Hunterston B nuclear power station has been awarded the Biodiversity Benchmark by the Wildlife Trust.

The EDF Energy power station is right next to Southannan sands which is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and is teaming with all kinds of special wildlife.

The sands are important for their intertidal sandflats, and support a variety of wildfowl and waders such as curlews, oystercatchers and shelducks.

Hunterston B employees have created a new pond which has proved very popular with teal in the winter.

A number of bird and bat boxes have also been put up and there has been work done to control some of the invasive, non- native species of plant like Himalayan Balsam and Rhododendron.

Hunterston B station director Colin Weir said: “The wildlife survives here thanks to our employees who work closely with North Ayrshire Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Hunterston Estate. Together we ensure these fantastic birds and plant life are looked after properly, so people can enjoy the area for years to come.” Peter Dorans, Corporate Relations Manager for The Wildlife Trusts said “I am delighted that we are able to recognise the fantastic work that EDF Energy has done at Hunterston B nuclear power station. Wild places and our ability to access them are vital to our wellbeing. This award just goes to show that with partnerships and careful management wildlife can thrive, even alongside key energy infrastructure.

“Our assessor was particularly impressed with the work that EDF Energy has done with local farmers to enable them to add to the efforts on site. This site completes the set; every EDF Energy Nuclear Power Station has now achieved The Wildlife Trusts Biodiversity Benchmark. This is no mean feat, it’s a tough standard so very well done to everyone involved” Fiona Fisher, operations officer for Scottish Natural Heritage said: “It’s great to see the work carried out by EDF Energy to improve the diversity of wildlife habitats at Hunterston and the wider contribution that this makes to biodiversity in North Ayrshire. We hope that other businesses are inspired to follow this example of good practice.” Christine Blythe, EDF Energy’s biodiversity manager said, “Hunterston B is home to some special and rare wildlife. We are committed to protecting and enhancing biodiversity working in partnership with other conservation organisations and this award recognises our work in fulfilling that commitment.” The Biodiversity Benchmark enables organisations across the country to assess the standard of their conservation management, improve their environmental management procedures and demonstrate their commitment to enhancing biodiversity in support of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. It is composed of a set of detailed requirements which an organisation must be able to meet.

All seven of EDF Energy’s nuclear power station sites across the UK have now been awarded the Biodiversity Benchmark Hunterston B nuclear power station has been awarded the Biodiversity Benchmark by the Wildlife Trust.

The EDF Energy power station is right next to Southannan sands which is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and is teaming with all kinds of special wildlife.

The sands are important for their intertidal sandflats, and support a variety of wildfowl and waders such as curlews, oystercatchers and shelducks.

Hunterston B employees have created a new pond which has proved very popular with teal in the winter.

A number of bird and bat boxes have also been put up and there has been work done to control some of the invasive, non- native species of plant like Himalayan Balsam and Rhododendron.

Hunterston B station director Colin Weir said: “The wildlife survives here thanks to our employees who work closely with North Ayrshire Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Hunterston Estate. Together we ensure these fantastic birds and plant life are looked after properly, so people can enjoy the area for years to come.” Peter Dorans, Corporate Relations Manager for The Wildlife Trusts said “I am delighted that we are able to recognise the fantastic work that EDF Energy has done at Hunterston B nuclear power station. Wild places and our ability to access them are vital to our wellbeing. This award just goes to show that with partnerships and careful management wildlife can thrive, even alongside key energy infrastructure.

“Our assessor was particularly impressed with the work that EDF Energy has done with local farmers to enable them to add to the efforts on site. This site completes the set; every EDF Energy Nuclear Power Station has now achieved The Wildlife Trusts Biodiversity Benchmark. This is no mean feat, it’s a tough standard so very well done to everyone involved” Fiona Fisher, operations officer for Scottish Natural Heritage said: “It’s great to see the work carried out by EDF Energy to improve the diversity of wildlife habitats at Hunterston and the wider contribution that this makes to biodiversity in North Ayrshire. We hope that other businesses are inspired to follow this example of good practice.” Christine Blythe, EDF Energy’s biodiversity manager said, “Hunterston B is home to some special and rare wildlife. We are committed to protecting and enhancing biodiversity working in partnership with other conservation organisations and this award recognises our work in fulfilling that commitment.” The Biodiversity Benchmark enables organisations across the country to assess the standard of their conservation management, improve their environmental management procedures and demonstrate their commitment to enhancing biodiversity in support of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. It is composed of a set of detailed requirements which an organisation must be able to meet.

All seven of EDF Energy’s nuclear power station sites across the UK have now been awarded the Biodiversity Benchmark