MVV has purchased a nine-acre orchard in Wisbech as it moves towards the construction of its Medworth Energy from Waste Combined Heat and Power Project in early 2025.

The company says the orchard will be retained and used to improve wildlife on the site.

The project company, Medworth CHP Ltd, added that it has committed to delivering a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain as part of the development.

This will include habitat creation and enhancements, both on the main EfW site and at other locations.

The company said that purchasing the land to the south east side of New Drove, Wisbech, which currently includes an orchard, is the first step.

Paul Carey, MVV’s managing director, said: “We are working with our ecologists to develop a long-term organic management plan.

“We want to improve the hedgerows for wildlife, create new habitats instead of having a single crop growing, and allow the soil to recover and support a greater variety of native wildflower species.”

MVV announced that it had secured development consent for its Medworth project, in February this year.

Subsequently, an environmental permit was issued by the Environment Agency in May. 

Work has since been going on to prepare for the start of construction.