Gridline THE POWER OF ACTION Autumn 2010 Living the

high life OUR ENERGY The job of an FUTURE overhead linesman by National Grid’s CEO Steve Holliday GREEN FOR LIFE National Grid’s environmental centres SHOWING OFF The grantor with a passion for pigeons

GRAPEexpectations PLUS: PROJECT ROUND-UP, POND The Kent grantor IMPROVEMENTS, WIN SIX BOTTLES OF FIZZ putting the fi zz into English wine

J3488GridlinecoverNEW.indd 1 17/09/2010 10:58

Welcome to Gridline Welcome to the new-look Autumn issue of Gridline. Gridline went straight to the top for the feature on page 8 and asked Steve Holliday, National Grid’s chief executive, to 16 provide an overview of the challenges facing the UK as it strives to meet energy National Grid’s Land and security and climate change targets. A signifi cant element of National Grid’s role will Development Group be to connect new sources of renewable energy The Land and Development Group is responsible for such as wind farms and nuclear power stations to acquiring all rights and permissions from statutory the grid. On page 12, Gridline profi les the work authorities and landowners needed to install, operate and of the linesmen who erect and maintain overhead maintain National Grid’s electricity and gas transmission networks. The Group acts as the main interface for power lines and learns how safety is a key priority landowners who have gas and electricity equipment at every stage of the job. installed on their land. Your local contacts are listed below. Then it’s back to the energy theme on page 14, with a feature on National Grid’s environmental Electricity and gas education centres and the role they play in ● North-west and Scotland 0161 776 0706 teaching youngsters about the importance of ● South-east 01268 642 091 reducing carbon footprint, conserving scarce ● South-west 01452 316 059 ● East 0113 290 8235. resources and protecting threatened biodiversity. Steve Holliday has gone on record to say that Wayleave payments the dramatic improvements in energy effi ciency ● For information on wayleave payments, telephone the that are needed will only come with a change of payments helpline on 0800 389 5113. mindset on the part of the public – and where Electricity emergency better to start than with the very young. ● Emergency calls to report pylon damage to National Grid can But climate change hasn’t been bad news for be made on 0800 404 090. Note the tower’s number – found everyone. Turn to page 16 to fi nd out how an just below the property plate – to help crews locate it. electricity grantor – the English Wines Group – has been picking up international awards for the Electric and magnetic fi elds quality of its sparkling wine grown from vineyards ● For information on electric and magnetic fi elds, call the EMF information line on 08457 023 270 (local call rate). in south-east England. Website: www.emfs.info. Finally, if you win the photo competition on page 20 you will be able to sample some of the Gas emergency wine yourself. Good luck! ● 0800 111 999. Dial before you dig ● Before carrying out any work in the vicinity of gas pipelines, overhead power lines or underground electric cables, you should contact Plant Protection on 0800 688 588 so that searches can be Editor, Gridline made to determine the exact position of any National Grid assets.

04 Gridline

J3488Gridlinepg2-3.indd 1 17/09/2010 11:03 Contents News

04 New TV series on National Grid 05 A warning about the danger of crop protection sheets 06 Environment Agency thanks gas project team for pond improvement Features SPECIAL FOCUS 08-11 National Grid’s CEO Steve Holliday outlines the steps necessary to meet the UK’s future energy needs SAFETY 19 12-13 How the job of an overhead linesman has been transformed over the Photo competition last 30 years – with safety a major focus ENVIRONMENT 14 14-15 The work of National Grid’s environmental education centres PROFILE 16-18 The Kent grantor at the heart of the English wine success story Competition page Turn to page 20 for the results of last issue’s photo competition. 20 Enter our competitions to win a case 08 of Chapel Down sparkling wine and a ESSEX GRANTOR IS CAMERA £150 Jessops gift card COMPETITION WINNER Congratulations to retired farmer and electricity grantor John Kidman of Get in touch Romans Farm near Chelmsford, who Please contact us if: is the winner of the Sony Cyber-shot ● You have any news that you think would digital camera competition in the last be of interest to other grantors issue of Gridline. ● You think your business or hobby would “I’ve always been interested in make a good article photography but all my cameras ● You have any suggestions for topics you date from the 1930s, so they’re would like to see covered in Gridline. rather bulky. 12 “My wife and I are joining some Gridline is produced by Summersault friends on a 10-day motorbike trip Communications, 23-25 Waterloo through France into northern Spain Place, Warwick Street, Leamington Spa, in October, so it will be great to have Warwickshire CV32 5LA. a compact digital camera to record To contact Gridline, phone 01926 656 325, the journey.” email [email protected] or write to the address above.

Gridline 03

J3488Gridlinepg2-3.indd 2 17/09/2010 11:04 For more information Tel: 01926 656 325 email: [email protected] www.nationalgrid.co.uk Newsline The latest news from National Grid and its nationwide grantor network

SECURING THE FUTURE: Today electricity is available at the fl ick of a switch – but it wasn’t always the case TV series explores the world of electricity WHEN THE FIRST TOWERS FOR electricity-fuelled consumer boom of the the national grid went up in 1928 they 50s and 60s. were regarded with a mix of shock and “Besides being a social history of how admiration – but 80 years later a future the grid came into being, the series is an without electricity seems unthinkable. entertaining look at how Britain got used A new TV series starting in October on to living with it, and the ways in which it BBC Four – The Secret Life of the National changed us,” said Gaby. Grid – provides a fascinating history of The series also looks at the impact of Britain through the ‘wires’. The producer electricity in a busy neonatal unit and a social history of how Gaby Hornsby has previously been examines how electric lifts took away the the grid came into responsible for the highly acclaimed The need to climb stairs – and in the process Secret Life of the Motorway and The Secret transformed the urban skyline. being… and the ways in Life of the Airport. Look out for grantor Bob Pearson recalling which it changed us Across three parts, the series ranges from the teams of horses employed when a tower the challenges of designing an ‘aesthetically- was erected on his farm in Perthshire, pleasing’ tower in the 1920s, to managing Scotland during the 1930s, and a bird’s eye TV pick-ups today, via protests and the view of life as an overhead linesman.

04 Gridline

J3488Gridlinepg4-7.indd 1 17/09/2010 11:47 Look up, look out News from the THE POTENTIAL HAZARD OF crop-protection sheeting blowing on to high-voltage conductors, US was highlighted in a recent Newsline incident in Lincolnshire. “We had to switch out both circuits of a 400kV power line after a member of the public reported a 10-square metre section of fleece caught up in the conductors,” said Tony Holmes, overhead line delivery engineer for the north-east. The sheeting had detached itself from a farmer’s field where it had SUPPORT FOR YOUNG been protecting cabbages from PEOPLE frost over the winter. Capping carbon National Grid has “There was an added danger of NATIONAL GRID IS scheme to be fi tted to a donated $750,000 to City workers being electrocuted trying part of a consortium of coal-fi red plant. Year’s ‘Whole School, to secure the remaining sheeting ScottishPower and The 11-month study is Whole Child’ programme if a sudden gust had lifted a Shell selected by the looking at what is involved in which young people

section into the live conductors,” government to participate in the capture of CO2 from work as tutors, mentors added Tony. in a fi nal bid process ScottishPower’s Longannet and role models in for a Carbon Capture power station in Scotland, schools, to improve and Storage (CCS) and its transportation student attendance demonstration project. hundreds of miles along and behaviour. Remember The front-end existing National Grid engineering and design pipelines for storage in the ● Secure sheeting well and contract, awarded in Golden Eye depleted gas POWERING UP WITH monitor its condition March, will enable fi eld, operated by Shell. SOLAR ● Report any incidents engineers from the CCS will be key in National Grid has

immediately – it’s never a consortium to plan what meeting the UK’s CO2 installed the fi rst utility- wasted call if it prevents could be the world’s fi rst emissions reduction target owned solar system an accident commercial scale CCS of 80 per cent by 2050. in Massachusetts with ● Sheeting in contact with more than 4,600 solar power lines will conduct For more information... panels located on the electricity on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) go to roof of its New England www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/ Distribution Centre in uk_supply/energy_mix/ccs/ccs.aspx Whitinsville. The 1MW facility will provide enough electricity to power nearly 200 homes, and prevent the release of around 1.3 million One minute interview pounds (lbs) of carbon Charlie Webber, consents offi cer north-west and Scotland dioxide into the air.

Background: I joined Dream job: International talent scout for National Grid in March Manchester United! HELP FOR 2009, having been a CD in the car: Across the Universe by Justice, HOSPITALS planning manager for the French electronic-house music masters. National Grid will Redrow Homes in Not a lot of people know that… After leaving provide technical Yorkshire. school I lived in a Nepal village for 12 months assistance and up to Current focus: Sellafi eld and Heysham nuclear teaching English very badly. $10 million funding connection projects. Favourite fi lm: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – for the for energy-effi ciency Family matters: I live in Marple, near Ferrari-off-the-cliff scene. initiatives in New York Stockport. I’m married and have two small What would be your fi rst purchase if you won state hospitals. The aim children – a very bossy two-year-old girl and a the National Lottery? It would have to be an is to cut energy costs very chilled three-month-old boy. original stormtrooper outfi t. by 20 per cent.

Gridline 05

J3488Gridlinepg4-7.indd 2 17/09/2010 15:23 Newsline

Still waters run deep The construction of a gas pipeline in East Yorkshire has provided the opportunity to improve a local wildlife pond THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY HAS Environment Agency as a ‘managed commended a National Grid team realignment scheme’ to compensate for building a new gas pipeline from the other habitats lost by fl ooding or the import terminal at Easington to Paull, for construction of sea defences.” its sensitive handling of works in a wildlife A key priority was to maintain conservation area. water levels in a large pond owned by Close to the Above Ground Installation the Environment Agency during the (AGI) at Paull, the new pipeline had to dewatering operations. Water levels were TRANSFORMATION: Nigel pass under an 18-inch pipeline transporting continuously monitored and regular water (left) and Philip with the condensate (a by-product of gas processing) quality testing carried out. improved pond near the Paull to BP’s Saltend chemical works. “On one side of the crossing, we Above Ground Installation “The land has a high water table because encountered brackish (salty) water, which it was once part of the River Humber, and we pumped over the fl ood defence into the so dewatering operations were necessary estuary,” said Philip. “On the other side, before the tunnel-boring machine could the groundwater was fresh, so with the begin excavations,” said Philip Knipe, agreement of the Environment Agency, we National Grid’s project manager. discharged it directly into the pond.” The pro-active approach Environmental impacts were considered Peter Stevenson, a team leader at to protecting the at the outset. “The works border the the Environment Agency said: “The 80-hectare Paull Holme Strays reserve, an pro-active approach to protecting the environment by National intertidal area of salt marsh and mudfl ats environment by National Grid was Grid was highly effective that supports a variety of waders and highly effective.” wildfowl,” said Nigel Taylor, lands offi cer “The fresh water reduced the salinity (surveyor) east. of the pond and resulted in a signifi cant “The reserve was created by the improvement in its habitat value.”

06 Gridline

J3488Gridlinepg4-7.indd 3 17/09/2010 11:48 RAINHILL TO FIDDLERS FERRY OVERHEAD LINE REFURBISHMENT Project watch WHEN: July-Sept 2010 WHY: A fi ttings-only refurbishment has been A round-up of recently carried out on the 31 towers that comprise completed, current and this 8km 400kV overhead power line on the outskirts of Liverpool in Merseyside. forthcoming projects around WHAT: The route crosses a mix of agricultural the country land and urban areas. Specifi c measures were taken for one tower on land occupied by a herd of alpacas. Access was arranged through a neighbouring fi eld and bio-security measures EASINGTON TO PAULL GAS (disinfectant washes for vehicles and footwear) PIPELINE PROJECT were enforced to prevent any potential WHEN: Construction: April-July 2010 (for transmission of animal diseases. commissioning late September) A connecting section of 11km overhead line WHY: A new 24km stretch of 48-inch gas between Kirby and Rainhill was completed in pipeline has been constructed from Easington July. Special trackways, which provide extra gas import terminal on the East Yorkshire ground protection, were used to gain access to coast to Paull on the River Humber. four towers on a golf course. WHAT: The new gas pipeline will help to manage the increased volume of gas entering Easington terminal, via the Langeled subsea pipeline from Norway. The pipeline also reinforces the north/south supply of gas from East Yorkshire into Lincolnshire and beyond. WHAT: Trenchless excavation techniques were used to construct the pipeline beneath two major drainage channels near Keyingham and Winestead, as well as 16 roads and numerous ditches.

STOKE BARDOLPH 400KV/132KV SUBSTATION WHEN: March 2011 LITTLEBROOK TO LAKESIDE WHY: National Grid is building a new 400kV TEE UPGRADE SCHEME substation and 132kV substation (jointly with WHEN: March-October 2010 Central Networks) at Stoke Bardolph in the WHY: The overhead power line between East Midlands. The facility will be built on 42 Littlebrook substation and Lakeside Tee is acres of arable land, close to a sewage treatment being refurbished and uprated from 275kV works operated by Severn Trent Water. The to 400kV. The works are part of a major project will provide a new connection to the reinforcement in the Thames Estuary to high-voltage grid and help to maintain the enable connections with new generation security of electricity supplies to Nottingham and from offshore wind farms and the BritNed surrounding areas. Interconnector with the Netherlands. WHAT: National Grid has liaised with the WHAT: After running from Littlebrook Environment Agency on mitigation measures substation under the Thames via a cable to address potential fl ood risk issues from the tunnel, the circuit connects to a new nearby River Trent, as well as soil contamination substation at West Thurrock and on to arising from 100 years of sewage sludge disposal Lakeside, where it will tee into an existing at the site. Extensive landscaping will also be 400kV line to Tilbury substation in the carried out, resulting in new wildlife habitats, east. The Lakeside to Barking route to which will be managed by a local nature reserve. the west will be similarly upgraded by 2014.

Gridline 07

J3488Gridlinepg4-7.indd 4 21/09/2010 13:36 IT’S A FACT National Grid signed more than 22GW of agreements to connect new generation (including renewables) to the transmission system last year

08 Gridline

J3488Gridlinepg8-11.indd 1 17/09/2010 11:54 The future of electricity InFocus

It’s 2020. North Sea reserves are depleted and the UK is dependent on gas imports. Meanwhile, a number of fossil fuel and ageing nuclear power plants have closed, the population has soared to 70 million and climate change targets are starting to bite. As this potential scenario approaches, how is National Grid planning to secure the future of UK energy?

The need To deliver secure supplies of population meanwhile is expected to hit 77 million clean energy at affordable prices, and to meet stringent by 2050, and the number of households will have risen climate change targets, is driving a huge shift towards to 35 million – a 40 per cent increase. a low carbon economy and renewable energy. so can the uK hit the targets by 2050 and still keep “The race for clean energy is about to become one of the lights on? “We think the answer is yes,” said steve. the defining economic trends of the 21st century,” said “But it’s going to be very challenging and will need a steve holliday, national Grid’s chief executive. range of carbon abatement measures, as well as a sense A third of the uK’s existing electricity generation of urgency and a joined-up effort that is lacking today. needs replacing over the next 10-15 years. fossil fuel “The energy mix of the future will require a wide power stations are ageing, and with north sea reserves range of solutions rather than a single answer. in decline, additional investment is needed to reduce an diversity in electricity generation is key to security of increasing dependency on unreliable gas imports. supply. And it’s clear we will all have to become a lot The uK also faces an unprecedented challenge of more energy efficient, and the energy we do use will reducing carbon emissions to combat global warming. have to be much less carbon intensive. The eu has set targets for a 20 per cent reduction in “electricity generation accounts for around 32 per greenhouse gas emissions and to source 20 per cent of cent of greenhouse gas emissions, but any road map for total energy from renewables by 2020. the future must consider how heat (41 per cent) and The climate change Act commits Britain to one transport (25 per cent) can contribute.” (see page 11.) of the most ambitious short-term targets of any national Grid forecasts that average household country – a 34 per cent cut in emissions by 2020 and demand must also reduce by an estimated 15 per cent an 80 per cent reduction by 2050. by 2030 and 25 per cent by 2050 to hit targets.

Gridline 09

J3488Gridlinepg8-11.indd 2 17/09/2010 11:54 InFocus The future of electricity

VISION: National Grid’s CEO Steve Holliday believes that energy challenges can be overcome BUILD: 40km of new cable tunnels will meet increased electricity demand in London Energy effi ciency is one of the most “The smart grid will also help to cost-effective ways of delivering carbon ensure the system can effi ciently handle reductions, as well as energy security. the advent of electric vehicles, which in Infrastructure But National Grid’s CEO believes turn can store power and even return it that a decade of central policy to the network when required.” OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, implementation may be required to Regulatory and market reform is National Grid has invested a total of incentivise and empower people to a crucial area. “The incentives for £14 billion in the UK gas and electricity use less energy. More energy-effi cient low carbon investment need to be transmission infrastructure and this will appliances, new building regulations transparent so that potential investors increase to £22 billion over the next fi ve years. and standards will play a part. are given the clarity and certainty to By 2020, electricity transmission fl ows Many new generation sources will invest,” added Steve. from Scotland to England are expected be built in remote locations (ie wind Another potential constraint is the to increase signifi cantly as a result of offshore) and an investment of £4.7 planning system. “We will be building new wind farms coming on stream, billion in the grid is needed in the run-up more infrastructure than ever before requiring investment in the network to to 2020, according to the Electricity and will need to put a lot of effort into handle the fl ows. Networks Strategy Group (ENSG). ensuring we communicate and engage Upgrading will include new circuits, as “The good news is that it’s a great effectively with communities,” he said. well as HVDC subsea links to reinforce the opportunity to replace assets with more Steve Holliday believes engineering north-south connections between Scotland energy-effi cient systems and equipment needs more recognition to bring about and England. so that the grid can handle the needs of the infl ux of new talent that is required The introduction of a smart grid will future customers,” said Steve. to implement the green agenda. enable the connection of distributed Another opportunity is the smart A study, commissioned by National generation facilities to the system and grid. An intelligent electricity Grid in 2009, found negative attitudes allow demand management to handle the transmission and distribution network, towards engineering are widespread. intermittency of wind. it uses two-way communications, The company has launched a range of New gas pipelines are planned to advanced sensors and embedded new programmes to encourage more reinforce the network between Preston and intelligence to help manage and reduce youngsters to become engineers over the Manchester, Humberside and East Anglia, customers’ energy use. next 20 years. and South Wales and Bacton in Norfolk. “It will facilitate the connection of So how optimistic is National Grid’s distributed generation facilities such as chief executive about the future? micro-combined heat and power (CHP) “There are challenges but we also live plants and wind turbines to the system in very exciting times in which there are £22 billion and allow demand management to tremendous opportunities. There is a investment by National Grid in the handle intermittent sources of supply revolution happening and National Grid next fi ve years such as wind power,” explained Steve. is at the heart of it,” concluded Steve.

For more information... see ‘The Future of Energy’ at www.nationalgrid.com/corporate/About+US/futureofenergy/

10 Gridline

J3488Gridlinepg8-11.indd 3 21/09/2010 12:02 GREEN: National Grid is test driving two EFFICIENT: A one degree Celsius reduction SOLAR: 20,000 sq ft of solar panels at Mitsubishi zero emission full-electric cars can cut home bills by 10 per cent annually National Grid’s New England corporate office Transport Heat Electricity

some 80 per CenT of uK homes reduCInG CarBon emIssIons are heated with gas from the grid – the same in power generation is also part of the homes where many people will live in 2050. solution for transport and the heat sectors. Green electricity may help to provide Carbon Capture and storage (CCs) base-load heat through an increased use of enables coal, which is plentiful, to be part

heat pumps. But the demand for heat rises of the low carbon mix by capturing Co2 hugely in the winter months and it won’t from fossil fuel power stations and storing 70%the contribution of road travel to be economic to build electricity generation it in such a way that is does not enter the transport emissions capacity that runs for just a few months to atmosphere. CCs networks in humberside meet these spikes in demand. “It won’t just be natural fossil fuel gas that Three-quarTers of TransporT we rely on, but also renewable biogas from emissions in the uK are from road travel. waste, fed directly into homes and industry The adoption of petrol hybrid cars will result by existing infrastructure,” said steve. 78 million in engine-efficiency increases of 24-40 per The drive to reduce landfill presents an tonnes of carbon dioxide that cent, while plug-in hybrids or full-electric opportunity to produce more clean energy could be cut by two CCS hubs cars could see a 70 per cent efficiency gain. from waste. analysis by national Grid Car manufacturers are responding to the suggests that if all domestic and urban green challenge and putting hybrid, electric waste (municipal/commercial) is directed at and scotland could prevent 78 million and fuel-efficient engines on the market. producing biogas, it could produce enough tonnes of carbon dioxide rising into the

In the short term, reductions in Co2 gas to heat around 50 per cent of homes. atmosphere every year. will be limited by the carbon intensity of at present, gas and coal each provide existing sources of electricity generation. around 40 per cent of generating capacity. “It’s important we prepare for, and begin to In the short term, over the next 10-15 years, deploy, electric vehicles today so that we will an increased use of wind (up to 33GW by see mass market penetration as the power 2020) and nuclear power will be necessary source becomes greener, most likely in the to hit targets, while other new technologies 2020s,” said steve. are developed, including CCs, wave and new battery technologies also have the tidal power. subsequently, wind may become potential to play a crucial role in electricity too expensive relative to other technologies. management by providing a flexible source 50%of British homes could be heated In terms of the electricity generation of electricity storage. Compressed natural gas by gas produced by domestic and output mix (actual contribution to total or bio-diesel for larger fleet vehicles will also urban waste energy required), CCs will rise to around 35 have an impact on targets. per cent by 2050 and nuclear to 42 per cent.

Gridline 11

J3488Gridlinepg8-11.indd 4 17/09/2010 11:55 SafetyFocus Overhead linesmen High achievers Working more than 100ft above the ground is all in a day’s work for National Grid linesmen – for whom safety is a way of life

Many of national Grid’s 7,000km of high-voltage transmission lines were installed more than 40 years ago and now require refurbishment. But despite all the technological advances in the industry, maintaining the network is still very much a hands-on job relying on the skills of the dedicated linesmen who scale the towers. the Pentir gang is one of national Grid’s 12 teams of linesmen. although nominally based at Pentir substation in north Wales, they can be working anywhere in the country from Cornwall to the border with scotland. “apart from scheduled maintenance, we carry out annual line inspections, and turn out to get the lights back on when faults develop or if there is damage from high winds, ice or snow,” said Mike till, the field TEAM LEADER: (above) Mike Till who technician who leads the nine-strong team. heads up the Pentir gang; (left) the this July saw the gang working on a insulators are removed 14-week refurbishment of the drakelow the project is a joint operation by to Bustleholme 400kV overhead power national Grid and the Electricity alliance line in the Midlands. – with national Grid linesmen changing permanently attached to the tower as a fall- insulators and fittings on the 26 tension prevention measure, and wear full Personal towers, and those from the alliance doing Protection Equipment (PPE) – hard hats, the same on the 74 suspension towers. safety glasses, steel-capped boots, gloves access to the insulators is via a and all-weather clothing. platform, which is raised into position by When working on the tower, tools are a six-tonne capstan winch mounted on a also tethered to guard against the danger Mercedes Benz Unimog all-terrain vehicle. of items being dropped from height. to the side of the tower, another winch little more than 20 years ago, there were and straining rope keep the platform away no platforms, winches, PPE or harnesses, from the structure as it is raised. and linesmen scaled the towers wearing the linesmen wear harnesses that are boiler suits, donkey jackets and wellies.

12 Gridline

J3488Gridlinepg12-13.indd 1 17/09/2010 15:24 WORK IN PROGRESS: A head for heights and muscular strength – particularly in the upper body – are essential for a linesman

Will Jones

“I used to be in the Army and there’s a similar camaraderie and shared humour in a linesmen’s gang. Everybody looks out for one another. The worst aspect for me, after 33 years in the job, is the colder winter months. We used to be particularly busy from March to October but now it’s all year round.”

“Equipment was hauled up by three or out with cones, while all work above has four men using ropes, and if a heavier item to stop whenever anybody enters the inner Damon Stewart was required 100ft up, you had to reverse “drop zone” below. a vehicle 100ft,” said Mike. “The modern Apprentice linesmen undergo three years “Before joining stationary winches have much less impact of instruction at the Company’s National National Grid, on a grantor’s land.” Training Centre in Eakring, followed by I worked for Back in the 1950s, a fatalistic approach further on-the-job learning. a company to safety was deemed part and parcel of “Besides having a head for heights, you maintaining mobile doing a dangerous job. Risk taking was need be an outdoors kind of person and a phone masts and so the norm and only extreme hazards were good team player,” said Mike. “Linesmen this was a natural managed. Falling from height wasn’t need to be physically fit – particularly in progression to considered extreme nor was injury from the upper body – and the guys work hard something bigger and better. The any falling objects. at keeping themselves in shape.” challenge of keeping the nation’s Today, every aspect of the work is That’s one of the few things that hasn’t lights on is an important job – it governed by safety considerations. For changed in a job transformed by technical affects everybody in the country.” example, full PPE must be worn in an innovations and the adoption of safer outer work zone around the tower marked working practices and processes.

Gridline 13

J3488Gridlinepg12-13.indd 2 17/09/2010 15:25 Environment: National Grid’s environmental education centres

ECO-CREDENTIALS: (left) John Rhymer in front of an environmentally friendly dome house, developed by Jay Emery in the grounds; (above) a teddy bears’ picnic with children from a local primary school If you go down to the woods today… At National Grid’s Bishops Wood Centre in Worcestershire, children are encouraged to take a lifelong interest in the natural world

A GROUP Of fIVE-yEAR-Olds fROM food – through the eyes of the teddy bears, st Ambrose’s Roman Catholic school is in a very hands-on way during role play, The centres in numbers enjoying a teddy bears’ picnic at Bishops experiential and sensory activities,” he said. Wood Centre, near stourport. “They learn how they can make informed But this is no day off from education, said choices about reducing their own impact John Rhymer, head of the centre and also on the natural world. Back at school, they sustainability advisor for Worcestershire look at how they can make a difference in 70,000 Children’s services. the home by turning off lights to save energy, people who have benefited “The children are exploring the needs of and looking after plants and wildlife.” from education and community living things – such as shelter, water, air and Bishops Wood is part of a network of six programmes environmental education centres established some 25 years ago by National Grid, on land next to substations, and operating in partnership with local authorities and £1.5 million environmental charities. the value of activity generated by “The main focus is on outdoor learning, the centres offering imaginative activities to support the UK National Curriculum,” said Jonathan Richardson, National Grid’s social and community programmes advisor. £500,000 “The centres also help us to meet our the value of volunteering at all commitment to operate as a socially and the sites environmentally responsible business by

14 Gridline

J3488Gridlinepg14-15.indd 1 17/09/2010 12:11 National Grid’s centres

Penwortham Environment Education Centre, Lancashire Operated by: Wildlife Trust for West Lancashire Size: 24 acres Bishops Wood Centre, Worcestershire Operated by: Worcestershire County Council Children’s Services Size: 70 acres Iver Environment Centre, Buckinghamshire Operated by: Groundwork Thames Valley Size: 2 acres West Boldon Environmental Education Centre, Tyneside Operated by: Groundwork South Tyneside Size: 29 acres Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Leeds Operated by: BCTV Size: 6 acres Canterbury Environmental Education Centre, Kent Operated by: Kent County Council Size: 29 acres.

them they can achieve things and it can transform their lives.” The Centre has hosted forest schools for WOOD FOR THE TREES: Pupils from St Ambrose’s Roman Catholic School explore eight years, and trained leaders since 2008. their surroundings There are now more than 300 forest school sites and 400 trained leaders in the county. mitigating the impact of substations on to screen its presence,” said John. “In fact, Forest schools help young people to develop rural environments.” much of the surrounding land has since been independence and confidence through Bishops Wood, run in partnership with ploughed up or turned into a golf course.” exploring and experiencing the natural world. Worcestershire County Council’s Children Around 340 educational visits from local An important aspect is to support the Services, is the largest of the centres, with 70 schools are hosted a year for learning linked learning that the children are interested in acres of mixed woodland and meadow areas. to the National Curriculum on sustainability, – for example, designing the layout of their Its eco-building was opened by naturalist bio-diversity and the natural world. woodland campsite. David Bellamy in 1994 with part-funding The centre also runs courses for teachers There are exciting benefits in terms of the from National Grid, the council and the local and environmental professionals. It has a children’s empathy, social communication, Training and Enterprise Council. school grounds advisory service and hosts independence, self-esteem and confidence in The building has a turf roof, sewage water forest schools – as well as greenwood craft the classroom. is recycled through a reed bed and only wood courses for 14-16-year-olds. “Forest schools very much connect with managed from sustainable resources was “These children often get into trouble the other things we do here,” said John. used in the construction. at school because they’re not auditory or “There’s a lot of evidence to suggest that Visitors often ask why a substation was visual learners – they learn by doing things,” first-hand experience in the natural world is allowed in such a beautiful location. “The said John. “Here they can work towards a an essential first step in encouraging people truth is we’re only here because in the 1960s qualification by, for example, making a chair to become engaged in sustainability and National Grid built their facility in this wood from a greenwood such as hazel. It shows other issues.”

Gridline 15

J3488Gridlinepg14-15.indd 2 17/09/2010 12:12 GrantorProfile English Wines Group SparkliNG future for English wine

English Wines Group, a National Grid grantor, is among a number of producers putting the fizz into English wine

A heAdy concoction of of English Wines Group since 2001, after working climate change, maturing know- in a senior marketing position with brewery how about viticulture and healthy giants Heineken. demand is driving the growing “The real breakthrough for English wine began popularity of English wine. about 10 years ago when there was a move from Parts of south-east England, planting grapes that would simply crop well to such as Kent, share the same serious varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay topography and chalky soil as the and Pinot Meunier, which people would actually Champagne area of France and are want to drink,” he said. only about a degree cooler. “There’s also been a lot of media coverage Global warming means that the because English wine has such a strong story to envelope of land where grapes can tell – including climate change, beating the French be grown successfully is moving at their own game, and the fact that there’s now about 270km northwards for every an appetite for locally produced food and drink in degree change in temperature. this country.” Already, French investors are There are now 381 vineyards in England and reportedly buying land in south- Wales with a total of 1,230 hectares under vine as east England in readiness for when well as 100 wineries of various sizes. CHEERS: Frazer it will be too warm to produce Champagne in After two poor years, the warm wet summer (above) says Northern France. and sunny September of 2009 resulted in a good English sparkling Chapel Down, Nyetimber, Ridgeview, Balfour wine crop in England and boosted production to wine has a great and Camel Valley are among the brands that have 3.2 million bottles. But to put that in perspective, story to tell won international gold medals for their fruit- it’s still only a fraction of the annual UK driven, aromatic and refreshing wines. consumption of 1.7 billion bottles. English Wines Group in Kent, which makes “It’s not possible to make a good wine unless the Chapel Down brand, is one of the country’s you have good fruit to start with,” explained largest producers, and is consistently placed, Frazer. “Location is all important – you’re year after year, in blind tastings against the best looking for south-facing warmer areas of the in the world. south-east such as the High Weald, the North At its 25-acre vineyard in Tenterden, planted in Downs, the western edge of the South Downs and the late 1970s, there is a winery, walking trails, a parts of the Hampshire Basin.” restaurant (run by top chef Richard Phillips) and For farmers in these areas with the right soil a retail outlet – attracting 50,000 visitors a year. conditions (see panel right), vineyards are a high- The Group grows about 30 per cent of its own value use of land, with the potential to generate grapes and buys the remaining 70 per cent from £800-£1500 a tonne, compared, for example, to 15 independent vineyards in Kent, Essex, Sussex £120 a tonne for wheat. and the Hampshire border. But the old joke that the way to make a small Frazer Thompson has been managing director fortune is to start with a large fortune and buy an

16 Gridline

J3488Gridlinepg16-18.indd 1 17/09/2010 15:26 What makes a good English vineyard? Southerly aspect

Slope of between five and 35 degrees

Well-protected site

Low frost exposure in the growing season

At least 20cm depth of soil

pH value of between five and eight.

Gridline 17

J3488Gridlinepg16-18.indd 2 17/09/2010 12:25 “It’s not possible to make a good Lines and vines National Grid recently needed wine unless you have good fruit access to the two towers on the Kits Coty vineyard for essential tower to start with” repainting work. “The aim is to always progress works HEARD IT ON THE English vineyard, still has more than a grain of sensitively when there are high-value GRAPEVINE: (above truth in it. crops in the vicinity of an overhead left) harvesting in “If you plant a vineyard it will take two or three power line,” said lands officer progress; (centre) Kits years before you can get a grape from it; once you south-east Paul Sage. Coty vineyard and its pick those grapes it will take perhaps another one towers; (above right) to three years before you are able to sell a bottle, “Fortunately in this case, access to Paul Sage – perhaps even longer for some sparkling wines,” the towers was straightforward and agreed Frazer. we carried out the work at a time of “All the while, you’re maintaining the vineyard, year when the vines were still in a bringing the crop in, making the wine, bottling it, dormant state so there was little or labelling it and corking it. So it’s a long, time- no disruption.” consuming process that requires deep pockets.” Purchases by visitors to Tenterden contribute only eight per cent of Chapel Down sales, but the ripple effect is far larger as people come away production process is faster. having enjoyed the visit and then recommend the Looking to the future, Frazer has high hopes brand to their friends and family. for a 120-acre plot of land purchased two years Endorsements by top chefs such as Gordon ago at Kits Coty on the North Downs – which Ramsay and Gary Rhodes have a similar includes two towers on the Cobham to Kemsley effect. As grapes arrive, the juice from the first 400kV overhead power line. press at the Tenterden winery goes on to make “It’s the best Champagne soil we’ve seen,” reserve wines that are typically supplied to top said Frazer. “We’ve poured money into it for restaurants and hotels for sale at a premium price. two years, and it will produce its first small but About 60 per cent of the Group’s sales come productive crop in October.” from supermarket chains such as Marks & The grapes brought in this year will be reaching Spencer, Waitrose and Morrisons. Supermarkets tirage (second fermentation) around May next are important because they provide the year and the wine will then be 12 months on opportunity for people, who have perhaps read its lees (the sediment of yeast that adds rich about the wine, to sample it at their local store. flavours), ready in time for the 2012 Olympics. Currently about 40 per cent of the Group’s “Just in time to celebrate lots of British medals production is sparkling wine but the proportion is hopefully,” he added. set to rise to 60 per cent by 2015. The margins on For more information about Chapel Down still wine are not as good as sparkling, but there wine, visit www.englishwinesgroup.com or is a quicker return on an investment because the telephone 01580 763033.

18 Gridline

J3488Gridlinepg16-18.indd 3 17/09/2010 12:27 Out&About The latest news from national Grid and its nationwide grantor network

Boost for dry stone wallinG National Grid has donated £300,000 to Flights of a grant scheme for dry stone wall restoration in the 5km route corridor fancy of its Wormington to Yorkshire Grantor andY Sapperton gas pipeline hopson has had a lifelong fascination with in the Cotswolds Area fancy pigeons and shows them at events of Outstanding throughout the country. Natural Beauty. he can have as many as 200 pigeons in his lofts near Barnsley at the height of the breeding season in July. to the rescue “the birds are fed twice a day and their National Grid has diet includes conditioners such as vitamins presented Bay Search and fresh garlic,” said andy, who works as an and Rescue in Cumbria rsPCa dispatcher in rotherham. with a Land Rover he specialises in four breeds – Mookees, Defender. The vehicle horseman Pouters, high Flying tipplers will form part of its rapid and Birmingham rollers (famed for doing response service for fast backwards somersaults in flight). water and quicksand. “the birds are judged against a breed standard for various traits such as size, colour, shape and behaviour,” said andy. the main show season starts ino ctober, as soon as the birds finish moulting, and goes right through to January.

award recognises 30 years of wildlife conservation lands officer triathlon update George Whittingham of Llanbedr Farm in ruthin, Lands officers James north Wales was named the north Wales and overall Dean (left) and Ian winner of the FWaG Cymru – national Grid silver McKenna battled through Lapwing Farm Conservation awards at the royal hot weather conditions Welsh show in July. to complete the London Peter Mitchell, national Grid lands officer south- Triathlon in August. west, who was on the judging panel, said the Both men took less Company was particularly pleased to be linked with than three hours to finish an award scheme that mirrored its own approach to the gruelling 1500m protecting the environment during essential works. swim, 40km cycle ride “three generations of the family have carried out and 10km run. improvements to the farm and environment,” said Peter, Including matched AWARDS: (left, back row) Charles a farmer himself. funding from National Whittingham, attending on behalf of improvements made by the family include 2,000 Grid, the two raised his father, and Peter Mitchell (right, back metres of hedge restored or replanted to improve £1,000 for the Special row), with FWAG Cymru officials and wildlife habitat, as well as the creation of fenced-off Olympics Great Britain other finalists areas to protect woodland and streams. (SOGB) charity.

Gridline 19

J3488Gridlinepg19.indd 2 21/09/2010 12:02 For more information Tel: 01926 656 325 email: [email protected] LastWord www.nationalgrid.co.uk Your chance to enter two great competitions

Win £150 of Photo photographic competition equipment Enter this competition to win a £150 Jessops Congratulations to gift card. electricity and gas Use the gift card in grantor Tony Vowden of full or part payment for Newton Abbott, Devon – goods purchased in more the winner of last issue’s than 200 Jessops stores photo competition on the throughout the UK. theme of ‘wildlife’, Choose from a wide for this beautifully range of items – including captured shot of a digital cameras and Clouded Yellow butterfl y camcorders, digital photo perched on knapweed. frames, camera bags, binoculars… the list goes on. Gift cards can currently only be used in Jessops high street stores or via the Mail Order Sales Department. Win six of the best! To be in with a Enter Gridline’s competition to win a case of chance of winning this Chapel Down sparkling wine camera, simply answer the following question WE’VE TEAMED UP WITH your photo to [email protected]. correctly. English Wines Group to offer Closing date is 10 November 2010. the winner of this issue’s photo Only grantors are eligible to enter. Q BY HOW MUCH IS competition six bottles of Chapel Regrettably prints cannot be returned. THE UK COMMITTED Down Pinot Reserve 2004. TO CUT CARBON Winner of countless awards – TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS EMISSIONS BY 2020? including a Silver Medal at the EXCLUSIVE OFFER International Wine Challenge 2010 Gridline readers can purchase Send you answer and the Decanter World Wine a case of Chapel Down Pinot to Gridline Jessops Awards 2010 – the wine is produced Reserve 2004 at a special price Competition, 23-25 at English Wines Group’s winery in of just £99.00 per case of six Waterloo Place, Warwick Tenterden, Kent. It is open all year bottles, (plus £8.00 delivery), Street, Leamington Spa, round to visitors, and offers a large representing a discount of Warwickshire CV32 5LA. wine and fi ne food store, restaurant, over 25% on the usual retail You must be a grantor to vineyard walks and guided tours. price of £149.94. Delivery can enter. Closing date is The theme for this issue’s photo be arranged by calling 01580 10 November 2010. competition is ‘planes, trains and 763033 or email to sales@ automobiles’. Just send in your englishwinesgroup.com and selected photo for a chance to win quoting ‘Gridline’. Offer ends this great prize. 10 November 2010. Send your photo to Gridline Photo Please visit www. Competition, 23-25 Waterloo Place, englishwinesgroup.com for more Warwick Street, Leamington Spa, information on the wines. Warwickshire CV32 5LA, or email

20 Gridline

J3488Gridlinepg20.indd 1 17/09/2010 15:30