17 June 2008

Helius Energy plc has recently secured consent to build a £200m biomass power station near Stallingborough in North East Lincolnshire fuelled by waste wood and crops, which could produce enough energy for 100,000 homes. EPR was commissioned on behalf of Helius Energy plc to write a habitat management plan for an area of 20ha between the new power station and the River Humber, set aside for nature conservation as part of the proposals.

The site is adjacent to the Humber Flats, Marshes and Coast Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site, and associated wintering waders currently use the land for roosting at hide tide (Golden Plover and Lapwing) and for feeding (Curlew). EPR prepared the management plan and also played a key role in the consultation process with the RSPB, Natural England and HINCA, who had objected to the application due to the potential significant effects on the SPA/Ramsar.

A 10 ha area of grassland adjacent to the river wall will be managed for the benefit of waders, with scrapes created and sward height favourably managed. A 10 ha area toward the power station will support an arable crop, with benefits for ground-nesting birds (Skylark and Grey Partridge) and the stubble left over winter for the benefit of finches and buntings. Scrub and rough grassland near the ditch will be rotationally managed to favour nesting birds and water vole.

For further information about the Power Station click here.