During the construction phase and the first 20 years of operation, Sizewell C will contribute annual donations of £1.5 million to EaST, which will decrease to £750,000 annually thereafter, potentially leading to over £100 million invested in nature over the next century.

East Suffolk Trust (EaST) is a newly established charity focused on enhancing biodiversity and restoring landscapes in East Suffolk, backed by a commitment of at least £78 million from the Sizewell C nuclear power project over the next 70 years.

Sizewell C, a 3.2GW nuclear power facility currently under construction on the Suffolk coast, is the primary funder of EaST, which will distribute these funds to local organizations through a dedicated grant scheme.

EaST is in the process of recruiting a Chief Executive Officer and aims to begin issuing its first grants by spring 2026, with further details to be provided on its upcoming website.

Julia Pyke, joint managing director of Sizewell C, has emphasized the charity's goal of leaving a positive environmental legacy despite the construction's impacts on local ecosystems, marking it as an unprecedented initiative in the UK.

Local officials, including Cllr Tom Daly, have stressed the importance of balancing energy production with environmental conservation, encouraging community involvement in the grant application process.

The charity will be governed by a board of independent trustees and will also seek additional funding from local businesses and organizations to further support biodiversity initiatives.

The establishment of EaST is seen as a pioneering initiative that could serve as a model for how major infrastructure projects can positively contribute to local nature recovery efforts in the UK.

However, concerns have been raised by Jenny Kirtley from Together Against Sizewell C regarding the potential irreversible environmental damage, particularly the loss of ancient trees and specific habitats.

Ben McFarland from Suffolk Wildlife Trust expressed optimism that the charity could help mitigate environmental damage caused by the power plant, despite initial objections regarding its location.

Clare Matterson CBE, a trustee and Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society, highlighted the urgent need to reverse the decline in local wildlife and restore nature in the region.

Philip Faircloth-Mutton from Suffolk County Council noted that the grant program will empower local efforts to conserve and enhance Suffolk's natural landscapes amidst ongoing climate change challenges.