Green Volt has commenced a programme of ecological surveys along the proposed onshore cable corridor near Peterhead (north of Aberdeen). The surveys are focusing on identifying and protecting local wildlife habitats and are being undertaken by a specialist environmental consultant.
Gavia Environmental are conducting the surveys which are assessing ditches and watercourses along the project’s onshore cable route to determine the presence of water voles in surrounding habitats.
Supporting responsible project development
Water voles are a protected species in the UK and have experienced significant population decline in recent decades. As such, understanding their presence and habitat requirements is an important part of Green Volt’s environmental commitments.
The surveys will:
- Establish the presence or likely absence of water voles along the route
- Identify and map suitable habitats within the cable corridor
- Inform the development of a detailed Species Protection Plan setting out the measures to be put in place to protect identified species and their habitats throughout construction and delivery of the project
The above information will help ensure that appropriate mitigation measures are incorporated into project design and delivery, minimising potential impacts on local biodiversity.
”Protecting local wildlife is a fundamental part of how we approach development on the Green Volt project. These surveys help ensure that we not only meet our environmental responsibilities but actively contribute to safeguarding important species and habitats along the route."
Becky JonesPrincipal Onshore Consenter, Green Volt
Survey activity
Survey teams will be working in and around watercourses and drainage ditches, carrying out walkover assessments to identify signs of water vole presence. This includes checking banks for burrows, identifying feeding remains and latrines, and assessing vegetation and water conditions that support the species.
Activities on site will be low impact and may include:
- Small survey teams operating on foot along watercourses and field edges
- Close inspection of ditch and riverbank features
- Personnel wearing high-visibility clothing
- Vehicles parked responsibly at agreed access points
All work has been planned in collaboration with landowners and relevant stakeholders to ensure access is managed appropriately and respectfully.
Programme
The surveys are taking place over a one-week period commencing in early May 2026, with some flexibility to extend if required to complete the assessment.
Protecting biodiversity
Environmental surveys form a critical part of the Green Volt project development process. By building a clear understanding of existing ecological conditions, the project team can take informed decisions that support the protection of species and habitats throughout construction and operation.
This programme of ecological surveys reflects the Green Volt project’s broader commitment to delivering infrastructure in a way that is environmentally responsible and aligned with best practice.
Further updates on project activity will be shared as Green Volt continues to progress through the development process.
