Background
Hinkley Point C and the Hinkley Point connector scheme are Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP). Hinkley Point C is the first in a new generation of UK nuclear power stations that will provide low-carbon electricity for around six million homes once it is completed. The Hinkley Point connector scheme will involve the construction of a 57-km-high voltage connection between Bridgwater and Seabank, near Avonmouth, consisting of underground cables and new T-pylons.
Scope of services
In 2013, RSK Biocensus provided a large team of ecologists for great crested newt and reptile surveys along the Hinkley Point connector route. From 2019 onwards, we have provided Phase 2 ecological surveys and mitigation for stages 3, 4 and 8 of the project between Sandford and Seabank.
RSK Biocensus delivered a range of Phase 2 surveys and assessments to update the certified biodiversity mitigation strategy, including for
- non-native invasive plants
- great crested newts and reptiles
- schedule 1 birds (including barn owl, kingfisher and Cetti’s warbler)
- mammals, including bats, badgers, otters and water voles.
Our Ecological Clerk of Works team performed trapping and translocation of great crested newts under licence, conducted fish rescues, managed disturbance to wintering birds using sound suppression fencing, installed barn owl nest boxes, closed badger setts under licence and designed a bat flyway to facilitate works within the North Somerset and Mendips Bats Special Area of Conservation.
Impact
With our large team of in-house ecologists and network of quality-assured consultants, we were able to meet the client’s requirements to deliver the initial newt and reptile survey work on budget and within a tight timescale. In our role as ecologists, we continue to support progress on this important NSIP by providing timely and effective advice on managing ecological impacts.