More than 800 acres of new saltmarsh could be created on the Somerset Levels to offset the environmental impact of the UK's newest nuclear power station.

EDF Energy is overseeing the construction of the Hinkley Point C facility near Stogursey, whose two nuclear reactors are expected to begin producing energy for the National Grid by late-2028.

To mitigate the impact of the power station, EDF Energy is proposing to create huge new saltmarshes (covering more than three million square metres) at Pawlett Hams, on the River Parrett near Bridgwater.

Several public consultation events will take place in the coming weeks and months to allow local residents to have their say before formal proposals are submitted to Somerset Council.

The new saltmarsh will be created on land between the village of Pawlett and the River Parrett near Combwich – not far from the proposed disability support centre which will be run by Whitehouse Farm Pawlett Hams CIC.

The proposals are designed to create new habitats for fish and animals, improve water quality and reduce the risk of localised flooding, complementing the creation of the Bridgwater tidal barrier immediately upstream.

The proposals will be in addition to other measures in the Bristol Channel to offset the power station's impact, including the planting of seagrass and kelp, developing native oyster beds and removing weirs on three rivers to help migrating fish to reach their breeding grounds.

The saltmarsh plans are are being developed with Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and the Environment Agency as a natural alternative to installing an acoustic fish deterrent, which had been proposed to keep some fish species away from the power station's cooling water system.

The acoustic deterrent would, EDF has claimed, involve 280 speakers "making a noise louder than a jumbo jet 24 hours a day for 60 years" – something which could impact on numerous species, including porpoises, seals and whales.

In addition to the new environmental measures, the power station will include a "fish recovery and return system" and "low velocity water intakes" to minimise the impact on local fish stocks.

Chris Fayers, head of environment at the Hinkley Point C project, said: "The new wetland would be a fantastic place for wildlife and a beautiful place to visit.

"Using natural and proven ways to improve the environment is better than creating 60 years of noise pollution with a system that is untested far offshore in the fast-flowing waters of the River Severn.

"Hinkley Point C is one of Britain's biggest acts in the fight against climate change and its operation will provide significant benefits for the environment."

The new saltmarsh is intended to enhance and add to existing nature reserves in Somerset, including the nearby Steart Marshes which were designated as part of the Somerset Wetlands national nature reserve in August 2022.

The saltmarsh proposals, along with other changes to the Hinkley Point C design (including the storage of spent nuclear fuel), will go out to public consultation on Tuesday (January 9).

Details of drop-in events as part of this consultation will be published shortly at www.edfenergy.com/energy/nuclear-new-build-projects/hinkley-point-c.