Culham Battery Storage
Maximising BNG while enhancing the natural landscape delivers planning success.
Planning Approved for Culham Storage - a 500 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) located in South Oxfordshire.
The Brief
Ecology by Design were commissioned to ensure that BNG was maximised onsite, going beyond the statutory requirement of 10% and also to collaborate with landscape architects to deliver a visually and ecologically enhanced landscape.
Work Undertaken
Undertaking rigorous Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
Our team conducted detailed ecological surveys across the site to establish baseline habitat conditions. These assessments informed strategies to mitigate biodiversity loss and set the stage for a robust 62% Biodiversity Net Gain, achieved by allocating 16 hectares to restored and new woodland and grassland habitats.
Collaborating with landscape architects
Working closely with landscape architects, we co-developed design plans that integrated ecological and visual sensitivity. These included planting plans, habitat enhancement schemes, and thoughtful re-establishment of parkland features, ensuring that new habitats seamlessly blend with existing landscape values including restoration of a registered park and garden.
Supporting Landscape and Visual Impact Mitigation (LVIM)
Our approach addressed both environmental and aesthetic concerns:
The buffer zones, woodland, and grassland screening were designed to soften the visual impact of the BESS infrastructure.
We contributed to detailed Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) reviewing visualisations showing year-1 and maturity views, reinforcing how the restored parkland would effectively integrate with the surrounding environment.
Navigating planning and stakeholder engagement
We informed the project's planning submission; producing the Ecology & Biodiversity Appendices, contributing to planting plans and management strategies and facilitating dialogue between all key stakeholders.
The restored landscaping enhances the public amenity, providing new walking access across the site with views over the Thames Valley, benefiting local communities and Culham Campus residents.
Outcomes
Statera Energy secured planning permission for Culham battery storage, comprising a 500 megawatt (MW) battery storage facility with associated infrastructure, access and landscaping, with a connection to the Culham Jet National Grid connection.
Ecology by Design's involvement was instrumental in shaping a project that bridges energy resilience with ecological stewardship. The Culham BESS shows how infrastructure development can enhance biodiversity, improve the existing landscape, benefit the local community while supporting clean energy goals.
For further information contact:
Laura Grant BSc (Hons) MCIEEM
Associate Director, Ecology by Design Ltd
Tel: 01865 893348
Mob: 07495 00213
