Ben McFarland, Head of Conservation, at Sizewell nuclear power stations (photograph: Sarah Groves)
Sizewell C – update May 2021
Vegetated shingle on Sizewell Beach - Steve Aylward
The latest update from Ben McFarland, Head of Conservation, on the proposed Sizewell C development on the Suffolk coast.
We are currently working on our formal Written Representation to the Planning Inspectorate. We have joined forces with our friends at the RSPB to do this, to maximise our resources and expertise.
Together we will be providing detailed responses on a wide range of concerns that we have, including the direct loss of Sizewell Marshes SSSI, the risk of impact on the hydrology of the SSSI and RSPB Minsmere, risks to coastal processes and precious coastal habitats and marine fisheries. We are also concentrating on the significant risks to nationally rare and protected species such as marsh harrier, waders, sea birds, barbastelle bats and, working with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, natterjack toads.
We have also worked with Friends of the Earth, commissioning consultants to look into the complex and important hydrology of the wetland areas.
In our view, it is almost certain that Sizewell C poses a very significant risk to the internationally and nationally important habitats and species and should not be allowed to proceed under its current design.
For more information, Suffolk Wildlife Trust and RSPB have submitted an extensive summary of concerns about the impacts on wildlife.
Sizewell Marshes SSSI with Suffolk Wildlife Trust's Charlie McMurray (https://youtu.be/4lIA5Xq98io)
Sizewell Marshes SSSI with Suffolk Wildlife Trust's Charlie McMurray
Find out more:
Over 100,000 people are concerned about Sizewell C’s impacts on nature:
News release: Sizewell C threatens stunning wild coast:
https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/news/sizewell-c-threatens-stunning-wild-coast
Love Minsmere Live event (27 Nov 2020):
Watch the Love Minsmere live event hosted by Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin here
Suffolk Wildlife Trust's representation to the Planning Inspectorate (29th Sept 2020):
https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/news/sizewell-c-update-our-relevant-representation
Our stage 4 response (23 Sept 2019):
www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/SZC%20Stage%20…
Sizewell C Update (10 Sept 2020):
https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/news/sizewell-c-update-september-2020
An update on Sizewell C (23 June 2020):
https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/news/update-sizewell-c
Wildlife charities unite (27 May 2020):
https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/news/wildlife-charities-unite-position-against-sizewell-c
Further historical details:
www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/sizewell-nuclear-power-station-previous-co…
More information and news updates:
Standing up for nature in Suffolk. Why plans for Sizewell C are disastrous for Suffolk's wildlife.