Point of Ayr: conserving biodiversity in the Liverpool Bay area

In the UK, we are committed to protecting the environment around Liverpool Bay, an area where Eni had various production sites. Biodiversity conservation activities in the Liverpool Bay/ Point of Ayr area have been ongoing since 1995 through the Point of Ayr Land Management Programme. Following its acquisition of interests in the Liverpool Bay assets and subsequent operatorship, Eni continued and enhanced these biodiversity management initiatives, contributing to the conservation of protected habitats and species in North Wales. A wide range of flora and fauna maintenance and restoration activities are still ongoing, preserving the environmental characteristics of North Wales. We are actively involved in initiatives that contribute to our journey towards Net Zero. Through the decommissioning of our existing oil and gas infrastructure, we are playing an important role by helping to prepare the foundations for future lower-carbon developments. Through Liverpool Bay CCS Limited (LBCCS), part of Eni CCUS Holding group, we are developing and repurposing the transportation and storage infrastructure for carbon capture and storage (CCS), providing the backbone for the HyNet North West cluster. The capture and storage of CO₂, , will transform Liverpool Bay into one of the world's first low-carbon industrial districts. We are supporting the development of offshore renewable energy, including a stake in Dogger Bank, the world’s largest offshore wind farm.

Point of Ayr Land Management Programme

Pasture land within and around the site where the Point of Ayr Gas Terminal is located is of significant importance for roosting and feeding waders and was designated a protected area of the Dee Estuary (Site of Special Scientific Interest - SSSI and Special Protection Area - SPA). In addition to the area’s importance for birds there is also rare and protected dune habitat present (Gronant and Talacre SSSI) which supports a number of species that are of conservation concern. The dunes are also part of the internationally important Dee Estuary / Aber Dyfrdwy Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Furthermore, the Dee Estuary is also designated as a Ramsar Site and Key Biodiversity Area. The original development of the Terminal and pipeline laying in the 1990s incorporated mitigation measures and ecological monitoring requirements to ensure that no adverse effects occurred to the botanical and faunal interest of the designated sites.

The various habitats are actively managed through detailed management plans originally developed in conjunction with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The plans have allowed significant habitat enhancement (e.g., underground irrigation system to flood particular fields in a controlled manner to attract winter wader bird species, creation of small lakes, scrub control, grazing to ensure optimal sward height for birds) for parts of the land. Since the site’s original designation as a SSSI, an increased number of birds attracted to the areas owned and managed by Eni UK (Warren and Llawndy Farms) resulted in the extension of the SSSI in 1998 to encompass these areas. 

Restoration and conservation initiatives

A restoration and conservation programme for Gronant Dunes and Talacre SSSI commenced in 1994, going beyond simply restoration of the pipeline construction including:

• improvement and protection of the eastern end of the dunes, which is the area that has sustained the greatest recreational pressures and damage
• restoration of the cutting made through the dunes to lay the gas pipeline from offshore to the Terminal, approx. 4 have been successfully restored
• partnership with local authority to provide wardening services for the dunes, providing inspection and physical maintenance of the various measures put in place to limit and control dune access
• successful reintroduction of the Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita) which had become extinct in Wales in the 1950s
  successful reintroduction of the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis).

Ecological monitoring programme

An ecological monitoring programme to assess the impact of the development on bird populations is ongoing. Pre-construction monitoring was carried out in 1992 and has since continued a yearly basis. Monitoring demonstrated an increase in bird numbers, resulting in the areas being included within the perimeter of the protected area (SSSI) due to their importance for overwintering birds. For example, the abundance (five-year average) of the Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope) has increased from 1.6 in 2006 to 34.3 in 2022/23. The monitoring of the dunes and farmland is delivered through the Point of Ayr Land Management Programme, which contributes to the conservation of the area by balancing environmental protections with support for the local tourism sector.

Environmental education starts at school

Among our priorities is the sustainable management of the terrestrial and marine ecosystem. Our work is based on prevention and protection criteria, and we believe that proper nature conservation training can ensure benefits for the region, including in the long term. Through the Coastal Education Programme, we provide hands-on experiences for schools, bringing learning to life through interactive outdoor activities at Talacre Beach. Students have the opportunity to explore the coastal environment, discover local wildlife and habitats, and develop a deeper understanding of conservation and environmental stewardship. The Field Study Centre is a community-focused conservation facility, available for free hire year-round by local groups, schools and organisations for educational or community activities. In partnership with various local associations, we have created bicycle paths and nature trails.