Despite our offshore windfarms being out at sea, we have to connect to the National Grid onshore using a substation/converter station. To get power generated offshore to our substations/converter stations, cabling must be laid underground. The point where our offshore sub-sea cabling reaches land is called the Landfall point.
Throughout the construction of substations/converters stationand the laying of onshore cabling, a multitude of ecology measures are put in place to minimise our impact on neighbouring wildlife ecosystems, animal habitats and the surrounding environment.
Mitigation throughout construction
Prior to any development the environmental aspects of a proposed development location are assessed in detail for potential impacts to protected species, habitats, and the overall landscape. Numerous onshore ecological and environmental surveys are undertaken including habitat classification, protected species targeted surveys, watercourse condition surveys, baseline noise and lighting, and geological, hydrological, and visual landscape assessments.
Types of mitigation we put in place to limit disturbnce to animals and insects
Mitigation following construction
Following construction, the temporary working corridor for the onshore underground cable route is reinstated. The majority of this is reinstatement of agricultural soils.
Habitat reinstatement for our East Anglia ONE working corridor
Trees
For every tree removed during construction, we replanted 2 in its place totalling 1700 new trees planted along our construction route.
Habitat creation
We replanted 3500 linear metres of native hedgerows.
Specific Re-seeding
Grassland seeding according to habitat type such as roadside verges/field margins or specific acid grassland mixes.
Substation and converter station environment restoration
Extensive landscaping around the new Substation/Converter Stations enhances biodiversity and screens the development. Over 30,000 trees have been planted, creating woodlands, 12.6 hectares of species-rich grassland, 1600 meters of native hedgerows, and two Sustainable Drainage System (SUDS) basins. The main SUDS basin features a pond with diverse aquatic flora, supporting species like dragonflies, damselflies, great crested newts, and various notable birds.
Bat roost boxes installed
Hibernacula and log piles put in place
Bird nest boxes installed
Barn owl boxes installed
The East Anglia THREE Converter Station currently in construction will include additional landscaping to further screen both projects, providing increased biodiversity including woodland, hedgerows, grassland and a SUDS basin designed to provide a permanent pool area to maintain aquatic habitat year-round.