Ecological mitigation and management works, Peak East
Background
The Visual Impact Provision Project in the Peak District National Park in South Yorkshire aims to reduce the visual impact of National Grid’s overhead line in and around the village of Dunford Bridge. Extensive discussion with stakeholders resulted in agreeing to remove a section of the overhead line and replace it with an underground electricity connection. It represents a major opportunity to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and environmental heritage of the Peak District.
The section of line for removal is part of the 400kV electricity route connecting Stalybridge, Stocksbridge and Thorpe Marshe 400kV substations. It is an integral connection point for the local distribution network for the Manchester area. The work in and around Dunford bridge and the National Park will help to remove pylons and improve the visual amenity aspects, notably around the Trans-Pennine Trail and Dunford Bridge sealing end compound.
Working closely with our client, we were appointed to undertake a wide variety of multi-species ecological mitigation measures including:
- invasive species clearance works
- wildflower grassland mitigation.
Actions taken
- Hand clearance of large stands of rhododendron, with plants cut down to stump level
- Herbicide treatment of cleared areas of rhododendron, using a combination of root plugs for the larger stumps and herbicide treatment on areas of re-growth
- Provided specialist advice and input into areas of species-rich grassland that would be suitable for translocation; provided technical management plans to improve seed yields for future donor areas
- Brush harvesting, cleaning and storage of 0.19ha of wildflower seed at Dunford Bridge and Wogden Foot LWS
- Cut and collect in future donor areas to open the grass sward, mimic the effects of grazing and improve biodiversity and subsequent grass seed harvesting yields
- Carried out cultivation and seeding works to 270,000m2 of the cable easement and associated bunds to prevent soil erosion and as part of the site-wide reinstatement works
Results
Our specialists helped to ensure timely and pragmatic delivery of the works, helping to prevent any costly programme delays and ensure effective delivery of the work.
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