The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has said it will "vigorously maintain its opposition" to energy schemes that threaten rare or high numbers of wild birds.

Head of environmental policy Paul Jefferiss warned wildlife sites could be "up for grabs" under planning system changes proposed in yesterday's energy review.

He welcomed its emphasis on renewable energy, but added: "Any statement of national renewables need should be accompanied by a strategic environmental assessment."

Sufficient green industry could be produced without sacrificing wildlife, he said, adding that the RSPB has opposed only ten per cent of wind farm applications.

However, Mr Jefferiss argued that forthcoming proposals could seriously harm birds.

A wind farm planned for the Isle of Lewis, in Scotland, threatened an internationally protected peatland, important for thousands of birds, and would hasten the release of carbon stored in the peat, he said.