By Design
All our sites are carefully selected, avoiding areas of national landscape or ecological importance. Independent consultants carry out detailed surveys, often spanning several years, to confirm the suitability of each location.
We aim to minimise environmental impacts at every stage of development. Project infrastructure is carefully positioned to avoid watercourses, areas of deep peat, and other sensitive habitats. We also consider how each project will appear from multiple viewpoints, working closely with independent landscape architects to create designs that fit as naturally as possible into the surrounding environment.
Detailed habitat management plans are created to make sure that, as well as helping to combat climate change, our projects also result in an overall biodiversity net gain. These plans can include woodland planting schemes, areas for eagles to forage, creation of ponds and the restoration of degraded peat bogs depending on exactly what’s needed.
How we make a difference
01. Peat
As part of the Glendye project, we will restore over 1,200 acres of peatland to increase carbon storage, reduce flooding, and support more insects, which are vital food for endangered birds.
02. Habitats
At our Blarghour project, 230 acres of commercial plantation forestry is being felled to create foraging habitat for Black Grouse and Golden Eagles.
03. Hedgerows
Hedgerows provide habitats for wildlife and help pollinators, enhancing biodiversity. In our Vale of Leven project, we'll replace 2km of fencing with new, diverse hedgerows made of hawthorn, crab apple, hazel, blackthorn, and holly.
04. Woodlands
Over 280 acres of new broadleaved woodland will be created as part of our Vale of Leven project with a mix of Oak, Birch and other native species. Similar schemes are proposed at many of our other projects.
05. Ponds
In our Y Bryn project, we're creating new ponds to support plants, insects, and amphibians. These ponds will also help manage excess water during heavy rainfall, slowing runoff and reducing flood risk.
06. Invasive species
Invasive species like Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed push out native plants. At our Y Bryn project, we'll remove them to let native flora and the pollinators that depend on them return.
See more of our work
