Author: ASEA Team

Categories
Innovation

Walking at the Northwick Warth waterbird refuge

Waling in Northick Warth

ASEA Team

We’re welcoming walkers and birdwatchers back to Northwick Warth between Cake Pill and New Passage over the winter whilst works in the area are reduced.

The waterbird refuge at this location provides a haven for a range of species of ducks, geese, swans, and wading birds such as dunlin and curlew. The Severn Estuary is particularly valuable because it attracts many wintering and passage water birds thanks to a large amount of easily available food, like worms and molluscs. These visiting birds also come here because they need regular access to a network of secure and undisturbed roosts and feeding places. 

That’s why we’re asking walkers at Northwick Warth to do their bit to minimise disturbance to birds when they visit, by only using our specially designed mid-level path along the King Charles III England Coast Path. The public are not permitted to use the higher-level maintenance track on the crest of the bank. 

Natural England has recently installed signs along this area of the ASEA project to remind walkers to use the mid-level path, which has been designed to give them views of the estuary and help hide them from birds which make the salt marsh their home. 

Walkers who use the maintenance path along the top of the route will cause more disturbance to these important bird species which are critical to supporting the continued biodiversity of the estuary. 

We hope that all visitors enjoy the fantastic array of wildlife in the area over the coming months. 

Please be aware that the path may be closed again this year to allow the construction of a v-ditch along the route when weather conditions allow it, and the section near Pilning Wetlands may also have to be closed when we complete works in this area.

Waling in Northick Warth
Map showing location of the Northwick Warth waterbird refuge
Map showing location of the Northwick Warth waterbird refuge
Signage for users of the path at the Northwick Warth waterbird refuge
Signage for users of the path at the Northwick Warth waterbird refuge
Birdwatchers using the specially designed mid-level path at Pilning
Birdwatchers using the specially designed mid-level path at Pilning
Categories
News

Council Cabinet Members Visit ASEA Flood Defence Project

ASEA Team

Members of South Gloucestershire Council’s new cabinet visited the ASEA Ecology Mitigation and Flood Defence Project in September to learn about the project and see its significant progress for themselves. Once complete, the project will deliver 17km of flood defences from Aust in South Gloucestershire to Shirehampton in Bristol.

The five councillors from the new Liberal Democrat-Labour coalition enjoyed a minibus tour of key project sites in South Gloucestershire between Severn Beach and Aust.

Council Leader Cllr Claire Young, Co-Leader Cllr Ian Boulton, Co-Members for Climate and Nature Emergency, Cllr Louise Harris and Cllr Alex Doyle, and Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration, and Infrastructure, Cllr Chris Willmore were led on the tour by Tony Bajjada from BMMJV, the joint venture between engineering contractors BAM Nuttall and Mott Macdonald, and the project’s client representative, Ursula Stevenson.

Councillors looking at the new hybrid glass flood defence panel at New Passage
The councillors at the start of their tour at Severn Beach

The councillors started their tour at the precast flood defence wall at Severn Beach. They then saw the new hybrid glass flood defence panel at New Passage, outfall structures at Cake Pill Outfall, raised embankments at Passage Road, and new wetlands created at Northwick. 

With an opportunity to ask questions about all aspects of the scheme, the councillors learned more about this key infrastructure project and its benefits for the West of England economy.

Council Leader, Cllr Claire Young, said: “This project is vital for protecting our coastal communities and unlocking economic growth for the region. As well as learning how flood risk in South Gloucestershire is being reduced, it was great to see the upgraded walking routes and new wetlands which are being created in the area. We were grateful to get the chance to see the scheme up close and look forward to its completion in the coming years.”

Ursula Stevenson said: “We’ve made great progress on the project in the past few years, so we really valued the chance to show the new South Gloucestershire Council cabinet members our work. The flood defences and ecological mitigations we’re  putting in place will benefit local businesses, residents, and wildlife for years to come, so it’s important that local decision-makers see first-hand what a difference we’re making. The day was a great success, and the project team would like to thank the councillors for joining the tour.”

Councillors viewing the outfall structures at Cake Pill
Categories
News

Endangered eels continue their journey thanks to ASEA project

Glass eels – image courtesy of Environment Agency

Endangered eels continue their journey thanks to ASEA project

Eel migration is going swimmingly in local water outfalls thanks to steps taken by the Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA) Ecology Mitigation and Flood Defence Project team to support them.

Over the past few months, the team has been busy upgrading eel spring retarders at tidal gates at outfalls across the 17km project, including Cake Pill, Chestle Pill and New Pill tidal outfalls in South Gloucestershire. The retarders are a spring or tension device used to hold the tidal gate open and slow the closure of the gate on the incoming tide. This means that eels can pass through more easily over a longer period.

European eels once thrived in the UK, but the population has dropped dramatically since the 1980s, declining by 95 per cent. The species is now classified as critically endangered. One of the reasons for this is that eels’ migratory pathways are frequently blocked. Removing barriers and installing eel spring retarders and eel passes in places where migration has been disrupted helps to conserve this species. It is a legal requirement to maintain eel passes to a functional standard under the Eel Regulations 2009.

Tidal gates are an example of structures that prevent eels from moving into a watercourse. Eel spring retarders solve this problem by holding tidal gates open for longer at the point at which the water level on either side is equalised. Eels can then migrate upstream where the gate would otherwise be closed. Spring retarders are easy to install, require minimal maintenance, and are a low cost, flexible way to improve eel and fish passages at tidal gates.

The refurbished spring retarders are the latest in the project’s work to conserve endangered species. This spring, the project team released water voles onto a new home at one of the project’s new wetlands at Hallen Marsh near Bristol. Water voles are also amongst the most endangered species in the UK. The wetland, at Hallen, is part of over 80 hectares of new wetland habitats created by the project.
Categories
News

ASEA project shortlisted for Ground Engineering Award

ASEA project shortlisted for Ground Engineering Award

We are very excited to be shortlisted for this year’s Ground Engineering Awards in the UK Project with a Geotechnical Value over £3M category.

This category is for a ground engineering scheme with a contract value of over £3M that stands out in terms of its credentials in innovation, sustainability, health and safety and value engineering.

The winners will be announced at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 12 July 2023. Wish us luck!

Categories
News

Water voles settle into new home at one of UK’s newest wildlife wetlands

Water voles settle into new home at one of UK’s newest wildlife wetlands

Water voles are busily burrowing into a new home at one of the UK’s newest wetlands near Bristol after they were released onto the site. With its ditches and vegetation, the wetlands are the perfect habitat for these brown furry mammals which are amongst the most endangered species in the U.K. Watch our video of the water voles arriving at their new home above.

The wetland, at Hallen, is part of over 80 hectares of new wetland habitats created by the Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area Ecology Mitigation and Flood Defence Project (ASEA). 

Nationally, coastal wetland habitat is one of the most valuable natural habitats, but it is under threat from rising sea levels because of climate change. The Severn Estuary is home to internationally important bird species and the new wetland habitat will help all manner of wildlife to thrive. The project is also planting hundreds of native trees to improve the environment for years to come. Water voles are environmental engineers, creating habitat for the burrows, and are a crucial part of ecosystems. 

Before the water voles’ move to their new home, the team checked that the area was free of American mink, (an invasive species) as the water vole population has been severely affected by this species in the U.K. The team also checked the ditches for existing water voles to avoid any competition between the newcomers and resident animals.  Once it was safe to move in, the voles were put in pens with plenty of straw and food so they could get used to their surroundings on the first day. On day two, the team put out a baffle on the front of the pen so the voles could go in and out. 

All the voles have successfully been released. The team is allowing the animals to settle in before carrying out follow-up surveys.

The ASEA project is a partnership between South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol City Council and the Environment Agency.  A joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Mott Macdonald (BMMJV) was appointed to undertake the detailed design and construction of the Avonmouth flood defences and wetland area.

Councillor Kye Dudd, Bristol City Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate, Ecology, Waste and Energy, said: “Over the last 40 years the water vole population has dropped by 90 per cent and they face possible extinction so we are very pleased to be able to provide a new home for these water voles. We’re committed to enhancing our natural environment and providing a huge boost to nature and wildlife projects such as this – working across the organisation as part of our Ecological Emergency Action Plan.”

Councillor Louise Harris, South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate and Nature Emergency, said: “We want to protect and boost nature through our climate and nature emergency work and, as part of this ecology mitigation and flood defence project, we are ensuring that a thriving environment will be established for people and wildlife. We’re optimistic that the water voles will colonise the new wetlands habitat and we’re proud to be helping this endangered species. With a network of ditches on site, the wetlands have real potential to become a stronghold for them.”

Categories
Innovation

ASEA project shortlisted for Local Government Chronicle Award

ASEA project shortlisted for Local Government Chronicle Award

We are very excited to be shortlisted for this year’s Local Government Chronicle Awards in the Climate Response category.

This category is intended to mark excellence in any aspect of a council’s work in addressing the carbon footprint of the council, its services and its broader local area. As a landmark partnership between South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol City Council and the Environment Agency, the project is a strong contender for this category, as it seeks to protect the local communities and wildlife from existing flood risk.

Project Lead South Gloucestershire Council and Bristol City Council, Ursula Stevenson, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for this award, which is a wonderful reminder of the continued efforts of everyone at ASEA who are working to deliver new and improved flood defences. We are looking forward to the ceremony in the summer and wish the best of luck to everyone attending.”

Councillor Nicola Beech, Bristol City Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Strategic Planning, Resilience and Floods, said: “Being shortlisted for this award is a great accolade for Bristol and the hard work of the council and partners. Protecting residents and businesses from flooding, and preserving and enhancing our natural environment, is important as the risk of climate change is increasing. On behalf of the council, I’d like to wish the project team and partners the very best of luck at the award ceremony in June.”

LGC editor Sarah Calkin, said: “The LGC awards seeks to recognise and celebrate the absolute best in local government, and as this year’s shortlist shows there is no shortage of new ideas and fresh thinking across the whole host of council services. A massive congratulations to everyone on the shortlist, making it this far is a huge achievement in itself.”

A full list of the shortlists can be found here. The winners will be announced at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, in London on 8 June 2023.

Categories
News

New tide valves installed at Kings Weston Outfall 

New tide valves installed at Kings Weston Outfall 

We have made improvements to the Kings Weston Outfall in Bristol to stop tidal water entering the local drainage system. The team has replaced old flap valves with new tide valves, with a 100-tonne crane lifting the new valves into position. The work is part of improvements to several outfalls throughout the ASEA project area.

The new tidal flap valves are a combination of stainless steel and high-density polyethylene.

Tide valves ensure water can pass through valves in one direction only. Water flows through a pipe or culvert and pushes the swinging door open. When the water level on the downstream side of the flap valve is higher than in the pipe or culvert, it presses the swinging door shut and prevents the water traveling back through the system.

The existing concrete structure at Kings Weston Outfall was in a poor condition so the design for the new flap valves includes a large spreader plate to transfer load throughout the structure rather than point load the face.

The team has also repaired the existing stonework face to ensure a secure fit and is installing new winch systems that will allow the flap valves to be safely lifted for access for future maintenance and inspection.

As well as this work, it is refurbishing the existing steps down to the spillway and constructing a new concrete access ramp and stairs that will give access to the foreshore for plant to carry out maintenance works and clear silt for the spillway. The new works will be protected by approximately 1800 tonnes of new rock armour that is now in place.

Mitchells Salt, Holes Mouth, Stupp Pill, Cake Pill, Chestle Pill, Cotteralls Pill and New Pill outfall structures are also being improved. The team is raising the height of outfalls there in-line with new flood defences. In many cases, it is also widening the outfalls to support the extra load to support this increased height.

Councillor Nicola Beech, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Strategic Planning, Resilience and Floods, Bristol City Council, said: “I’m incredibly pleased with the progress being made on this ambitious project where we are getting on with making improvements to our flood defences. The new tide valves will help to stop tidal water entering the local drainage system, protecting the local community and wildlife from flooding in the future.

“Flooding represents one of the major threats to the region and as a maritime city, we are particularly at risk from the effects of flood events. As a council, we’re investing over £40 million in our flood defences and our administration has worked with partners across sectors to source investment and undertake the action necessary to protect the city, unlock new opportunities for housebuilding and commercial operations.”

Ursula Stevenson, Client Lead for the project, said: “Outfall improvements are a very important part of the project. Efficient flap valves make a big difference to keeping local drainage systems safe rather than underwhelmed.”

Delivered in a unique partnership between South Gloucestershire and Bristol City Councils with the Environment Agency, the ASEA project is protecting communities and wildlife against anticipated rising sea levels and will unlock economic growth. When complete in 2026, it will provide 17km of flood defences from Aust in South Gloucestershire to Shirehampton in Bristol. These will reduce flood risk to 2,500 homes and businesses and help unlock 1,200 new jobs. The project will also create a minimum of 80ha of new wetlands habitat. 

Categories
Innovation

ASEA project welcomes local planning group for special site visit

ASEA project welcomes local planning group for special site visit

Last month the ASEA project team hosted a site tour for The Avonmouth Planning Group, as part of the team’s ambition to involve the local community. Once complete, the Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area Ecology Mitigation and Flood Defence Project (ASEA) will deliver 17km of flood defences from Aust in South Gloucestershire to Shirehampton in Bristol.

The team took the group on a minibus tour of the site, stopping to see the progress of the work and its benefits in the area.

The tour took visited the Bristol Port, along the River Avon Road, to see the precast flood defence wall and sheet piled flood defence wall, the flood defence at Severn Beach and outfall structure at Cake Pill. More information on the flood defences being constructed can be found here.

Tony Bajjada, ASEA Public Liaison Officer and Stakeholder Manager from contractors BMMJV, said: “Hosting the Avonmouth Planning Group at our site was a fantastic chance to show them how work here has progressed. Our work aims to protect the local community from risk of flooding and we really value actively engaging with local communities to share our work milestones and achievements.”

Christine Chard, Avonmouth Planning Group member, said: “We want to say thank you to everyone involved in our tour of the flood defence work, which was very informative and showed the extent of work both visible and invisible that is involved.”

The day was a great success and the team would like to thank to thank the Avonmouth Planning Group for attending, as well as the Bristol Port for their involvement, cooperation and help in coordinating the visit.

Categories
Innovation News

New flood gates and glass panel defences commissioned at New Passage

Commissioning of flood gates and glass panels at New Passage

We have taken another leap forward this month with the commissioning of the flood gate and glass panel defences at New Passage, South Gloucestershire. This is a vital process towards ensuring that the new defences will help protect communities from the threat of flooding and rising sea levels. 

Weighing over a tonne, the flood gates used on the project are a substantial part of the flood defence network. Unlike those found elsewhere, these gates can be mechanically and manually operated. This makes it much easier to open and close them for Environment Agency staff in a range of circumstances. The flood gate at New Passage is one of several being installed throughout the 17km project area, with others at Lamplighter’s Marsh and in Aust.  

To perform the test, two tonnes of water was pumped behind the gate with site staff observing carefully for any leakages. If any were spotted, the seals on the gate were adjusted and the test resumed. The same process was repeated on a section of the glass panel flood defences at New Passage. You can watch a short video of the test taking place to gain an idea of how the flood gate and glass panels withstand the levels of water that are possible in decades to come. 

Colin Taylor, Senior Flood & Coastal Risk Management Advisor at the Environment Agency, said: “We have installed a flood gate to allow access to the seaward side of the new raised flood defences at New Passage. The testing of the flood defences that have been installed this year is a crucial point for the project. We are now seeing how they stand up to the kind of real-world conditions that may occur if sea levels continue to rise in the decades ahead.” 

Cllr Toby Savage, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Climate Change, said: “Seeing the flood gate and glass panel defences in action is a clear visual reminder of how far the ASEA project is has come. The rigorous testing happening now is incredibly important to give confidence to New Passage residents that the flood defences here will help provide protection from the effects of climate change and rising sea levels.” 

Cllr Nicola Beech, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Strategic Planning, Resilience and Floods, Bristol City Council, said: “I’m incredibly pleased with the progress being made on this ambitious project where we are now getting on with testing the flood defences that have been installed. The glass panel flood defences are one of several innovative solutions that will better protect residents and businesses from flooding in the future. They will also preserve views of the Severn Estuary which provides a home for internationally significant species of bird, such as curlew and shelduck.” 

Categories
News

Birdlife thrives this winter 

Birdlife thrives this winter

We’ve spotted some wonderful birds on the project sites this winter, including Dunlins, Gadwall, Turnstones and Wigeon. We’re counting birds two hours either side of high tide in areas where we are working along the Severn Estuary and River Avon. This lets us know how many birds and what species are present. It also gives us the perfect opportunity to observe which birds are over-wintering with us.  

As well as vital new flood defences, the project is creating a minimum of 80 hectares (the equivalent of 112 football pitches) of new wetland habitat for all manner of wildlife to thrive, while the planting of hundreds of native trees will improve the environment for years to come. 

Last month, ornithologists gathered data on the birds that are visiting areas throughout the Severn Estuary. At New Passage, the survey recorded over 10,000 Dunlins, a small wader bird that winters in estuaries throughout the UK, and which has never been recorded here in such numbers before. At Holes Mouth outfall in Avonmouth, where we constructed the new rock armour flood defence last summer, we spotted 30 Gadwall. This is an unusually high number for this species. 

Cllr Nicola Beech, Bristol City Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Strategic Planning, Resilience & Floods, said: “The species recorded here on the Severn Estuary are a clear reminder of the important work we are doing to preserve and enhance our natural environment. This is incredibly welcome news. We’re very much looking forward to so many of these internationally important species making their homes on our new wetlands in years to come.” 

Above: A Dunlin, 10,000 of which are overwintering at New Passage