All of our news for the spring of 2024
Welcome to cbec UK's spring newsletter.
Project work update
Quharity Burn
We were out on site for an update on the Quharity Burn, Balintore Estate, Angus. This ‘Stage 0’ site (our design) is evolving really nicely in response to winter floods. With the large wood added to the (now reoccupied) historical floodplain driving the development of physical diversity through the site. Trout were observed utilising the new habitat and we are expecting even more biodiversity in the coming months.
River Beane
Affinity Water engaged Salix and cbec to investigate restoration options for sections of the River Beane within the Woodhall Estate, Hertfordshire, as part of the AMP 7 River Restoration Framework. The primary driver for the proposed restoration measures is to mitigate historic issues caused by straightening and dredging of the channel and thus changes to natural flow. Addressing these fundamental issues will contribute to improvement of both ecological and geomorphic value of the watercourse, and ultimately a higher WFD status for the River Beane.
Our artist's impression of the planned work
The proposed reach-scale restoration interventions at Woodhall Estate will dovetail with previous improvement works, upstream of the current restoration site. The interventions (re-meandering of the channel within the floodplain, floodplain habitat improvement, and introduction of large wood) will focus on improving habitat quality ,creating a channel that is geomorphically appropriate (i.e., appropriate channel size), increasing water storage and reducing the conveyance of flood water downstream.
Delivery of the construction works is planned for summer 2024. Updates will be provided in future issues of this newsletter and via our, and our project partners’, social media accounts.
News
New Team Members
Dr Grace Skirrow, PhD
Grace specialises in fluvial geomorphology and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Her PhD research studied the long-term dynamics of a river, once glacially-fed, in Patagonia and evaluated the environmental drivers that forced major changes in the river’s behaviour. Grace joins us as a Senior Consultant in Geomorphology. For more information about Grace please go here
Ryan Adam, MSc
Ryan worked in environmental management for 5 years before gaining his master’s degree which focused on coastal geomorphology and natural hazards and has worked in the consultancy industry since 2021. He joins us as a Senior Project Manager. For more information about Ryan please go here
Good Luck Nour!
A fond farewell to Nour Marcolan. Nour joined us eight months ago on a funded placement through the Working with Rivers Scheme, run by NatureScot, Graduate Career Advantage Scotland and Fisheries Management Scotland. During his time with us, Nour has been a fantastic support to both our field and office-based teams, who have found his enthusiasm for all things conservation-related infectious!
In his own words: “When I applied for the placement with cbec, I said at the interview that I wanted to not only learn new skills in environmental consultancy, but above all I wanted to work and make a real contribution to the environment. And over six months later working with this fantastic company, this is exactly what I have done. Knee-deep in rivers in northern England, engaging with stakeholders in the highlands, training on fresh pearl mussel management in Loch Ness, participating in an EPA research project on hydromorphological pressures in Ireland, assisting multiple fluvial audits and topographical surveys across Scotland, developing my GIS skills, and tree planting in Galloway; it has been an unforgettable experience. On a personal and professional level, I have felt so welcomed and supported by the cbec team, and it has been an honour and a privilege to be part of this inspiring company. Perhaps what has impressed me most of all is the effectiveness of the team’s positive collaborative culture. This creates such a constructive environment to work and learn. I am also extremely thankful for the Working with Rivers scheme, it has been hugely beneficial for developing my career in nature conservation and I’m so grateful for the experience!”
A massive thank you for all of your contributions Nour, and we wish you every success as you now turn your focus to your Masters degree!
New Website
We are delighted to share with you our new website! It includes lots of project updates and information about what we do as a company. Worth a visit! Thanks to the RSK digital team and a few of our own team for it's getting it all together. Please have a look here
Tree Planting at the Threave
We had an amazing time tree planting with The National Trust for Scotland at the Threave Nature Reserve, at Dumfries & Galloway. The nature reserve has made some fantastic progress in nature restoration and is well worth a visit!
Powerboat Handling Course
Our survey staff have undergone Powerboat handling Level 2 training this month! On the course was Gordon, Grace, Ryan and Fraser - Emily is to follow soon too. Here they are out on the Firth of Fourth, near Edinburgh.
Restoring Rivers
Have a look at our video about how we restore rivers. This video includes recent footage of new channels and general restorative work from all over the country.
Events
RRC Conference 2024
We will once again be attending this brilliant event hosted by the River Restoration Centre on April 24th-27th 2024, Venue Cymru, Llandudno, North Wales. For more information about this event and how you can attend in person or online please go here:
Hydropower Stakeholder Workshop
Workshop invitation: Environmentally effective and cost-efficient sediment management at impoundments
We would like to invite you to participate in a key stakeholder workshop that is taking place 1000-1600 on Tuesday 30 April 2024, in the Ferguson Room, One A The Square, University of Glasgow, Glasgow. The workshop is free and we will provide full catering. We would like to provide an opportunity for meaningful dialogue between key stakeholders in hydropower (such as you) and regulatory bodies for the mutual benefit to both.
Through attending our workshop, we would like you to help shape our research. You will participate in instrumental conversations around:
• the environmental risks of not properly addressing sediment transport in permit applications;
• the proactive measures that will likely reduce the amount of reactive sediment-related maintenance required and the associated costs;
• the commercial risks posed by climate change-related increases in the rate of sediment delivery to hydro schemes and water supply impoundments; and
• the format and topics of our project outputs and end of project dissemination event in November 2024.
By participating in this workshop, your improved awareness will make the process of applying for, issuing, and/or reviewing permits more time and cost efficient. You will also learn about the wider environmental benefits of proactive sediment management and of the associated PR benefits!
Please let us know by Monday 16 April 2024 if you can attend this workshop, by email to Elizabeth Barre E.Barre@cbecoeng.co.uk. Please also let us know if you have any dietary requirements.
We would be truly grateful for your attendance and believe the benefits to your operation will make your participation worthwhile.
Technical Services
We are sustainable management specialists for the water environment. Our Technical Services include:
Our 2024 brochures are here! Please clink on the covers to access the brochures.
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