The “Bridage de Fauche” is a measure designed to reduce the impact of wind turbines on raptor populations living in rural areas. During agricultural activities such as mowing, harvesting or ploughing, the small mammals that inhabit these fields are exposed, making them potential prey for birds of prey. This increases the presence of these birds of prey in agricultural plots, which in turn increases the risk of collisions with wind turbines. As a precautionary measure, the turbines are temporarily shut down during agricultural work, and for two to three days thereafter during the day.
VALEMO’s supervision Department maintains direct communication with the farmers who operate these plots to plan the shutdown of the wind turbines. In certain circumstances, it is necessary to implement this flange measure 5 to 10 years after the park is commissioned. In such cases, VALEMO’s strong local presence facilitates the implementation of this measure. This involves meetings and discussions between VALEMO and the landowners about the reasons for flanging the turbines. These meetings continue until a formal agreement is signed with these operators.