Over 100,000 people are concerned about Sizewell C’s impacts on nature

A big thank you to all 104,836 of you who shared the RSPB and Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s concerns about Sizewell C’s potential impacts on nature should plans go ahead.

In just over 12 weeks, 104,836 people have said they share the RSPB and Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s concerns about Sizewell C’s impacts on nature. In November, the two charities launched a joint e-action as part of the ongoing Love Minsmere campaign. Springwatch presenters Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin launched the action whilst hosting a Love Minsmere online live event.

The action was launched to make nature’s voice stronger in the planning process. EDF's plans for Sizewell C are soon to be examined by the Planning Inspectorate, and the RSPB and Suffolk Wildlife Trust have submitted an extensive summary of concerns about the impacts on wildlife. The charities called on people who shared their concerns to complete the action and add their voice to demonstrate that nature must be protected and how many people Love Minsmere. The charities will be presenting this number to the Planning Inspectorate once the examination begins.

Vegetated shingle on Sizewell Beach - Steve Aylward

Adam Rowlands, RSPB Suffolk Area Manager said: “We’ve been completely blown away that over 100,000 people have taken action to protect wildlife at RSPB Minsmere, Sizewell Marshes SSSI and beyond from Sizewell C.

“If Sizewell C is built, it would sit slap bang on the border of Minsmere, home to over 6000 types of animals, plants and fungi. Legally protected animals like otters, water voles and marsh harriers could lose their homes, and toxic chemicals and up to 3 million dead fish could be pumped into the sea each year."

We want to say a massive thank you to everyone that spoke up to protect the nature that’s not only so important to us here in Suffolk but across the globe too.”

Adam Rowlands
RSPB Suffolk Area Manager

The number of people taking the Love Minsmere action has eclipsed the number of signatures and responses to all previous Sizewell C consultations and campaigns. It also casts doubt over an EDF conducted survey that suggested a ‘silent majority’ want Sizewell which only sampled 500 people in the area.

As well as support from Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin, the campaign has also seen support from many other celebrities including: Samuel West, Alison Steadman, Julia Bradbury, Deborah Meaden, Anthony Horowitz, Bill Turnbull, Michaela Strachan, Mike Dilger, Iolo Williams, Emma Kennedy, Miranda Krestovinkoff, Dr Amir Khan and more.

Ben McFarland at Sizewell C — Ben McFarland, Head of Conservation, at Sizewell nuclear power stations (photograph: Sarah Groves)

Ben McFarland, Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Head of Conservation said: “We’re delighted that so many people have taken a stand for Suffolk’s nature. If Sizewell C was to be given the go ahead, it would take at least 10 years to build and miles of the Suffolk countryside could be lost.

“One of the places most at risk is Sizewell Marshes, a protected wildlife site which we manage here at Suffolk Wildlife Trust. The build would destroy an area equivalent to 10 football pitches of this reserve which could have catastrophic impacts on a range of rare species like bats and natterjack toads.

“However, over 100,000 people giving Suffolk’s nature a voice gives us hope. At a time of biodiversity crisis, we cannot continue to allow the environment and wildlife to be pushed aside. It is a highly inappropriate site for a new power station.”

For more information on the campaign visit loveminsmere.org