New habitats for pool frogs and forest management in Forsmark
When the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management company (SKB) establishes the nuclear fuel repository in Forsmark, a pond which is home to endangered pool frogs will be filled.
Short facts
- Forsmark, Sweden
- Pool frog, crested newts, and orchids
- Mitigate impact from building the final nuclear fuel repository
- Continuous
To protect the frogs, SKB has created six new ponds years before the impact to strengthen the conditions for this and other amphibian species, ensuring that the population of pool frogs continues to exist in the area.
As an add-on, a hibernacula or ‘frog hotel’ was built to provide shelter for the frogs during winter. Before the pond infilling starts, amphibians living in the pond are caught and transferred to the new ponds.
This relocation project has been going on for two years and will continue during 2025. So far, about 170 pool frogs and 390 great crested newts have been relocated.
In addition, SKB has also developed a forestry plan aiming to enhance biodiversity around Forsmark and preserve high-value forest areas. Efforts include, for example, maintaining habitats for the protected lady’s slipper orchid through targeted clearance and maintenance.
We are participating in a regional initiative by the County Administrative Board called “Roadmap for a sustainable county” where SKB during 2024 has signed five so-called “sustainability promises” showing our commitment to protecting biodiversity.
Building the final repository in Forsmark involves extensive ecological work, which SKB has been committed to for a long time.
More about biodiversity
Biodiversity and nature protection are a priority at Vattenfall. It is one of the focus areas in our environmental policy and therefore also a central part in our environmental work.
See also
Supporting pollinators in Forsmark
The industrial area at the nuclear power plant in Forsmark includes diverse habitats.
Biodiversity assessment for nuclear fuel suppliers
Biodiversity is not only a topic related to our own operations.
Biodiversity enhancing measures in our office premises
At Vattenfall, we aim to integrate our office premises with natural habitats.