We undertook mitigation planting for a large overhead cable installation project within Carmarthenshire. 


Client:

Western Power Distribution


Categories
Environment Habitat management

Background

Working closely with the RSK Ecology and EIA team, RSK Habitat Management undertook mitigation planting for a large overhead cable installation project within Carmarthenshire. Western Power Distribution carried out the construction of a new grid connection between Brechfa Forest West wind farm to an existing connection point near Llandyfaeolog, approximately 10km south of Carmarthen.

The works involved the construction, testing, commissioning and energising of a new 132kV electricity line, allowing for the electricity generated from 28 new wind turbines, to enter the grid.

The new 132kV electric line runs for 28.6km, with 24k.3km above ground, and approximately 3.3km below ground.

As part of the habitat reinstatement works and the conditions of the dormouse licence, a programme of native woodland planting and hedgerow planting, needed to be undertaken, to help restore habitat connectivity and to re-connect fragmented habitat corridors.

Habitat management works

  • Planting native mixed woodland species at three individual woodlands – Nant Morlais, Nant Cwmffrwd and Bwlchymynydd
  • Planting native mixed species hedgerow at 4 individual locations
  • All trees were of a native provenance, and sourced from a local nursery within a 50 mile radius of the site
  • All trees were planted with a tubex tree guard and a tree stake

Results

Our works helped to restore habitat connectivity and to reinstate cleared areas of woodland habitat.

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