World-leading wind farm developer Orsted is to invest more than £2.5 million to help restore biodiversity around the Humber.
The flagship project, described as being on an ambitious scale not seen before, has been revealed.
It follows a recent downgrade of the conservation status of the Humber Estuary, due to pollution and loss of habitat.
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Plans will see three hectares of saltmarsh and four hectares of seagrass planted, with the creation of a biogenic reef - as half a million native oysters are introduced.
It builds on seagrass restoration work already underway with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust as part of the Hornsea Four project.
Climate change is one of the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss, and the Danish giant - which has made Grimsby its biggest UK base - is looking to address both elements.
Benj Sykes, head of environment, consents and external affairs at Orsted, said: “Now is the time for action on biodiversity. We know that the climate crisis is one of the biggest threats to our biodiversity and so we must start to implement tangible projects that will help restore nature.
“As a company that's committed to building a clean, sustainable future for people and planet, we know that we need to work harder than ever to ensure we continue to develop in balance with nature as offshore wind becomes the backbone of the energy system in the UK.
“With this in mind, Orsted has set the ambition that from 2030, all new projects commissioned must have a net-positive impact on biodiversity. Our vision is to create a world that runs entirely on green energy and protecting biodiversity is, and will continue to be, an integral part of the way we work. This project in the Humber Estuary, working in collaboration with experts from the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trusts, is a fantastic example of how the offshore wind industry can work with local partners to ensure we leave our natural environment in a better state for generations to come.”
The pilot project has been commended by The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs as an example of how restoration of important marine habitats can work in practice.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “Recent events have demonstrated the importance of developing a home-grown renewable energy supply.
“We are committed to developing schemes that work alongside the recovery of natural habitats. Climate change and biodiversity loss are significant challenges, and I welcome the commitment Orsted are making today.
“This project in the Humber Estuary showcases the potential for private sector investment, alongside support from the public sector. I hope that this is a catalyst for further practical projects that protect and enhance our natural environment.”
In a similar way to trees taking carbon from the air, seagrass takes carbon from water and does so at a rate 35 times faster than tropical rainforests. It provides vital shelter and a nursery ground for several species of fish.
Saltmarshes have also been found to be incredibly efficient at capturing and storing large quantities of carbon, helping with climate adaption, while delivering nature-based solutions that address issues such as flood risks. It also adds nutrient-rich habitats, described as ideal for wading birds.
The oyster release will also help create critical habitat, while also improving water quality. Virtually all - 95 per cent - of native oyster reefs have disappeared from the Humber over the past century.
Rachael Bice, chief executive of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Large scale restoration is the only way forward if we are to tackle the twin nature and climate crises. Through this collaboration with Orsted, we will make a transformative step in reversing decades of damage to the ecosystems of the Humber Estuary; benefitting nature, climate, and people by providing essential habitat, increasing carbon sequestration, and supporting local fisheries.
"This project sets the standard for marine restoration, and we look forward to it driving further investment in projects across Yorkshire and the UK. We can’t wait to share the results with you in the coming years.”
Paul Learoyd, chief executive of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, added: “After spending time over recent years working with partners across the Humber to identify priorities for the estuary and its hinterlands, we are extremely pleased to take forward this work with Orsted and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. The lessons from this work could see large scale restoration across our North Sea, and beyond. These are exciting times that build on the foundations of all the work that partners have contributed.”
Development work is scheduled for the coming year, with locations for planting to be decided upon, ahead of the physical work being carried out by both trusts. As well as funding, Orsted will help with project implementation and monitoring plans, so the impact can be assessed.
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