HINKLEY Point C has revealed its plans for a new 800-acre wetland reserve near Bridgwater.

It is hoped that the proposed large saltmarsh area along the River Parrett would create new habitats for fish and animals, improve local water quality, and help prevent flooding.

If permission is granted, the 1.5 square mile site would be situated at Pawlett Hams, where the Bridgwater tidal barrier is currently being built, and opposite WWT Steart Marshes, which was created nine years ago.

Hinkley Point C's proposal for a wetland site is one of a number of proposed measures to help wildlife and the environment around the Severn estuary - including the planting of seagrass and kelp, developing native oyster beds, and removing weirs on three rivers to help migrating fish to reach their breeding grounds. 

The plans are being developed with Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, and the Environment Agency, as a natural alternative to a proposed acoustic fish deterrent to keep fish away from the power station’s cooling water system.  

The previously proposed fish deterrent would have used 280 speakers to make noise louder than a jumbo jet 24-hours a day for 60 years.

Instead, it is hoped that a saltmarsh would increase and protect biodiversity by providing breeding grounds for fish, as well as food and shelter for birds and animals.

Hinkley Point C says tidal marsh filters and cleans water, prevents floods, and locks away carbon - which is paramount in the project's fight against climate change.

Chris Fayers, Head of Environment at Hinkley Point C, said: “The new wetland would be a fantastic place for wildlife and a beautiful place to visit.

"Using natural and proven ways to improve the environment is better than creating sixty years of noise pollution with a system that is untested far offshore in the fast-flowing waters of the Severn. 

“Hinkley Point C is one of Britain’s biggest acts in the fight against climate change and its operation will provide significant benefits for the environment."

The proposals for habitat creation and other changes to Hinkley Point C’s design, such as alterations to the way the power station will store spent fuel, will be included in a public consultation launching on 9th January.

More information on the consultation events will be available on the Hinkley Point C website.