RSK Environment Ltd prepared an environmental statement for the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm and onshore grid connection.
RSK Landscape (now part of Stephenson Halliday) advised on the substation site selection and cable routeing from the landfall near Worthing through the South Downs National Park to the grid connection point at Bolney. The result was to minimise the effects on sensitive landscape features and habitats, including a prominent escarpment featuring chalk grasslands and buried archaeology.
Working closely with the client, The South Downs National Park Authority, West Sussex County Council, the RSK ecology team and other technical specialists prepared the detailed seascape, landscape and visual impact assessment, landscape and visual mitigation plans and photomontage visualisations and provided landscape expert witness services during the Development Consent Order (DCO) examination.
We discharged the pre-commencement requirements, which included a ten-year landscape and ecological management plan, landscape restoration and mitigation proposals for construction. We prepared landscape work tender packages and managed the procurement of landscape contractors.
We continue to provide management and monitoring, undertaking regular site visits to inspect and report on the maintenance/management work and the success of the establishment.