity but also builds close relations with local communities and provides education on local protected species.

At the Dębsk Wind Farm construction site and in its surrounding areas, the presence of Little owl (Athene noctua, a very rare bird of the tawny owl family) was observed and nesting boxes appropriate for this species were installed in the area. This will contribute directly to the increase of the local population of little owl. The residents, school principals and the Żuromin Township Office were all involved in the activities. In January 2021, a total of 8 nesting boxes for little own were installed on trees as well as commercial buildings and schools in Chamsk and Kliczewo Duże.  The nesting boxes are located in Olszewo, Kosewo, Chamsk, Dębsk, Sadowo, Cierpigórz and Kliczewo Duże. The observations in the fall showed that the boxes were inhabited and the young owls had been successfully brought up.

In early April 2021, 13 nesting boxes for birds were installed at short distances to the park at ul. Lidzbarska in Żuromin. The locations of the nesting boxes were selected by the environmentalists overseeing construction of the Dębsk Wind Farm and consulted with the Żuromin City and Township Office. Through activities such as this one, the Polenergia Group contributes to the increase of local population of bird species such as sparrows, Eurasian tree sparrows, great tits, Eurasian blue tits, black redstarts, spotted flycatchers and white wagtails.

Stones, trunks and branches are waste material generated during road construction, and can be used to build alternative biotopes and serve as a shelter, a wintering location for amphibians and reptiles, and as breeding habitat e.g. for Northern wheatear. In cooperation with subcontractors, i.e. ONDE and Electrum, two biotopes were established in the area of the Dębsk Wind Farm; one is located right next to the GPO Offtake Point and the other next to wind turbine no. 7.