British Energy, part of EDF Energy, has been awarded The Wildlife Trusts’ Biodiversity Benchmark for the estate surrounding its Sizewell B power station near Leiston, Suffolk. The Biodiversity Benchmark is in recognition of British Energy’s land management of the estate which is a well-known haven for wildlife and a popular destination for nature-lovers.

The pioneering Biodiversity Benchmark enables organisations across the UK to assess the quality of their land management, improve their contribution to the environment and demonstrate their commitment to biodiversity. It is composed of a set of detailed requirements which an organisation must meet.

Following a series of audits, British Energy was recommended for certification, making Sizewell not only one of a handful of industrial sites in the UK to successfully gain the Biodiversity Benchmark but also the first power station site to have achieved the award. The certification demonstrates that British Energy satisfied the scheme’s rigorous criteria for managing the site carefully to protect and enhance the habitat for native plants and animals within the constraints of its business. 

Sizewell B is no stranger to awards, winning several accolades in the BTO Business Bird Challenge over the last few years; the site is an international magnet for bird watchers who come to observe many rare species – recent sightings include: white fronted geese, wheatears, common redstart, greenshank, pied and spotted flycatcher, whinchat, honey buzzard, hobby and crossbill.

Julian Roughton, chief executive of Suffolk Wildlife Trust, said: “Suffolk Wildlife Trust has enjoyed a very good working partnership with British Energy since the 1990s. Once neglected wildlife habitats have been transformed into a matrix of secluded grazing marshes, reedbed, wet woodland and heathland. This diverse site is one of the best wetlands in East Anglia for wildflowers and a stronghold for otter, water vole and kingfisher. In summer the dykes are alive with an incredible 17 species of dragonfly while birds like wigeon, snipe and shoveler are attracted to the flooded marshes during winter. This is a great example of what can be achieved through industry and conservation working together and just goes to show that with effective environmental stewardship of the land, nature can thrive - this does not happen by accident, it requires a great deal of commitment and hard work by British Energy and its partners. British Energy is one of the first organisations to achieve the Biodiversity Benchmark and I hope it will encourage more organisations to follow their example.” 

On receiving the award Christine Blythe, senior estates surveyor, British Energy Generation Limited, said: “British Energy is proud to be awarded the Biodiversity Benchmark by The Wildlife Trusts. Sustainability is at the heart of the way we do business and the Biodiversity Benchmark is recognition of our commitment to the conservation and enhancement of wildlife in Suffolk. 

Sizewell is home to an enormous diversity of special wildlife and it is important that whilst operating our energy business, we seek to continually improve our care for the local environment for the enjoyment of both residents and visitors.” 

“This achievement is also a reflection of the contribution made by our various partners on the Suffolk coast, particularly Suffolk Wildlife Trust whose wardens’ practical skills and wildlife expertise have been invaluable.”

“The Biodiversity Benchmark has brought added focus to everything we do on our land, and our management of it has definitely benefited as a result – which in turn is good for wildlife!”

The 1700 acres of land adjacent to the Sizewell B Power Station are managed by British Energy together with Suffolk Wildlife Trust in a partnership which began in 1994. Work has included restoring the ‘Sizewell Belts’ Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) to favourable condition and this is now considered to be one of the best wet grassland/fen areas in East Anglia, noted for its nationally scarce plants, population of water voles and breeding birds like reed bunting and cettis warbler.

Since 1990, over 170,000 trees and shrubs and 3000m of new hedgerow have been planted which together with arable field margins, provide important wildlife corridors. Public access has also been improved and there are now over 13 miles of public and permissive paths which are enjoyed by over 25,000 visitors each year. 

More information on the Biodiversity Benchmark, including the Requirements and how to apply, can be found on www.biodiversitybenchmark.org