Work has started on a second mitigation site to benefit wildlife on the south bank of the Humber

Work has started on the creation of another unique wildlife site, “Novartis Ings” on the south bank of the Humber which will provide industrial opportunity along the South Humber Bank in the decades ahead.

As previously reported, Novartis transferred a piece of their land free of charge as a legacy for their 70-year presence in the area, and this is boosted by another parcel of land formerly owned by Solenis.

Thanks to this piece of land, NELC will create another 50 acres of wetland bird and wildlife mitigation land to add to the 100 acres already created at Cress Marsh in 2018.

Ian Johnson, Site Head, Novartis Grimsby, said: “Novartis Grimsby are delighted to leave a lasting legacy towards this important project for the local environment.   Colleagues are enjoying watching the field transform into a wetland habitat, and the creation of ‘Novartis Ings’ will ensure our contribution and connection is always remembered.”

Council leader, Philip Jackson, said: “I’m delighted that this second mitigation site is progressing, and would like to thank Novartis for the land, which will benefit the area for years to come and provide a fitting legacy for their time in North East Lincolnshire.”

Mitigation sites provide unique opportunities for companies looking to build or expand in the area. Firms would have previously been required to obtain land for wildlife to offset their developments as a planning requirement, which can delay developments for months and can be hugely expensive. Thanks to the mitigation project, the land is ready and waiting for them.

The contract is being carried out by JE Spence and Sons, who created the first mitigation site, overseen by Roger Wardle, a leading national and international expert in wetland design.

Whilst this is the second such site – joining the national award-winning Cress Marsh at Stallingborough – it is the first to be located right alongside the Estuary. As such, it provides an enhanced opportunity to protect the birdlife that uses the rivers and its mudflats as vital feeding grounds.