PROJECT OUTLINE
In 2010, as part of the proposed Galloper Wind Farm off the coast of Suffolk, Temple (Formally The Ecology Consultancy (TEC)) was appointed to act as project ecologists and protected species surveys specialists, for the onshore elements of the development, notably the construction of a new substation near Sizewell. The wind farm is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) involving the installation of 56 wind turbines, with the capacity to generate up to 353 megawatts (MW) of energy.
Our Role
Prior to works commencing on site for the substation and cable route, we carried out an extended Phase 1 survey to help inform the final site layout and provide baseline ecological information to support the planning application, and to identify ecological constraints associated with the proposed development.
Further to the Phase 1 survey, our Norfolk ecologists carried out badger and reptile surveys of the proposed cable route and two areas to be considered for the construction of the substation. Following this, the final site boundary and works area was determined and further protected species surveys were undertaken in 2011. These included a reptile survey, ground level tree assessment and activity surveys for bats, and an NVC plant survey of a section of the site.
In 2012, to reduce impacts on reptiles, we developed a detailed reptile mitigation plan, which included an extensive translocation of all four widespread species of reptile from the works area to an on-site receptor area for which we oversaw the habitat enhancement and management.
We also carried out surveys and obtained a European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licence for bats. The licence was specifically tailored to the complex requirements associated with the scale of the project and its status as an NSIP and we were able to provide ongoing support to the client and obtain amendments to the licence in a timely fashion to accommodate the developing plans for the site.
Our mitigation proposals were reviewed by the LPA and NE as well as the Local Wildlife Trust and we also provided evidence at the issue-specific hearing where mitigation measures were discussed.
We drew up an Ecological Management Plan (EMP) for the site, taking into account the concerns and views of the Local Wildlife Trust whilst ensuring that the development could proceed as required.
When the enabling works for the substation began, we provided Ecological Clerks of Works (ECoW) undertaking:
- regular visits to check for the presence of protected species (in particular: reptiles, bats, skylark);
- checks and maintenance of the reptile fence, supervision of site clearance including clearance of vegetation, tree felling and soil stripping.
This helped to ensure that the works were carried out with appropriate consideration to potential impacts on the ecology of the site in relation to bats, reptiles and nesting birds, To enable delivery to programme, a pragmatic approach was taken to site clearance for skylarks with destructive searches carried out during bird-nesting season.
Our ecologists tackled unusual ecological constraints throughout the project. Liaising closely with the Principal Contractors, UXO (unexploded ordnance) investigators, archaeologists and the ECoW team, we ensured that all works were carried out in an appropriate and timely manner, allowing the construction of the substation itself to begin on schedule, whilst always showing flexibility in the face of changing client plans.
Through close consultation with other stakeholders such as Natural England and Suffolk Wildlife Trust, our experts were able to devise detailed mitigation measures to reduce the project’s impacts on biodiversity.
