Representation by Suffolk Otter Group (Suffolk Otter Group)
- Date submitted
- 29 September 2020
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
We are concerned about the proposed damage which Sizewell C will cause to Sizewell Belts SSSI and the local wetland - because of the impact this will have on habitat for otters. We have been studying otters intensively on the RSPB’s Minsmere Reserve for the last 6 years. They now have a thriving population in the area, having recovered in Suffolk from near-extinction, and they range far and wide beyond the confines of the reserve. These animals now have the highest possible level of protection under European and UK law, but your proposals will destroy large areas of the precious wetland, which they depend on, and will interfere horribly with their movements. Our chief concerns are: · Direct loss of 10 hectares of SSSI to concrete · Damaging changes in groundwater and surface water, crucial to otters feeding and mobility · Creation of an inappropriate crossing As we understand it, your mitigation proposals include a 69m culvert. It would be interesting to see the evidence you have for believing that this will actually be used by species such as otters. In our experience they are unwilling to use tunnel-like structures, even for quite short distances. We believe that it would take an otter with the mindset of a trainee miner to be attracted to the prospect of entering such a long culvert.