Member Article

Iconic local landmark to benefit from major pipeline project

Northumberlandia country park and earth sculpture in Cramlington is set to benefit from a huge donation of topsoil as the North Sea Link Interconnector project breaks ground in Blyth.

The North Sea Link (NSL) Interconnector is a joint venture between National Grid and Statnett who are working together to construct a new electricity link between the UK and Norway.

The NSL Interconnector will link the electricity systems of both countries through high voltage subsea cables from Kvilldal in Norway to Blyth, with the converter station and other on-shore infrastructure located at East Sleekburn, within the Blyth Estuary Renewable Energy Zone.

NSL has donated 10 tonnes of topsoil to Northumberlandia to aid maintenance and revegetation works within the 46 acre community park. The site, which was funded and developed by Banks Group and Blagdon Estate and is managed by the Land Trust and Northumberland Wildlife Trust, is famed for its award-winning ‘Lady of the North’ human landscape sculpture, provides a home for all sorts of wildlife, and is an important natural amenity for local people.

Nigel Williams, North Sea Link director, said: “As the Interconnector project progresses we are continually seeking to reuse materials and resources in ways which support local activities connected to conservation and the provision of green and recreational spaces that benefit both our local communities and the environment.

“We are delighted to support the long-term sustainable management of Northumberlandia through this donation. It’s a very popular and unique place attracting thousands of visitors a year to walk its four miles of footpaths on and around the landform.”

North Sea Link delivered the topsoil donation thanks to help from project contractors GRAHAM Construction, which transported the soil from Blyth to Northumberlandia.

Grace Rodgers, GRAHAM Construction project manager, commented: “GRAHAM is delighted to be working alongside Statnett and National Grid on this phase of the North Sea Link project. To be involved in such an innovative scheme which is helping to power the future is very rewarding. We are pleased to help enhance a local landmark which the wider community will benefit from by providing this topsoil.”

Ian Kendall, Estates Manager for North East and Yorkshire at the Land Trust, added: “Northumberlandia is a shining example of partnership working that benefits people, wildlife, the environment and local economy, and we’re delighted that NSL has chosen to support the park with this donation.”

Passing through Norwegian and British waters, North Sea Link will be operational in 2021 and will be the longest subsea interconnector in the world. To find out more about the North Sea Link Interconnector project, visit www.northsealink.com or for more information about Northumberlandia, visit www.northumberlandia.com.

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