All of our news for the summer of 2023
Welcome! It's been a busy and exciting time for cbec UK and we'd like to share some of our most recent news.
Project work update
There has been plenty of fieldwork happening for our very busy team so far this year, working on sites across the UK, Ireland, Iceland and Norway. The photo shows Megan Annetts and Emily Diwell of our Southern-based team out on site for a topographic survey at Oxborough Hall on the River Gadder, using our in-house Trimble R12i RTK equipment.
Cockshut Stream
The Cockshut Stream Restoration Project is well underway with the construction phase in progress. The stream is a tributary of the River Ouse, North Yorkshire and is set to be realigned, with the surrounding area to become wetland which will provide a haven for wildlife. Our designs for the project can be seen here below, with an artistic impression we produced above.
For more information please click here:
Glenshero, Upper Spey
The Upper Spey has become an important habitat for Altantic Salmon to spawn after work was carried out to create sheltered zones by placing large wood into the river. With our designs the Spey Catchment Initiative carried out the work and significant fish numbers have been noted already. To find out more please watch this inspirational video below:
Upper Spey River Restoration Project
Thanks to the Spey Catchment Initiative for above image.
Affinity Water Framework
cbec along with our Framework Partner Salix RW have been working with Affinity Water to progress the development of further chalk stream restoration works on the River Beane at Woodhall Estate. The project, being called Phase 3 to reflect the sequencing of prior works, is an ambitious project which looks to remeander the Beane back into the middle of the valley to reconnect the river with the floodplain. Whilst improving the sinuosity of the channel, the remeandering will aim to recreate natural chalk stream features and improve interactions with groundwater flows, improving flow continuity through dryer periods, and making it more resilient to impacts of climate change.
The above image is an artistic impression of the site done by our in house digital artist, Clare.
Anglian Water Framework
cbec has been working with our Framework Partners Salix RW and Binnies Solutions By Nature to design and deliver chalk stream restoration works on five rivers in Norfolk and Suffolk for Anglian Water Services. The primary aim of this work is to help improve resilience to low flows while also improving the overall health of the channel and surrounding ecosystems. Along the River Gadder at Oxburgh Hall we are implementing in-channel works that will help to kick start natural processes, improving connectivity by removing barriers and re-wiggling the channel to help improve flow diversity. Along sections of the Stringside Stream, Stoke Ferry, and the Stowlangtoft Stream, Bury St Edmunds, we are ‘resetting’ the river by implementing stage-0 restoration. This form of restoration involves allowing the river to develop its own course, creating the conditions for a landscape that is better for flora and fauna, with the slower water flow making flooding less likely and the river more resilient to during drier periods.
The above image is also an artistic impression of the site done by our in house digital artist, Clare.
Digital Illustrative Service
Did you know that we offer a digital illustrative service to help client visualise potential projects? These are recent images produced for clients of potential project results. For more info please go to cbec digital design or email info@cbecoeng.co.uk
News
RRC Conference 2023
Another great year at the annual River Restoration Conference. Our very own Sam McArthur presented 'The challenges of urban chalk stream restoration design and implementation in highly constrained locations' and Dr. Hamish Moir presented 'Nature-based solutions to sediment management issues at an Icelandic hydropower plant' . Well done to all involved!
Also, a big congratulations to South Cumbria Rivers Trust and project partners for the Bowston Weir Removal being a nominated finalist for the UK River Prize for 2023. We’re incredibly proud to have been part of such a fantastic project!
Working with Rivers Placement Scheme
We are taking part in NatureScot's river graduate's placement scheme and Nour-Yassine Marcolan has recently stared a placement with us. Nour joins us as a Junior Field Technician, he will support cbec’s field teams, gaining experience in topographic and fluvial audit surveys, data processing, data analysis and reporting. Through the placement, Nour will gain valuable on-the-job experience in a nature-based career and we’re really happy to be able to welcome him to our team and support him on his journey!
For more information on the scheme please go here:
NatureScot's River Graduate Scheme
And for more information about Nour please go here
Dam Removal Europe Nomination
cbec is proud to have led the design of this amazing project with support from a number of stakeholders. The scheme has gained European accreditation and you can watch Jeremy Wade from River Monsters highlight it here:
You can also see the case study for the Bronie Burn weir removal here!
Thank you to The South Cumbria Rivers Trust.
Threave 'Walk on the Wildside' Event
Our very own Kate Comins ran the 'Wetlands Workshop' at this lovely outdoor event at Dumfries and Galloway hosted by The National Trust for Scotland and The Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership. Great turn out with much information communicated about the Threave Landscape Restoration Project.
London Freshwater Group Conference & 50th Birthday Bash
The London Freshwater Group held their 50th Birthday Bash on the 5th of April at the Flett Lecture Theatre at the Natural History Museum. cbec sponsored the event, ensuring all the delegates and attendees could celebrate the occasion in style. A range of talks were given, including one from cbec’s Prinicpal Geomorphologist Sam McArthur who spoke about our recent chalk restoration projects within the Thames River Basin’
Dam and Weir Removal Conference
In May, cbec was a sponsor and attendee of The Dam and Weir Removal Conference, held in Manchester. We have been involved in many dam removal projects, The Bowston Weir, Bronie Burn and Andakilsa to name but a few. Click the links for more info. Here is cbec's Dr. Hamish Moir meeting Jeremy Wade from the tv programme 'River Monsters' who was a key note speaker at the event.
New Office Premises
Our London office has moved to accommodate our growing southern team! We have moved to: cbec eco-engineering UK Ltd, Octagon Point, 5 Cheapside, London, EC2V 6AA - have a look here
Events
Bioblitz Waterford Marshes Event
Bioblitz Waterford Marshes Event takes place on Saturday 8th July 2023. This project is downstream of a restoration site on the River Beane which we are involved with progressing. Experts arrive at Waterford Village Hall and to set off to survey the marsh with tea afterwards and a chance to ask them about what was found. Tickets can be found here and they're free:
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