Dungeness B receives The Wildlife Trusts’ Biodiversity Benchmark
Station director, Martin Pearson, said: “I am thrilled with this award. It is recognition of our commitment to work with our many local partners including Natural England and the Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership, to protect the very special environment around Dungeness B."
All five EDF Energy nuclear power station sites in England have now been awarded the Biodiversity Benchmark, with only six energy sites across the UK being accredited to date.
The Biodiversity Benchmark Award enables organisations across the UK to assess the standard of their conservation management, improve their environmental management procedures and demonstrate their commitment to enhancing the nature in support of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP). It is composed of a set of detailed requirements which an organisation must be able to meet.
The site’s importance to wildlife is recognised with its national designation as part of the Dungeness Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Part of the site is also of European importance being designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Peter Dorans, corporate relations manager of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “I am delighted that EDF Energy has gained a Biodiversity Benchmark certification at Dungeness B. The company should celebrate its continued attention to biodiversity, which is shown by five of its UK sites now reaching the benchmark. Industry has a part to play in maintaining and restoring the natural environment and, with careful management, wildlife will flourish, even on important energy infrastructure sites such as this.”
John Bennett, chief executive of the Kent Wildlife Trust, visited Dungeness B to present the award to Christine Blythe, EDF Energy's biodiversity manager and Robert Starbuck, environmental compliance coordinator at Dungeness B.
On receiving the award, Christine said: “Dungeness is a very unique habitat which presents us with many challenges when carrying out our operational business. We are committed through the company’s Biodiversity Standard to conserving that special biodiversity working in partnership with Natural England and the Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership. We recognise how important biodiversity is to economic performance as well as our health and well-being.”
Maintaining the Benchmark means regular audits by the Wildlife Trusts.
To arrange a group visit please email dungenessbtours@edf-energy.com or call 01797 343728.
