We are back from the River Restoration Conference at Nottingham University. Very good conference, met some interesting people and saw some very interesting presentations.
]]>Over the last 20 years we have developed expertise in waterside construction techniques this combined with specialist knowledge of the use of natural materials in conjunction with harder engineering allows WBS to offer the client innovative cost effective installation methods in the application to waterside construction and environmental enhancement. We are experienced in working intertidal zones where access can be difficult such as silty or marsh regions
Sub Contracting
Assistance with Early Contractor Involvement
Experienced working on Environment Agency Projects
Detailed method and risk assessments for safe waterside working
Experienced and qualified site management
Experienced waterside machine operators
Experienced waterside installation teams
Environmental Enhancement
WBS has extensive experience of natural engineering techniques, (using natural materials and plants in construction). We are well versed in providing solutions in conjunction with Natural England in Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA) and even Ramsar Sites
Planting Advice
Habitat Enhancement
Biodiversity
Local Habitat Requirements
Use of Natural Materials in Construction
Ecological Surveys
Mitigation
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We are back from the River Restoration Conference at Nottingham University. Very good conference, met some interesting people and saw some very interesting presentations.
]]>Assistance and Advice at Every Stage on Projects of Any Scale
As one of the UK's foremost providers of natural engineering solutions Willowbank have our own well proven way of working, whatever you want us to do, our involvement will invariably follow a well practised, well-proven course. We’ll start with an initial discussion, outlining your options and offering expert help and advice.
Feasibility
We’ll assess the precise nature of the problem and quantify the work that needs to be done via a combination of the following:
Site appraisals
Site surveys
Investigations
Feasibility studies
Water quality survey
Ecological surveys
Protected species surveys
Design
We have a comprehensive range of specialist skills and services; in-depth expertise on the optimum management of rivers and lakes; the ideal blend of traditional materials and methods with the latest engineering techniques and technologies. We consider a number of factors when designing solutions, including:
Local habitat requirements
Geomorphology
Hydraulic modelling
Land drainage and flood risk
Land Usage and Access
Protected Species
Implementation
We have the experience to move your project from planning and design to on the ground implementation. We can assist with or undertake all necessary negotiations and submissions required to allow your project to proceed such as Environment Agency flood defence consent and planning permission where required. Willowbank has extensive experience in providing solutions with Natural England in Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA) and even Ramsar Sites.
Installation Training/Demonstration
On site assistance
Project Management/Coordination
Health and safety Planning
Flood Defence Consent
Planning Permission
Method Statement
Link to The Crown Estate Website
The funding of the project is the result of detailed discussions over the last two years between The Crown Estate and the Harbour Commissioners, and will restore the level of intertidal saltmarsh habitat behind Lymington Harbour's newly constructed breakwaters, using fresh sediment from dredging. It is designed to test a possible means of habitat replenishment which, if successful, will provide valuable insights into the potential for similar projects elsewhere. If successful the project would also increase the level of certainty that rock breakwaters being constructed near the river entrance would result in an increase in the persistence of intertidal mud and saltmarsh habitat.
The project is part of a wider strategy to safeguard the harbour through the construction of rock breakwaters, designed to ensure that the harbour continues to benefit the local economy over the long term.
Construction of two breakwaters will be located either side of the main navigation channel and will be built over six phases as the saltmarsh recedes. The first phase of the west breakwater is already in place with work on the eastern breakwater due to start in 2017. Without the breakwaters the Harbour Commissioners have concluded that "much of the harbour will become untenable for moorings and recreational use as it is enjoyed today. Many local businesses and tourism that depend on the harbour will also suffer. A study on behalf of the Lymington Chamber of Commerce in 2006 estimated that the harbour contributes £93 million per annum to the local economy and supports nearly 1,000 local jobs."
Following the MMO's decision to give the project the go ahead, Professor Mike Cowling, Chief Scientist said: "We were very keen to support this project, which if successful could have major implications not just for the Lymington River, where the loss of saltmarsh has been particularly dramatic, but also for other areas around the UK that are suffering similar issues. We are also very pleased to have been able to partner with the Lymington Harbour Commissioners who have worked extremely hard to ensure the long-term future of the harbour, and we are delighted that the MMO have given the project the go ahead."
The Lymington Harbour Commissioners are constructing the breakwater in a phased approach over the next 30 years depending on the rate at which the saltmarsh recedes, with the first phase completed last year.
The natural saltmarshes alongside the river channel, which have historically provided protection to shelter the harbour, have been receding for some time. This phenomenon has been occurring along much of the North Solent coastline since the 1920s and has been identified by Natural England as being predominantly caused by the effects of sea level rise and natural wave action.
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Brushwood and rock rolls were installed on the banks of the river Usk (Afon Wysg).
]]>Please contact us if you require any on site training
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