Plans published as part of Anglian Water’s phase three consultation show the proposed area of search overlapping with 50.31% of Hawthorpe nature reserve. We are deeply concerned about the potential impact of the pipeline and its construction on this valuable grassland habitat and the wildlife that depends on it.

The Trust will submit a formal objection to the proposed route as part of the public consultation, which opened on 21 October 2026. We will present evidence from ecological surveys undertaken this year, including breeding bird surveys, and urge Anglian Water to consider an alternative route that avoids Hawthorpe.

Hawthorpe is an 87-hectare grassland site that was taken out of arable production and maintained as set-aside for decades. Breeding bird surveys this year recorded a minimum of 39 skylark territories, alongside 52 meadow pipit territories, 14 linnet and 13 reed bunting territories. These are remarkable findings for a site of this kind, demonstrating its importance for at least 14 different breeding birds, including four species on the UK Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern.

The importance of protecting remaining grassland habitats cannot be overstated. More than 97% of the UK’s species-rich grasslands have been lost in less than a century. Hawthorpe represents a valuable opportunity to protect and manage a substantial area of grassland for wildlife, and we believe its importance must be fully recognised in decisions about major infrastructure.

We recognise the need for long-term solutions to meet future water demand. However, infrastructure development must take account of the natural environment and seek to avoid damage to valuable wildlife habitats wherever possible.

Although grassland may be reinstated above a buried pipeline, the construction process itself would have a substantial impact on Hawthorpe. A wide working corridor, vehicle access, noise and prolonged disturbance would displace breeding birds and make areas of the reserve unsuitable for wildlife over several breeding seasons. Given the high densities of skylarks and other ground-nesting birds recorded at Hawthorpe, we believe an alternative route that avoids the reserve should be fully explored before impacts of this scale are accepted.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported our fundraising appeal to secure Hawthorpe. Your support has helped protect this important site for wildlife, and our commitment to its future remains undiminished. We will continue to champion Hawthorpe and work to secure the best possible outcome for its wildlife.