Rewilding our waters in an era of offshore wind: New report

For a country racing towards a cleaner energy future, offshore wind is often seen as one of Britain's greatest environmental success stories. 

But a new report from Rewilding Britain warns that if developments are not carefully planned, the UK could repeat many of the environmental and social mistakes of previous industrial revolutions.

As thousands of new offshore wind turbines are expected to be installed over the coming decades, the charity says nature recovery and coastal communities must be placed at the centre of every project rather than treated as an afterthought.

Its latest report, in an era of offshore wind, argues that marine rewilding should become a fundamental part of offshore wind planning. Instead of viewing renewable energy and conservation as competing priorities, the report suggests they can work together to restore marine habitats, strengthen local economies and improve biodiversity.

The charity highlights three key recommendations. First, marine rewilding should be integrated into offshore wind developments from the outset, helping regenerate ecosystems while supporting sustainable fisheries. 

Secondly, more of the economic benefits generated by offshore wind should remain within coastal communities through greater local ownership and investment. Finally, developers, government, conservationists, fishers and local residents should work together to co-design projects that balance renewable energy with environmental protection.

According to Kevin Cumming, offshore wind should become "part of the solution" by supporting nature recovery, creating jobs and giving coastal communities a genuine stake in the future of Britain's seas.

The report comes as marine ecosystems continue to face significant challenges. Britain has lost up to 92% of its seagrass meadows and around 95% of its native oyster reefs, while marine vertebrate populations have fallen by more than half over the past 50 years. Restoring these habitats is seen as vital not only for wildlife, but also for climate resilience, sustainable fisheries and thriving coastal economies.

Globally, around 2,000GW of offshore wind capacity will be needed by 2050 to help meet climate targets. That could require around 5,000 new turbines every year, occupying more than 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. Decisions made now, the report says, will shape marine environments for generations.

The report also points to the recently approved Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm as an example of why better planning is essential. The development has attracted concern over its predicted impact on seabird populations, including guillemots, gannets and kittiwakes, alongside worries from fishing communities and tourism businesses.

Perhaps most strikingly, the report notes that only around 30% of spending on offshore wind construction currently remains within the UK, meaning many of the financial benefits flow overseas instead of supporting local jobs and supply chains.

For environmentalists, the message is clear. Britain's transition to clean energy must not simply reduce carbon emissions; it should also restore damaged marine ecosystems, strengthen coastal communities and leave the natural environment healthier than it was before. Offshore wind, says Rewilding Britain, has the potential to do all three, provided nature is designed into every project from the very beginning.

To learn more please visit https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk