East Anglia One Windfarm - Questions and Answers

Hedge and tree removal

Information from Scottish Power

An Ecological Clerk of Works will undertake an assessment ahead of the works, to inspect for nesting birds. Where there are any findings, the area will be quarantined and monitored until the birds have fully fledged.

In planning the route, the team has been careful to avoid trees but in some instances this has not been possible. Therefore, it is envisaged that some trees will need to be removed. This will be done using chainsaws and a Mobile Elevated Working Platform (MEWP).

There will also be some hedge cutting using a tractor with mechanical attachment. The outline is for a 35m swathe to be taken out at each location.

Both trees and hedges will be cut at just above ground level. It will then be necessary to remove the stumps and roots when the topsoil is stripped. Temporary Post and Rail or Post and Wire fencing will be installed at required locations along the route to fill in the gaps.

A maximum of eight people will undertake this work with two traffic management personnel where necessary.

Works adjacent to public roads are programmed to last for six days and will require traffic management systems to be in place. The traffic management systems required have been agreed with Suffolk County Council’s Highways Department. There will be no long-term road closures/diversions as part of these works. The works adjacent to public roads are programmed to take place over four weeks.

For historic hedges, it will be necessary to take out the root system when coming through with the road and trench swathe, although this will be minimised where practicable. All historic hedges are identified within the Landscape Management Plan which has been published on the Scottish Power Renewables website.