National Grid team puts energy into RSPB volunteering day

The work saw the team repair tracks on the reserve and clear willow and other vegetation to maintain the 144-acre nature site that’s home to many bird species.

The team of volunteers were from the nearby National Grid Dinorwig to Pentir underground cable replacement project. National Grid has been carrying out this essential scheme since autumn 2021, replacing the electricity cables that connect Dinorwig Power Station at Llanberis to the national electricity network.

Since the project began, National Grid has been supporting local communities in the area it’s working in, which, as well as volunteering, has included direct support from its Community Grant Programme. 

Victoria Haworth, Senior Project Manager for the cable replacement project who was among the volunteers, said: “As well as delivering our important project we are keen to support nearby groups too. This time around, it was great to spend time with the RSPB at its Conway reserve and contribute our time and skills to a good cause.

“Protecting the environment is a key part of our work as well and where we can we’ll get stuck in to help others do this too. We’ll be continuing to talk to groups and organisations locally about volunteering, but welcome any requests if anyone near our project between Llanberis and Pentir is looking for support.”

Tim Wallis, Warden at the RSPB’s Conwy Nature Reserve, added: “It was great to have National Grid join us. Maintaining the reserve is a key part of creating an area where birds and the environment can thrive. Every little bit of work in support really helps us so we appreciate the team giving their time. As ever, if anyone else is keen to give their time to help us we’d be happy to hear from you.”

RSPB Conwy nature reserve is a wetland on the east bank of the Conwy estuary, created from material dug out during construction of the A55 road tunnel between 1986 and 1991. First opened to the public in 1995, the reserve is now home to a variety of wonderful wildlife, including warblers, waders and wildfowl.

Media contact:

Helen Blake
T 07790 824788

About the Dinorwig to Pentir cable replacement project

• National Grid is replacing the existing underground cables between Dinorwig power station and our substation at Pentir. The original cables were installed in the 1970’s and now need replacing to make sure that electricity supplies remain secure and reliable for the local area and beyond.

• Dinorwig Power Station is a vital part of the electricity network in Wales and England. It provides fast-response power generation when electricity consumption is at its peak; helping National Grid to maintain a reliable supply to British homes and businesses. The station also plays a key role in the nation’s low-carbon energy future by supporting renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, connecting to the system. It provides electricity when weather conditions mean there is less renewable generation available.

• We started our work in Autumn 2021 with initial activity happening at our Pentir substation. In 2022, we began work on the A4086 and the A4244 between Llanberis and Pentir, to install the cable ducting that will house our new cables. This work is continuing and more information is available at https://www.nationalgrid.com/electricity-transmission/network-and-infrastructure/dinorwig-pentir

• The project team can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by calling 0330 134 0066.