nuclear-news

Charities call for greater transparency over Sizewell C

Bird Guides, 29 Sept 24

Suffolk Wildlife Trust and the RSPB have called for greater transparency from Sizewell C in relation to its wildlife compensation schemes.

Earlier this month, developers of the nuclear power station announced a new partnership with the nature-restoration movement WildEast to promote the return of land to nature across the region.

In announcing the partnership, Sizewell C flagged up how it had pledged to return a large part of the land to nature during the construction of the new power station.

Not doing enough

Its involvement in leading on a wildlife habitat scheme at Wild Aldhurst NR in Leiston was mentioned, along with plans for wetland habitat creation at three nature reserves at Benhall, Halesworth and Pakenham.

Planning consent obligations mean that the developers of the new power station, situated just to the south of the RSPB’s flagship Minsmere reserve, must offset damage caused by the construction by creating new areas for nature.

However, in a joint statement with the RSPB, Suffolk Wildlife Trust – which has long held concerns – spoke of its “real disappointment” that Sizewell C had included the work at the three nature reserves, which is part of its legal duty to compensate for the impacts of the power station’s construction on wildlife.

Misrepresented

The charities said the projects were a “minimum requirement,” but were being “misrepresented” as examples of the developers going the extra mile for nature.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “People have a right to expect far better transparency from Sizewell C when it comes to its wildlife compensation. Sizewell C must do better to be clear about the compensation they are required to deliver by law, versus what is truly ‘additional’ for nature.”………………………………………… https://www.birdguides.com/news/charities-call-for-greater-transparency-over-sizewell-c/

September 30, 2024 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | environment, UK