Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) began Aerial Surveys in October 2023 to understand the presence and number of birds and marine animals off the West Cumbrian coast. These surveys have provided valuable information that supports understanding of the local environment and help to inform the permissions required for future investigations into the area’s suitability for a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).
With the final Aerial Survey scheduled for September 2025, NWS is now moving to ground-based Wintering Bird Surveys to complement this data and gain a deeper understanding of bird movements along the coast between Sellafield and Haverigg.
These surveys will help identify potential environmental effects and inform any mitigations to manage them. The findings will form a key part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which is required to accompany applications for Developmental Consent Order and Environmental Permit permissions.
These permissions are needed for the next stage of the siting process known as Site Characterisation, which will involve detailed investigations including deep boreholes to build a clearer understanding of the local geology – an essential step in determining if a GDF could be constructed.
What NWS has seen so far
Covering almost 1,900 sq km, the Aerial Surveys have shown that coastal birds such as Dunlin, Oystercatcher and Wigeon are most numerous in the winter months, while marine birds like Guillemot, Razorbill and Kittiwake peak in the summer. Harbour porpoises were also recorded in the survey area.
Coastal Highlights:
- Most common: Dunlin, Oystercatcher, and Wigeon.
- In smaller numbers: Shelduck, Redshank, Curlew and Knot.
- These species are most present during the winter months.
Marine Highlights:
- Most common: Auks such as Guillemot and Razorbill, along with Herring Gull and Kittiwake.
- Others spotted: Gannet and Red-throated Diver, though in lower numbers.
- August showed the highest densities, especially in the west and central survey areas.
Charlotte Higgins, Senior Lead Environmental & Sustainability Assessment at NWS, said:
“The Aerial Surveys have given us a valuable baseline of information about the species using this stretch of coast. By moving to shore-based observations, we can build on that knowledge and examine bird behaviour and responses in more detail”.
“These surveys form part of our broader environmental programme and our commitment to understanding the local ecosystem, ensuring that any future investigative work carefully considers potential effects on wintering birds and the mitigation measures that may be needed.”
Red-throated diver in winter plumage
Bird surveying enters new stage
The next phase is Wintering Bird Surveys which will involve observers recording bird numbers and behaviour within the intertidal zone – the area between high and low tide – from fixed points along approximately 30km of the West Cumbria coastline.
Observers will also record how birds respond to disturbances such as people, vessels, predators and aircraft, helping NWS understand how different activities affect local wildlife.
NWS identified smaller Areas of Focus within the Mid and South Copeland Search Areas as the next stage in the process of assessing potentially suitable sites. This allows more focused investigations such as the Wintering Bird Surveys.
Carrying out these surveys does not mean that a GDF will be sited in the area. A GDF can only proceed if a suitable site is confirmed and a willing community supports it through a Test of Public Support.