Biodiversity enhancement at substations: strategic measures for pollinators

In 2022 and 2023, a GIS-based analysis of 90 substations assessed their potential for biodiversity enhancement. Factors like proximity to species, historical land use, and the surrounding environment were considered. Sixteen of these stations were selected for detailed field visits, and the conclusion was that maintenance practices at some stations could be adapted to benefit various species of bumblebees, bees, and butterflies.

During 2024, customised maintenance instructions were developed for five of the substations and implemented on four of them.

Each contractor in charge of maintenance received detailed instructions on how the areas around the substations should be maintained to promote biodiversity, such as when lawns should be mowed, which trees and bushes should be pruned, and which ruderal areas should be disturbed by scraping. 

Valuable flora and fauna were identified at two station areas, prompting additional measures such as the creation of sand beds for bumblebees and wild bees. The goal for 2030 is to have carried out measures at 20 substations.