outline landscape scheme and management plan... · the final agreed landscape scheme and management...

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Outline Landscape Scheme and Management Plan

PINS Document Reference: 12.9

APFP Regulation 5(2)(a)

January 2015

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SMart Wind Limited

Hornsea Offshore Wind Farm

Project Two

Outline Landscape Scheme and Management Plan

SMart Wind Limited

11th Floor

140 London Wall

London

EC2Y 5DN

Tel 0207 7765500

Email [email protected]

Copyright © 2015.

All pre-existing rights reserved.

Liability

This report has been prepared by RPS, with all reasonable skill, care and diligence within the terms of their contracts with SMart Wind Ltd or their subcontractor to RPS placed under RPS’ contract with SMart Wind Ltd as the case may be.

Document release and authorisation record

PINS document reference 12.9

Report Number UK06-050700-PLN-0002

Date January 2015

Client name SMart Wind Limited

mailto:[email protected]

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Table of Contents

1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Overview ............................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Purpose ................................................................................................................ 1

1.3 Context description ............................................................................................... 1

1.4 Schedule and timeframe ....................................................................................... 2

2 Design and management objectives .................................................................................... 3

2.1 Outline .................................................................................................................. 3

3 General planting specifications ............................................................................................ 5

3.1 Draft high level planting specifications .................................................................. 5

3.2 Species ................................................................................................................. 5

4 Landscape scheme .............................................................................................................. 6

4.1 Proposals .............................................................................................................. 6

5 Landscape management operations .................................................................................. 12

6 Proposals for the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation ........................................... 13

Table of Figures

Figure 1 Location of sample hedgerows (Sheets 1 to 11) ................................................. 14

Figure 2a Onshore 900 MW HVDC converter stations – illustrative landscape plan ........... 26

Figure 2b Onshore 900 MW HVDC converter station and 900 MW HVAC substation – illustrative landscape plan ................................................................................... 27

Table of Tables

Table 2.1 Design and management objectives. .....................................................................3

Table 4.1 Landscape scheme and strategy for sample hedgerows along the cable route... ..8

Table 4.2 Landscape scheme and management strategy at the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site. .......................................................................... 11

Table 5.1 Landscape management operations to existing and proposed landscape areas.12

Table of Appendices

Appendix A Planting mixes for the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site ............... 28

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This report provides information on the landscape proposals for the route of the 1.1.1

underground cables and at the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site. It also

sets out the landscape objectives of the proposed Hornsea Project Two Offshore Wind

Farm landscape scheme and describes, at a high level, the planting, seeding and

management operations that will be carried out to ensure its establishment and

continued maintenance. The final agreed Landscape Scheme and Management Plan

will also include details of the finishes for the façades of the HVDC buildings or the

HVDC and HVAC buildings, currently under discussion with North Lincolnshire

Council.

The landscape scheme has been based on the findings of landscape, visual and 1.1.2

ecological baseline studies of the site and surrounding area, as well as assessments

of the likely impacts of the proposed development on the site and surrounding

environment and includes mitigation measures for predicted impacts and where

possible, additional enhancement features. The landscape proposals include the

recommendations made by key stakeholders during the consultation process. The

details of the assessment are set out in the Environmental Statement (ES) at Volume

3, Chapter 5: Landscape and Visual Resources.

The area to be managed comprises a landfall, a 40 km onshore cable route corridor, 1.1.3

the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site and the underground connection

to National Grid’s North Killingholme substation (Volume 3, Chapter 5: Landscape and

Visual Resources, Figure 5.1).

Areas of existing planting to be retained and areas of new planting, along with species 1.1.4

mixes for the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site, are shown on Figures

2a and 2b of this report. Planting at the site will be carried out in accordance with the

Planting Schedule included in Appendix A of this Annex, unless otherwise specified by

the relevant local planning authority.

The purpose of this document is to describe the landscape strategy for the project, 1.2.1

including that at the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site (Section 6). It also

describes at a high level the management of the planting proposed as part of the

project.

The purpose of a landscape management plan is to set out the short, medium and 1.2.2

long term goals for the soft landscape proposals and existing on-site vegetation at the

onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site and along the cable route corridor. It is

important that a management plan should be treated as ‘live’ document that will

change and adapt as required, as the conditions at the site may change over time.

Regular meetings will be held with the relevant local planning authorities and statutory 1.2.3

consultees (where relevant) to monitor and report on progress of the landscape

operations during construction.

Post construction monitoring of the existing and new planting along the cable route 1.2.4

and at the HVDC converter/HVAC substation will be undertaken for a period of up to

five years. Where this is on land controlled by people other than the

Developer/Offshore Transmission Owner (OFTO) the period of this monitoring would

only be undertaken with the landowner’s permission.

Post construction monitoring of both the existing and new planting at the HVDC 1.2.5

converter/HVAC substation site and regular meetings will be held with the landscape

officer at North Lincolnshire Council.

Should there be an environmental event, e.g., a violent storm, which impacts on the 1.2.6

new and existing planting within the Developer’s/OFTOs’ control, additional meetings

with the relevant officers at the local planning authorities and statutory consultees

(where relevant) may be necessary, to determine management of the changed

baseline conditions.

The onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site lies within the national landscape 1.3.1

character area (NCA) 42 ‘Lincolnshire Coast and Marshes’. The landscape comprises

open and medium scale agricultural landscape which has become dominated by the

docks and oil refineries of the Humber Estuary. The woodland and hedge cover is

generally sparse, but increases in the west of the study area. There is a dispersed

settlement pattern through most of the area, with a higher concentration of larger

settlements towards the coast.

The cable route corridor is located within NCA 42 ‘Lincolnshire Coast and Marshes’ as 1.3.2

well as NCA 41 ‘Humber Estuary’. NCA 41 is characterised by an industrial influence

around the Humber South Bank and is an expansive, low-lying landscape with arable

farming being the predominant land use.

The mean annual temperature over the region varies from 9 °C to around 10.5 °C (UK 1.3.3

mean annual temperature 7 °C to 11 °C).

Across the region there are, on average, about 30 rain days (with rainfall greater than 1.3.4

1 mm) in winter (December to February) and less than 25 days in summer (June to

August).

The most prevalent direction of wind in the region is from a southerly to north-westerly 1.3.5

direction.

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Details of the geology and hydrology of the area are found in the Environmental 1.3.6

Statement at Volume 3, Chapter 1: Geology and Ground Conditions and Volume 3,

Chapter 2: Hydrology and Flood Risk. However, in summary the geology of the East

Riding of Yorkshire represents a continuation of the Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks of

southern England and the East Midlands.

There is a relatively simple arrangement with the older, marine clays, limestones and 1.3.7

sandstones of Jurassic age occurring in the west of the county and younger

Cretaceous rocks in the east. The topography of the area is dominated by the chalk

Wolds which are a crescent-shaped series of hills stretching from the coast north of

Bridlington to the Humber Bridge.

Details of land cover are found in the ES at Volume 3, Chapter 3: Ecology and Nature 1.3.8

Conservation and Volume 3, Chapter 7: Land Use, Agriculture and Recreation. In

summary, most of the land surrounding the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC

substation and cable route land has been intensively farmed (84% of the total area

within the survey area) and the extent of semi-natural habitat is very limited. However,

the semi-natural habitat offers some foraging and roosting habitats for wintering

waders and waterfowl, offering winter feed and high tide roosting. The creation of new

woodland, shrub areas and wildflower meadow would increase the diversity of

habitats.

Improved grassland and semi-improved neutral grassland are habitats that form 12% 1.3.9

of the site area.

Designated Sites

A section of the cable route crosses European and United Kingdom designated sites 1.3.10

within the Humber estuary and the intertidal area.

Fauna

A number of European Protected Species are present in areas adjacent to the 1.3.11

onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site and along the cable route corridor.

These include otters, great crested newts, water voles, badgers and wintering and

migratory birds.

High level landscape management operations are detailed in Section 3 and 4 of this 1.4.1

report.

For the purpose of this document, short-term indicates a period of up to up five years; 1.4.2

medium-term indicates a period between five to fifteen years, and long-term indicates

a period of over fifteen years.

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The cable route and the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site have been 2.1.1

selected through a robust alternatives assessment process, taking into account

feedback from consultation, environmental and planning constraints, as well as

engineering constraints. This is summarised in Volume 1, Chapter 4: Site Selection

and Consideration of Alternatives of this ES.

This report aims to set out a high level strategy for management activities required to 2.1.2

ensure successful establishment, integration and long term success of the proposed

landscape along the onshore cable route corridor and the onshore HVDC

converter/HVAC substation site with the existing planting.

For ease of management, the two area types, cable route corridor and onshore HVDC 2.1.3

converter/HVAC substation site, have been divided into two different landscape

management zones.

Zone A – Cable route corridor; and

Zone B – Landscape within the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site

boundary.

Table 2.1 Design and management objectives.

Area type Objective(s) Aim(s)

Zone A – Cable route corridor

Existing hedgerows

a) Replant/Reinstatement of shrub species as a replacement for hedgerows planting.

b) Only shallow-rooted species to be replanted.

c) Those shrub species within the hedge to be used when reinstating the hedge, with use of suitable additional species if hedgerow considered to be species poor.

d) Return land to agriculture use once the cable route has been installed.

e) All gates that are removed or damaged during the construction works will be replaced post construction.

Maintain and improve landscape character;

Increase diversity of habitats and species;

Avoid root penetration to the cable strip once installed; and

Ensure the existing land use has no impact after the cable installation.


Existing trees f) Retained trees will be protected during operations.

Replacement trees will not be replanted over the cables after installation.

Ensure the cable route operation is not affected by tree roots; and

Maintain landscape character.

Zone B – Landscape works within the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site boundary

Existing western tree belt

g) Where possible trees will be retained.

h) Where possible any trees that are removed during construction will be replaced with shallow rooted species (in conjunction with root protection) over the cable routes.

Provide conditions that will ensure persistence and regeneration;

Provide visual variety;

Provide year round screening using variety in tree height and tree species; and

Maintain the healthy western woodland strip with biodiversity and/or wildlife benefits.

Proposed trees i) Plant healthy native plants with a variety of heights, densities and wildlife benefits.

j) Provide additional screening and/or integration with exiting landscape.

Establish tree canopy and healthy root system quickly;

Provide conditions that ensure the long-term survival of trees; and

Provide visual variety, improve landscape character and provide wildlife benefits.

Proposed shrubs

k) Plant a variety of healthy shrubs to increase biodiversity.

l) Provide partial screening of the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site, especially to close receptors by filtering views.

Provide conditions that will ensure survival, persistence and regeneration of shrub species; and

Provide visual variety and wildlife benefits.

Proposed wildflower mix

m) Successful establishment of sward of wildflower mix.

n) Provide wildlife benefits and act as attractive landscape features within the

Establish plant cover quickly;

Control competition from weeds and prevent

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onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site boundary.

o) Maintain healthy wildflower mix: well-tilled, free of weeds and capable of withstanding drought conditions.

succession of wildflower meadow to scrub; and

Provide conditions that ensure survival, persistence and spread of wildflowers and grasses.

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All planting is to be into weed-free soil fully prepared with the addition of organic 3.1.1

matter and fertiliser. In the bulk of areas this will be undertaken by preparing whole

beds prior to planting. In specific areas such as existing roads/highways

embankments, where planting is to be into existing soil, planting may be into

individually prepared pits.

Where bare root or root-balled stock is specified, planting shall be undertaken in the 3.1.2

winter months (November-March) only.

Where appropriate, large areas of planting shall be protected with rabbit fencing. 3.1.3

Where this is not economic or appropriate, spiral and mesh guards may be used on

individual plants.

Planting details shall be determined when the appropriate contract is prepared. 3.1.4

In discussion with North Lincolnshire Council and the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, a list 3.2.1

of possible plant species was collated. Subsequent changes to construction

methodology and location of the cables at the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC

substation site have caused the initial list to be altered to include an additional mix

containing shallow-rooted trees. In addition, a ‘nurse’ mix has been proposed for the

outer edges of the main tree belt mix.

Plant mixes are set out in Appendix A to this report. 3.2.2

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Trees

Any trees that are removed along the cable route, temporary access roads and 4.1.1

compounds will be replaced with the same species where possible. Planting directly

over the cable route is not possible as deeper-rooted species may cause damage to

the cables. The replacement planting of trees will be as close as is possible to the

original position of the tree and undertaken with the landowners’ permission.

Hedgerows

Those hedgerows removed by the installation of the cable route will be replaced. In 4.1.2

addition, where appropriate, and where the landowner permits, the existing remaining

hedgerow will be ‘gapped up' to improve species diversity and connectivity. Species

used will include the species already present in the hedgerow, and where it is thought

to be beneficial, additional locally native species will be introduced to increase

diversity. The total length of hedgerow that will be enhanced in this manner will not

exceed 70 m. This excludes the mitigation planting of 30 m, directly over the cable

route corridor.

The hedgerow survey, Volume 6, Annex 6.3.3, surveyed a sample of hedgerows along 4.1.3

the cable route and at the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site. Those

hedgerows surveyed are set out at Table 4.1 below and shown on Figure 1 (sheets 1

to 11) together with the mitigation and enhancement measures. Before construction

the additional affected hedgerows will be surveyed and a similar mitigation and

enhancement plan developed for those, as yet, un-surveyed hedgerows. There are a

total of 74 hedgerows crossed by the cable route.

Fences and gates

Fences and gates that are removed or damaged during the construction works will be 4.1.4

replaced post construction.

Onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site

An existing tree belt to the west of the proposed Project Two onshore HVDC 4.1.5

converter/HVAC substation site will be removed due to the construction works

required in this area. Existing planting will be retained where possible.

This existing planting currently provides enclosure to the site, and it is proposed that 4.1.6

the tree belts will be replanted and extended. These tree belts will assist in filtering

views from adjacent footpaths and the closest residences.

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate two of the potential alternative options for the HVDC 4.1.7

converter/HVAC substation site (for more details please see the Project Description at

Volume 1 Chapter 3 of the Environmental Statement). Appendix A details species

mixes and Table 4.2 sets out high level landscape management operations for the

new planting at the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site.

The two options referred to here for the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation 4.1.8

site have layouts which give rise to different landscape schemes. The first is a HVDC

converter station option, and the second is a combined HVDC converter and HVAC

substation option. As explained in the Project Description there are a number of other

potential layouts (including HVAC only options) but these two have been chosen to

demonstrate the two potential landscape schemes which have been designed to

accommodate them, the principles of which can be adapted to the chosen option if

different.

HVDC Converter Station Option

Trees

In the HVDC option the existing tree belt will be replanted with shallow rooted species 4.1.9

and extended to the south. The suggested mixes of species are detailed in Appendix

A of this annex.

The species mixes, for the extended area of woodland, will include tree species, such 4.1.10

as field maple (Acer campestre) pendunculate oak (Quercus robur) with sycamore

(Acer pseudoplatanus) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus).

On the replanted section of the western boundary tree belt shallow-rooted species 4.1.11

have been chosen for areas in close proximity to the cable route to maintain a safe

distance between the roots and the cables, in association with root protection. These

include tree species such as beech (Fagus sylvatica) and silver birch (Betula pendula).

Hedgerows

A hedgerow will form the boundary of the onshore HVDC converter station site, and 4.1.12

separates the site from the fields to the west It will consist of hawthorn (Crataegus

monogyna) blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) dog rose (Rosa canina) hazel (Corylus

avellana, spindle (Euonymus europaeus) and dogwood (Cornus sanguinea).

Shrubs

Shrubs will be planted along the eastern edge of the woodland. The shrubs will 4.1.13

provide a buffer of lower vegetation that cannot be used to gain entry to the converter

station site.

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Wildflower meadow

An area between the shrubs and the HVDC converter station site perimeter fence will 4.1.14

be seeded with a suitable wildflower seed mix.

Combined HVDC Converter Station and HVAC Substation Option

Trees

In the combined HVDC and HVAC option much of the existing woodland cannot be 4.1.15

replanted in exactly the same location. In addition, the layout of the HVAC substation

component extends into the adjacent field to the west of the existing tree belt. Due to

the presence of an existing high pressure gas pipeline and associated stand offs, a

section of new woodland and wildflower meadow planting cannot be situated adjacent

to the HVAC substation perimeter fence, but is instead located to the west of the

pipeline.

The species mixes, for the new areas of woodland, will include tree species, such as 4.1.16

field maple (Acer campestre) pendunculate oak (Quercus robur) with sycamore (Acer

pseudoplatanus) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus).

A section of the woodland will be replanted above the cable route, in association with 4.1.17

root protection. On this section shallow-rooted species have been chosen for areas in

close proximity to the cable route to maintain a safe distance between the roots and

the cables. These include tree species such as beech (Fagus sylvatica) and silver

birch (Betula pendula).

Hedgerows

A hedgerow will form the boundary of the HVDC converter station and HVAC 4.1.18

substation site, separating the site from the fields to the west, and will consist of

hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) dog rose (Rosa canina)

hazel (Corylus avellana) spindle (Euonymus europaeus) and dogwood (Cornus

sanguinea).

Shrubs

Shrubs will be planted along the eastern edge of the section of woodland east of the 4.1.19

high pressure gas pipeline. The shrubs will provide a buffer of lower vegetation that

cannot be used to gain entry to the converter station site.

Wildflower meadow

An area between the shrubs and the HVDC converter station and HVAC substation 4.1.20

site perimeter fence will be seeded with a suitable wildflower seed mix. The wild flower

meadow will extend over the high pressure gas pipeline and associated buffers.

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Table 4.1 Landscape scheme and strategy for sample hedgerows along the cable route.

Relevant area

Prescription Operation Notes

Hedgerow number H01

Mitigation Replant hedgerow with hawthorn, dog rose, spindle, dogwood and hazel for up to 30 m.

Hedgerow reinstatement planting should be undertaken as soon as practicable after the completion of works in the area. Enhancement Gap up with hawthorn, oak,

dog rose and hazel for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H03

Mitigation Replant hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn and hazel for up to 30 m.

Hedgerow reinstatement planting should be undertaken as soon as practicable after the completion of works in the area.

Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn and hazel for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H04

Mitigation Replant hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, dog rose and hazel for up to 30 m.


Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, dog rose and hazel for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H13

Mitigation Replant hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, field maple and hazel for up to 30 m.

Hedgerow reinstatement planting should be undertaken as soon as practicable after the completion of works in the area. Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with

hawthorn, blackthorn, oak, field maple and hazel for 70 m

Hedgerow number H14

Mitigation Replant hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, dog rose and hazel for up to 30 m.


Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, oak, field maple and hazel for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H17

Mitigation Replant hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel and dog rose for up to 30 m.

Hedgerow reinstatement planting should be undertaken as soon as

Relevant area


Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, oak, hazel and dog rose for 70 m.

practicable after the completion of works in the area.

Hedgerow number H18

Mitigation Replant hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn and dog rose for up to 30 m.


Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, oak, dog rose for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H19

Mitigation Replant hedgerow with hawthorn and blackthorn for up to 30 m.


Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn and blackthorn for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H20



Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, sycamore, oak and crab apple for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H21



Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, oak and dog rose for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H22



Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn and dog rose for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H23

Mitigation Replant hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn and field maple for up to 30 m.


Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, oak and field maple for 70 m.

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Relevant area


Hedgerow number H23A

Mitigation Replant hedgerow with hawthorn and dog rose for up to 30 m.


Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, sycamore, field maple, dog rose and crab apple for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H24

Mitigation Replant hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn and damson, for up to 30 m.


Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, damson, sycamore, and field maple for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H25



Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, oak, field maple, dog rose and alder for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H26



Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, oak, dog rose and alder for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H27

Mitigation Replant hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, and dog rose for up to 30 m.


Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, oak, field maple and dog Rose for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H28

Mitigation Replant hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, and dog rose for up to 30 m.


Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, oak, field maple, dog rose and lime

Relevant area


for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H29





Mitigation Not required


Enhancement Gap up hedgerow from H29 with hawthorn, oak and dog rose for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H30

Mitigation Replant hedgerow with hawthorn for up to 30 m.


Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn and field maple for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H31


Hedgerow reinstatement planting should be undertaken as soon as practicable after the completion of works in the area

Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, oak, field maple and dog rose for 70m.

Hedgerow number H32



Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, oak, dog rose, alder and grey willow for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H34



Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn and dog rose for 70 m.

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Relevant area


Hedgerow number H35

Mitigation Replant hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn and damson for up to 30 m.


Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, damson and oak for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H36



Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, crab apple and yew for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H37/38

Mitigation Replant the hedgerow with hawthorn and dog rose for up to 30 m on both sides of the railway.

Hedgerow reinstatement planting should be undertaken as soon as practicable after the completion of works in the area. Enhancement Gap up the hedgerow with

hawthorn, oak and dog rose for 70 m on both sides of the railway.

Hedgerow number H39

Mitigation Replant the hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn and dog rose for up to 30 m.


Enhancement Gap up the hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, dog rose, grey willow and rowan for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H40



Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, oak and dog rose for 70 m.


Mitigation Not required


Enhancement Enhance hedgerows from H40 with hawthorn, blackthorn oak and dog rose for up to 30 m.

Relevant area


Hedgerow number H41




Hedgerow number H42




Hedgerow number H43

Mitigation Replant hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn, damson and dog rose for up to 30 m.

Hedgerow reinstatement planting should be undertaken as soon as practicable after the completion of works in the area. Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with

hawthorn, blackthorn, damson, dog rose and goat willow for 70 m.

Hedgerow number H44



Enhancement Gap up hedgerow with hawthorn, dog rose and crab apple for 70 m.

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Relevant area


Western tree belt

Mitigation Shallow-rooted species to be planted over cables in conjunction with root protection measures.

All planting is to take place in the planting season following the completion of the construction of the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation.

Enhancement Extend or provide additional areas adjacent or in close proximity to the western tree belt using suitable species.

Hedgerow Enhancement Establish hedgerow to outer edge of tree belts using suitable species, to create habitat diversity and reinforce local landscape character.


Shrub planting

Enhancement Plant a mix of native shrubs to create habitat diversity and enhance local character.


Wild flower mix

Enhancement Source locally characteristic species to maintain local distinctiveness where possible. Sow native wildflower species. To include short-lived annuals and biennials. Vary mixes to suit subsoil conditions across the site and meet long-term target habitat diversity objectives.

The wildflower mix is to be sown in the first spring following the completion of the construction of the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation.

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Draft high level management operations are set out in Table 5.1 below. A detailed 5.1.1

Landscape Management Plan based on these operations will be drawn up prior to

construction. This will detail the different operations anticipated at different stages in

the development of the planting and the months in which they ought to be undertaken.

Operation Relevant

area Operation detail Rationale

Existing retained and proposed planting at onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation site

Replacement of trees

Western tree belt

Replace dead and diseased trees with appropriate species.

Dead or decaying wood should be left on site where safe.

To maintain a good balance of cover and species.

To provide additional habitat for small mammals, birds, lichens, mosses and invertebrates.

Tree thinning Western tree belt

Thin woodland canopy as necessary.

To allow for healthy long term development of a dense canopy and to ensure a woodland screen and landscape feature is maintained in the long term.

Works to the canopy of trees

Western tree belt

Thin woodland canopy as necessary. If necessary inter-plant new tree species.

To maintain a canopy cover of 90%.

Woodland ground flora

Western tree belt

Provide appropriate ground and light levels to allow ground flora to thrive.

To maintain a variety of species and habitats.

Operation Relevant

area Operation detail Rationale

Pruning Western tree belt and shrub areas

When necessary pruning is to be carried out in accordance with good horticultural and arboricultural practice.

To maintain healthy woodland and shrub areas.

Weeds and pests

All areas When necessary hand weed or spot herbicide isolated weed invasion.

To prevent invasion of landscape areas by alien or dominant species, that could result in lack of species diversity.

The management of the newly planted hedgerows along the cable route, outside the 5.1.2

Developer’s/OFTOs’ control would either be by the landowner, or by the landscape

contractor commissioned to plant the replacement hedgerows. This is yet to be

agreed. If the latter, the contractor will be responsible for the new planting for up to

five years, after which time responsibility for maintenance and management will be

transferred to the landowner.

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North Lincolnshire Council has been consulted extensively with regard to the proposed 6.1.1

façades of the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation. Detail of the consultation is

included in Volume 3, Chapter 5: Landscape and Visual Resources, Section 5.4.

A variety of proposed façades, illustrated on photomontages, have been submitted to 6.1.2

North Lincolnshire Council for consideration to mitigate the impact of the building. The

aim is to achieve a colour scheme that would appear to reduce the bulk of the building

and therefore the visual impact of the building when seen in the landscape. The

consultation with North Lincolnshire Council is ongoing and the final, agreed

Landscape Scheme and Management Plan will contain details of these finishes.

Site lighting during the construction, operation and decommissioning phases will only 6.1.3

operate when required and will be directional to avoid unnecessary illumination.

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Tree belt mix

Scientific name - common name % Mix

Acer campestre - Field Maple 10

Acer pseudoplatanus - Sycamore 10

Betula pendula - Silver Birch 10

Corylus avellana - Hazel 10

Crataegus monogyna - Hawthorn 10

Ilex aquifolium - Holly 10

Malus sylvestris - Crab Apple 10

Quercus robur - Pendunculate Oak 15

Carpinus betulus - Hornbeam 15

Outer edge/‘nurse’ mix


Cornus sanguinea - Dogwood 10



Euonymus europaeus - Spindle 10

Populus tremula - Aspen 30

Prunus spinosa - Blackthorn 15

Shallow rooted tree belt mix*


Betula pendula - Silver Birch 15





Fagus sylvatica - Beech 15

Prunus spinosa - Blackthorn 10

* To be used in association with tree root protection above cables.

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Native woodland edge/shrub mix



Corylus avellana – Hazel 25



Prunus spinosa – Blackthorn 20

Rosa canina - Dog Rose 10

Wildflower mix


Achillea millefolium - Yarrow 0.5

Centaurea nigra - Common Knapweed 1

Galium verum - Lady's Bedstraw 2

Geranium pratense - Meadow Cranesbill 0.5

Knautia arvensis - Field Scabious 1.5

Lathyrus pratensis - Meadow Vetchling 0.5

Leontodon hispidus - Rough Hawkbit 0.5

Leucanthemum vulgare - Oxeye Daisy 1.5

Lotus corniculatus – Bird’s-foot Trefoil 0.5

Remainder to be selected grass species 91.5

outline landscape scheme and management plan... · the final agreed landscape scheme and management...

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