Since 2022, we have commissioned habitat surveys at 29 of our mine water treatment scheme sites and 10 coal tip sites across England, Scotland, and Wales. The surveys, carried out by ecological specialists, have provided us with a clearer picture of the habitat types present at each location, including grasslands, woodlands, ponds, and reed beds. Each site has an individual survey report and a habitat map, forming a natural asset data resource that will support our decision-making going forwards.
Our sites encompass a wide range of habitat types, and whilst our current management practice helps to support species such as grass snake, barn owl, reed bunting, and swallow, there are opportunities to improve and maximise the ecological potential of some sites. In many cases, with modest adjustments to current land management practices, these habitats could be significantly improved, offering better support for biodiversity and more resilient ecosystems.
We have already begun translating this ecological insight into practical action. Building on the recommendations from the surveys, we have developed detailed ecological management plans for 2 priority sites: Morton coal tip in Derbyshire and Caerau coal tip in Bridgend. These plans provide clear, site-specific instructions for how to improve and manage each habitat type, and represent a new standard in land management to support biodiversity and nature recovery.
Looking ahead, our focus will be on expanding and embedding this work and we are planning to commission more habitat surveys which, when combined with existing data, will form a comprehensive biodiversity database.
We are also actively exploring new delivery models to support our work and deliver efficiency and value for money, including collaboration with community volunteers and environmental partners.
Together with colleagues and partners we’re committed to improving the environment at our operational sites and taking positive action to enhance biodiversity and encourage nature recovery.
How will we know we are succeeding?
| We will: |
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| Accelerate our renewable energy programme, delivering measures at a minimum of 2 sites per year as part of our commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% from our 2017-18 baseline* *currently included in our sustainability plan commitment until new GGC figures are available |
| Publish our climate adaptation plan and progress the actions to improve resilience and adaptation to climate risks and impacts |
| Continue to deliver our nature recovery programme, building on initial benchmarking to develop practical plans on a prioritised basis across our estate and take action by embedding nature-friendly management practices and working with partners to maximise the natural assets of our estate in an efficient way |
| Develop, implement and report on social value targets across the work we do |
| Make clear progress against the 2025-2030 Greening Government Commitments to reduce our impact on the environment and our costs in these areas |