AES UK & Ireland has teamed up with a charity to protect the wildlife surrounding two of Northern Ireland's largest power stations.

The firm announced a partnership with Ulster Wildlife following the discovery of a rare bee orchid more than twelve years ago.

AES now boasts over 350 different plants and animals at its Ballylumford and Kilroot sites in Co Antrim, including over 70 protected or priority species such as cowslips, small heath butterflies, black guillemots, Irish hares, and badgers.

Alongside wildflower meadows, woodlands, ponds and coastal habitats, the industrial land itself has become an unlikely haven for wildlife, with over 150 sand martin pairs making their homes in the coal ash lagoon on site, which replicates the birds' traditional cliff nesting sites.

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AES has been working closely with Ulster Wildlife to audit, plan and implement action for the important species and habitats on its sites and within its staff team, and to encourage wider community involvement through education and volunteering programmes.

Ian Luney, President of AES UK & Ireland, said: "This plan represents a new level of ambition and commitment to biodiversity on these sites. Thanks to our long-standing partnership with Ulster Wildlife, we have grown a company-wide programme which motivates our people, deepens our engagement with local schools and community groups, and ensures our wildlife-rich land remains an asset now and in the future. We look forward to working together to set a new standard for corporate engagement with biodiversity in Northern Ireland."

(CD/MH)