Nuclear innovation, ecological excellence

Since 2012, WSP’s Ecology Team has been the key provider of biodiversity services for EDF Energy's Hinkley Point C project. Their mission is to maximise the positive outcomes for biodiversity both during construction and into the future once the site is operational. 

From bird monitoring during marine vessel deliveries to on-the-ground ecology support within the active construction site, WSP's national team of experts has been pivotal in the extensive biodiversity monitoring efforts and the positive outcomes achieved for wildlife across the project.

The initial size of the construction site
170 hectares
The area already landscaped and planted
18 hectares
The number of bat species recorded foraging in the newly created habitats.
Over 10

WSP’s biodiversity monitoring

WSP’s Nature Services Team conducts extensive biodiversity monitoring across the Hinkley Point C project. They survey a wide range of species, including bats, reptiles, badgers, otters, invertebrates, and birds. This monitoring helps track the effectiveness of mitigation and habitat enhancements, allowing for adaptive management to ensure positive outcomes for wildlife.

Innovative approaches by WSP

Known for thinking outside the box, WSP’s Nature Services team works with EDF to identify additional opportunities to maximise biodiversity value. Whether it's changing habitat management practices, additional monitoring, or installing wildlife features in strategic locations, the team is dedicated to making a difference.

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Habitat creation and early successes

Starting with a vast 170-hectare construction site, the project will eventually reduce to a smaller operational site surrounded by a large area of created and enhanced habitats. This transformation provides a unique opportunity to create bigger, better, and more connected green corridors, ensuring a lasting positive impact on biodiversity. Despite ongoing construction, early efforts have already shown remarkable results. In 2023, grass snakes were found to have colonised and bred around newly created wildlife ponds, having been absent from this area prior to construction. Yellowhammer, a red-list farmland bird species, is breeding in increasing numbers and hares thrive in the newly established grasslands. These environments also support a diverse range of moth species, providing food for at least ten species of bats. (1)

Positive outcomes beyond the main site

The positive outcomes extend beyond the main site. At the Junction 23 Park and Ride facility, enhanced habitats support great crested newts and water voles, while improved grasslands provide hunting and nesting grounds for barn owls. These successes are a testament to the team's proactive approach in implementing positive changes for wildlife. (2)

 

Key statistics

  • 3.2GW: The power generation capacity of Hinkley Point C, contributing significantly to the UK's energy needs. (4)

  • 170 hectares: The initial size of the construction site, which will be transformed into a smaller operational site surrounded by extensive habitats created and managed for biodiversity. (3)

  • 18 hectares: The area already landscaped and planted along the southern edge of the site, including grasslands, woodlands, embankments, and ponds. This provides and early sample of the final restoration. (3)

  • 7%: The percentage of Great Britain's anticipated electricity requirement that Hinkley Point C is expected to generate from the mid-2020s. (4)

  • Over 10 species: The number of bat species recorded foraging in the newly created habitats.

  • Multiple associated sites: Enhanced habitats at sites like the Junction 23 Park and Ride facility now support species such as great crested newts, water voles, and barn owls. (2)

These statistics highlight the scale and impact of the Hinkley Point C project, showcasing its role in both energy generation and biodiversity enhancement.

 

Our expertise

Leading the project for WSP is Chris Dennis, HPC Ecology Project Director. Chris is a Technical Director for the Nature Services team and has worked on the project for 12 years, having been involved in some of the earlier survey work prior to construction. Chris pursued a career in ecology to drive positive outcomes for biodiversity on projects linked to the energy transition. Career highlights have included seeing such positive outcomes come to life on this project, which marks a step forward on our journey to net-zero. 

This project was also supported by Katie Watkins and Sam Pratten who worked on the Biodiversity Monitoring and Advisory Support and Jess Maxwell, Sam Caswell and Colin Everett, who delivered the Ornithology Monitoring.

This project is remarkable as it marks the start of a new nuclear era in the UK. Once operational the power station will generate 3.2GW and contribute to the UK’s 'Net Zero by 2050' ambition. Our WSP ecology team has been involved since 2012, working with EDF to ensure the best possible outcome for biodiversity throughout the development lifecycle both at the main construction site and associated sites. Our long-term involvement has enabled us to work with EDF to identify and implement large scale enhancements, benefitting multiple species groups. The opportunity to positively impact biodiversity at such great scale while supporting the energy transition has been particularly rewarding.

Sources

(1) WSP (2024) Hinkley Point C Annual Ecological Monitoring Report 2023: Main Site

(2) WSP (2024) Hinkley Point C Annual Ecological Monitoring Report 2023: Associated Development Sites

(3) WSP (2023) HPC Habitat Management Plan

(4) HPC building britains low-carbon future PDF

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