Nature Networks will trial nature-based vegetation management approaches on overhead line spans in Wharncliffe Woods, Sheffield. The project will test interventions including, habitat restoration, conservation grazing, low-growing native planting, and rewetting/drainage impediment to reduce vegetation regrowth, lower wildfire risk, and improve biodiversity. The trial will assess whether sustainable land management techniques can provide a more effective and long-term alternative to traditional vegetation clearance practices while maintaining network safety and improving system resilience. Learning from the project will support future deployment across woodland and peatland transmission corridors on the NGET network.

Benefits

Nature Networks will trial conservation grazing, , heathland and grassland establishment, low-growing native planting, habitat restoration, and the creation of ponds and scrapes to establish self-sustaining habitats beneath overhead lines. These interventions aim to naturally suppress undesirable vegetation growth, reduce the frequency of future vegetation management interventions and lower long-term maintenance costs. Reduced vegetation management activity is expected to decrease contractor requirements, site access costs, operational carbon emissions and health and safety exposure associated with repeated maintenance activities. 
 
The project will also improve network resilience by reducing the risk of vegetation encroachment and supporting the maintenance of safe operational clearances for longer periods. In addition, controlling bracken growth and creating more diverse habitat types will reduce wildfire fuel loads and lower the risk of wildfire-related asset damage, operational disruption and emergency response activities. Environmental benefits will include improved biodiversity, habitat connectivity, nature recovery and wider ecosystem value through the creation of heathland, species-rich grassland, wetland features and low-growing native vegetation. 
 
The learning generated from the project will provide evidence of whether nature-based vegetation management can offer a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional vegetation clearance practices and support future deployment across woodland and climate-risk transmission corridors and identify potential challenges/barriers to adopting the approach at scale. 
 
The Cost Benefit Analysis indicates a Benefit Cost Ratio of 6:1, meaning that for every £1 invested, approximately £6 of benefits are expected to be realised. The project is forecast to deliver an overall net benefit of approximately £410,000, primarily through reduced vegetation management costs, improved network resilience, reduced wildfire risk and enhanced environmental outcomes.