Save Minster Marshes

The enquirer got in touch with us regarding a proposal for a 26-metre high converter station and substation covering 9 hectares situated on the Nature Reserve of Minster Marshes in the Stour Valley, Kent. This station is part of a wider project by National Grid called Sea Link which aims at reinforcing the electricity network between Suffolk and Kent via a new, primarily offshore high voltage direct current link. It has been designed to increase the capability of the network to carry low-carbon and renewable energy.

This proposal has concerned the local community due to its location on the Nature Reserve and the inevitable impacts on the adjacent SSSI wildlife site and many other protected sites nearby. The Marshes, the main site of development for this station, is a known haven for ecology and is home to various protected species. The importance of the site is particularly due to the excessive building in the local area of Thanet, which has forced many species to shift their location and reside in this area. Species seen include many rare and endangered birds, endangered European eels, beavers, water voles and more.

 

ELF has been assisting the local community group Save Minster Marshes with various legal issues regarding the consultation, and general assistance with objecting to the development. The group unanimously supports de-carbonisation but wants to ensure renewable energy is not coming at the cost of nature, and has proposed various solutions to make the development more ecologically appropriate.  You can make a donation to the group to help them raise funds to fight the development by following the link here.