Activity: Ecological work
Sizewell C is establishing a new area of Fen Meadow east of Friday Street in Benhall & Sternfield to create compensatory fen meadow habitat for a variety of species.
To compensate for a small area of Sizewell Marshes needed during construction we are planning to deliver substantially larger areas of compensatory habitat at off-site locations in Benhall, Pakenham, and Halesworth.
We are rewilding areas that were once low grade arable land to create a mosaic of heathland, scrub, woodland, wetland and fen meadows.
Planning consent to proceed with the habitat was given by East Suffolk Council in January 2023 and work began on the site in May 2023.
Autumn 2024: The wetlands have now been created with sympathetic earthworks. The wetlands and surrounding areas will revert to Fen Meadow with some appropriate seeding/planting. The majority of the culverts have now been constructed to allow for the water levels in the wetland areas to be managed to optimise the proliferation of wildlife and plants.
Spring 2025: The area will be surveyed at regular intervals to ensure the wetland flourishes as expected. Some additional management may be required with the introduction of Fen Meadow species of plants. In addition, a tilting weir will be constructed to further manage water levels.
For further information, please see the links to the Development Consent Order (DCO) information:
The Sizewell C Project | National Infrastructure Planning (planninginspectorate.gov.uk)
