Protest of more than 20,000 trees cut down by Sizewell C

Together Against Sizewell C (TASC) planted two three-metre oak trees on Saturday, near Sizewell C, in east Suffolk, in honour of the National Day of Action for Nature.

The group were permitted to use the private land, either side of the B1122, near Theberton, where they will be visible to people passing through the area.

In summer last year, Sizewell C bosses admitted it had cut down more than 20,000 trees for the project, though they previously promised to plant four times as many in their place.

TASC member, Alan Hatt, Tasc Chair, Jenny Kirtley, and Chris Wilson with one of the being planted. (Image: TASC)

TASC Chair, Jenny Kirtley, labelled this "environmental devastation" and does not believe that ‘biodiversity net gain’ projects can be relied upon, as they "may never come into fruition".

She said: "We trust these oak trees will give communities some positive thoughts for the future of the natural world in our area, following the devastation that Sizewell C has inflicted.

“This government has shown that it cares not a jot for the natural environment, putting development and so-called growth ahead of the living landscapes on which health, wellbeing, and the future of wildlife depend.

Wild Aldhurst, one of the nature reserves that Sizewell C has created for its 19% biodiversity net gain target. (Image: Sizewell C)

“It pursues an ideological path irrespective of the damage inflicted, ignoring the evidence of greener, cheaper, safer, sustainable and quicker to deploy alternatives.

“The nature crisis is happening now. "

"It is imperative that we protect and enhance that which already exists."

Sizewell C is being developed and will be operated by NNB Generation Company (SZC) Limited, which is a partnership primarily owned by the UK Government (44.9%) and EDF (12.5%), along with investors La Caisse (20%), Centrica (15%), and Amber Infrastructure (7.6%).

Steve Mannings, head of ecology at Sizewell C. (Image: Sizewell C)

Steve Mannings, head of ecology at Sizewell C, said: “Sizewell C will deliver lasting environmental benefits for the region.

"We have created three nature reserves that are already three times larger than the permanent footprint of the power station; we will plant more trees than we have removed; and we are funding a new £78m environmental charity that will support local organisations for decades to come.

“Most vegetation removal is now complete, and this year we will begin our replanting programme at off-site infrastructure projects, like Friday Street roundabout.

“When Sizewell C is built, it will not only help tackle climate change by saving nine million tonnes of carbon emissions each year, but the majority of construction areas will also be restored to nature.”