Bradwell B

Bradwell B is a threat to internationally and nationally important wildlife species and a number of critical habitats in Essex. The proposed nuclear power station would be situated on one of the most highly designated sites in the UK, at the heart of which is the Blackwater, Crouch, Roach & Colne Estuaries Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). Essex Wildlife Trust was instrumental in the work that led to the MCZ designation and has been actively involved in conservation throughout the Blackwater region for many years.

Essex Wildlife Trust objects to the development of Bradwell B.

The Blackwater estuary is home to rare native oysters and native oyster beds that provide habitat and life-support systems for a wide range of diverse species. The surrounding saltmarsh, which we have been working tirelessly to restore in the region, provides critical ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and fish nurseries. The mudflats provide abundant biodiversity and sustain internationally important numbers of waders and wildfowl. The coastal grazing marsh and farmland support many key species such as the iconic dark-bellied brent goose, golden plover, curlew and wigeon, while our beach-nesting birds, such as the little tern and ringed plover, will also be under threat.

The impact on our marine, coastal, and terrestrial habitats cannot be overstated.

In section 2.1.13 of the Stage One Consultation Document, BRB state their ambition to avoid ‘significant adverse environmental effects’ (p.13). However, local ecology is internationally important and too fragile to suffer any degree of adverse effect. 

We will be focusing on six key areas:

• Marine wildlife
• Terrestrial wildlife
• Environmental pollution
• The integrity of environmental studies and modelling
• The cooling water strategy; and
• The marine transport strategy

We have submitted our formal response to the Consultation Document and will be lobbying on behalf of local wildlife.