Enhancing the biodiversity at our Bristol battery project

We take our environmental impact extremely seriously, which is why we learn as much as we can about each individual site’s biodiversity when choosing to invest in a new clean energy project. To ensure we take all the necessary steps to protect and enhance nature, we set measurable targets which take into account the conditions at each location.  

The measures we’ve put in place at our 20MW battery storage project at Feeder Road in Bristol are an example of how we prioritise native flora and fauna during the early stages of development. We produced a design plan with support from a landscape architect, focusing on providing a variety of animals with more places to nest and shelter. We’re pleased to have already installed four bird boxes, four bat boxes, two invertebrate boxes and a hedgehog house.

In addition, we’re continuing to plant trees, hedgerows, species rich grassland, shade scrub and native ferns to strengthen local habitat corridors. The trees will provide nesting opportunities for birds, and their fruits will provide birds such as blackbirds and song thrushes with a rich source of autumn food. Spring flowers will be a source of nectar and pollen for bees and other insects.  

Our next steps for Feeder Road will be to implement a Biodiversity Management Plan to help maintain the biodiversity value and will align with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 15 ‘Life on Land’.  

 In 2020, the site was originally signposted for a diesel-fuelled STOR plant, however thanks to a successful planning appeal from a group of residents in St Phillip’s Marsh, that fossil fuel project was shelved. We’re thrilled that a site once intended for a highly polluting diesel scheme is now home to a low-carbon battery storage asset and our biodiversity measures are in place to ensure the site protects and enhances the native wildlife in the years to come.