Update April 2014 - Some recent wetlands projects have included:  
 
New Forest Mires, Hampshire for National Trust  
 
The northern New Forest, Hampshire contains a series of valley mires owned by the National Trust. Valley mires are strongly acidic wetlands that form in peaty valleys and are one of the most characteristic and valuable habitats within the New Forest. We were engaged to undertake hydrological assessments of these valley mire systems in order to understand how they worked, where the water originated from and how the water contributed to and supported the wildlife habitats present. The studies provided the baseline scientific data to be used in developing management plans to ensure that these habitats are managed to best effect.  
 
Alresford Pond SSSI, Hampshire  
 
Medieval Alresford Pond has over many years become heavily silted leading to a significant decline in its habitat quality and the loss of many of its characteristic plants and wild creatures. In order to facilitate proposals for restoration of the lake, we were commissioned by Hampshire Wildlife Trust to undertake comprehensive desk study of what is known of the hydrology and hydro-ecology of the lake. Also, to investigate the water chemistry and sediment types present and their interactions, especially in regard to potential of plant nutrients given any restoration proposals such as by dredging.  
 
Gupton Farm and Castlemartin Corse, Pembrokeshire (Soil and Water for National Trust)  
 
The National Trust proposed to take part of their estate in Pembrokeshire out of tenancy and bring the management directly in hand. This was in order to restore part of the land back to wildlife habitat. The land comprised former sand dunes, dune slacks and related habitats that have been extensively damaged by intensive grazing and arable cultivation. In order to assess the range of potential habitats for restoration, we were engaged to undertake a very detailed soil survey of the land and to advise the Trust on the range of habitats that could be recreated. We found a vast range of soils ranging from dry sandy soils on one time sand dunes through very wet soils on spring lines and active water seepages to soils on deep peats. Cattle trampling of the wetter soils on slopes had opened up the springs leading to extensive gullying and soil erosion. The survey revealed the wide range of habitats that had been lost and indicated those areas where these habitats could be restored.  
 
Slinden Estate (Chalk Soil Management for National Trust)  
 
The National Trust recognises that knowledge of soils is very important in the management of both farmland and wildlife habitat. Also, that soil contains 'natural capital' essential to the functioning of land. The Trust were proposing to alter the management of part of their extensive chalkland Slinden Estate in West Sussex to better provide for a more diverse, mixed and sustainable agricultural land use. In order to better understand the function of soils in the sustainable management of their land, we were commissioned by the Trust to undertake detailed soil mapping, review the properties of the soil and advise on soil-based options for alternative land management. These studies have ensured that the Trust can take full account of soil properties in the sustainable management of their land for both agriculture and to enhance biodiversity.  
 
Oaken Wood, Kent (Soils and Ancient Woodlands)  
 
The Woodland Trust was concerned that proposals to fell this ancient woodland for quarrying would be against planning policies to conserve important woodlands. We were engaged to assess the significance of the developer's soil information and to present evidence at public inquiry in relation to the status of the soils in terms of their ancient woodland characteristics.  
 
St Faith's Meadow, River Itchen SSSI, Winchester, Hampshire  
 
Hampshire Wildlife Trust proposed to restore and manage St Faith's Meadow, part of the River Itchen SSSI, by removing hybrid poplar trees and invasive scrub and encouraging herb-rich wet grassland more typical of the riverside habitat. Local concern had been expressed that removing the trees and scrub could cause raised water levels on adjacent land and increase the potential risk of flooding of nearby properties. Our investigation of the land forms and hydrology of the site and an assessment of the potential hydrological changes resulting from the management proposals, demonstrated that adverse effects on adjacent housing were most unlikely.  
 
Housing Development, Petersfield (Protected Reptiles)  
 
We were engaged by the developer to assess the ecological implications of their development for retirement homes. The site was found to support a diverse population of protected reptiles and amphibians, especially slow-worms and lizards. We developed management strategies and collected up and protected wildlife moving them to safe locations nearby and so facilitating development of the land. All properties now sold.  
 
  • The design of a new wetland area to enhance the biodiversity of a public park/recreation area in Waterlooville, Hampshire for Havant Borough Council.  
     
  • A detailed hydrological and wetland survey of the wetter part of Monkmead Wood SSSI for Horsham District Council involving plotting of all surface waters, investigating the depth and type of peat deposits and relating these to the wetland vegetation, all to assist effective management of the site.  
     
  • Detailed hydrological investigation of three large wetland sites for Guildford Borough Council at their Riverside, Stoke Water Meadows and Parsonage Water Meadows nature reserves including plotting all surface water and wetland areas, investigating substrate types and relating the site hydrology to site history and vegetation.  
     
  • Detailed study of a small damaged wetland site in Netley where part of a fen area had used for access to a development site and including a scheme of wetland restoration back to marsh and open water.  
     
  • Continued work at the former Highways Depot at Bar End, Winchester and which is now being developed by the Hampshire section of the international Emmaus charity as a new working community for the homeless. Here, the new balancing lagoon has been incorporated into a wider nature reserve area and is already supporting frogs and newts and was visited by a sparrow-hawk during a recent site visit. This is another site we have had many years association with and we are really pleased to see that the Emmaus 'Green Roof' project is now nearing completion.  
     
  • Development of a management plan based on extensive site survey for an area of wetland and wet grassland/woodland being made over by David Wilson Homes (as part of their redevelopment of Leigh Park Hospital) to Fareham Borough Council. This area had become extensively overgrown with alder and willow woodland and part of the contract was to supervise clearance of the trees and further treatment of woody regrowth.  
     
  • Investigation of Winnall Moors Nature Reserve for Hampshire Wildlife Trust as a contribution to their new management plan. This is a site we have worked on at various times in the past and which now has increased public access.  
     
  • Detailed hydrological study of Moor Copse Nature Reserve/SSSI for the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust and which includes a range of meadows, open wetland, wet woodland, drains and ditches of high biodiversity value. Our studies here included a desk study, detailed site investigations and preparation of a set of options for creation of new wetland, woodlands and meadows.  
     
  • A detailed hydrological and silting study of Lutcombe Pond for Hampshire County Council Countryside Service. This pond, part of a wider nature reserve in the East Hampshire Hangars and well appreciated local amenity, is suffering from excessively silting. Our studies investigated the hydrology of the pond and sources of silt and proposed ways of controlling the silt inflow while retaining habitat for critical invertebrate species.
 
22 June 2005 - update by Mary Allen  
 
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Ron Allen is awarded Chartered Environmentalist status

The following are selected highlights from CIWEM's Water & Environment Magazine February 2005.  
 
If the 19th century was the era of the engineer, the 21st century will come to be celebrated as the era of the environmentalist.  
 
Sustainable environmental management is the message and Chartered Environmentalists will be the champions of new attitudes that re-engage the public with their natural environment and the communities in which they live and work.  
 
Chartered Environmentalists will be developing and communicating the innovative solutions needed to square the circle of a sustainable environment, while meeting the sometimes conflicting needs of people.  
 
To be squeaky clean can no longer be a lifestyle choice restricted to the chattering classes, or merely the subject of smart talk in the political salons of Westminster, it is an essential goal for all. To that extent we must all be environmentalists now. But, it is the Chartered Environmentalists who will lead the way.  
 
Chartered Environmentalists are those professionals able to meet tough qualifying criteria and who can demonstrate knowledge and engagement in sustainable environmental management.  
 
The environmental profession has come of age and you can see the constituent bodies of the Society for the Environment here.

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21 January 2005 - update by Mary Allen  
 
We are pleased to announce that Ron Allen is approved to undertake ecological surveys and assessments of developments seeking ratings under the Building Research Establishment's EcoHomes scheme.  
 
This means that if you are applying for EcoHomes Accreditation, our ecological surveys will contribute to the necessary credits that you will have to achieve, especially in the higher categories.

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8 December 2004 - update by Mary Allen  
 
EcoHomes and Ecology  
 
EcoHomes is a scheme set up by the Building Research Establishment and sponsored by NHBC to assess the environmental performance of homes and assesses new and renovated homes on a scale of Pass, Good, Very Good and Excellent.  
 
The idea is to improve environmental performance through good design and effective use of the site such as in relation to energy and water efficiency, reduced maintenance, healthy and flexible environments, access to local amenities and encourages developers to keep ahead of regulation. The scheme is particularly being taken up by Housing Associations; which are encouraged to achieve at least a 'good' rating.  
 
Ecology is one of seven themes used to assess and rate building developments and is part of the third stage of assessment of particular sites (as opposed to individual building design). Sites are scored (and credits given) for the extent to which the building land:  
  • is of low ecological value
and also the extent to which the development:
  • enhances the ecological value of the site;  
  • protects existing features;  
  • improves the number of species on the site;  
  • makes effective use of the building footprint.
Overall a development is rated on its overall score and ecological issues can achieve 15% of the total score. Ecology becomes particularly important where a developer wishes to achieve a very good or excellent rating.

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27 December 2003 - update by Mary Allen  
Water Framework Directive (EC Directive 2000/60)  
 
December 2003 will be a key date for those concerned with improving the quality of our water.  
 
This December 2003, the UK is to transpose the EC Water Framework Directive into English and Welsh Law and require major changes in the way we monitor and manage natural waters.  
 
For the first time, defined ecological characteristics will be used to guide the setting of standards for all water bodies according to a common European system. This system will provide a detailed and integrated framework for improved protection and management of water resources and aquatic environments from catchment to the sea and include: setting of water quality objectives; classification of surface waters according to ecological quality objectives and groundwater according to quantitative and chemical quality objectives; promotion of sustainable water use; controlling pollution; consumer water pricing to reflect cost; public participation; and establishing a ‘framework’ for protecting water to conserve aquatic and wetland ecosystems.  
 
Water bodies are to be classified according to an ecological scale of high, good, moderate, poor and bad. High quality habitats with virtually no human impact probably do not occur in highly populated areas such as the UK and the target level is ‘good’ meaning only slightly less than high. The legislation requires good quality to be achieved in all water bodies and groundwaters by 2015. At the moment ‘high’ and ‘ good’ quality have yet to be defined but the definition will include aspects of fauna and flora, physical habitat structure and water chemistry.  
 
The Water Framework Directive is set to affect all who manage and use water from governmental agencies and water companies down to the consumer who may pay more for the water from his tap. This will also include those wishing to develop land because they will have to have increasing regard to the quality of water on their land and water bodies that may be affected by their proposals. We await the new legislation with interest.

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30 June 2003 - update by Mary Allen  
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Business Environment Awards  
 
As one of the sponsors, we (The Environmental Project Consulting Group) attended the award ceremony on Thursday evening 26 June 2003 at the Great Hall, Winchester.  
 
Around 200 people attended the event including representatives from Government Office for the South East, Environment Agency and Hampshire County Council.  
 
It was a wonderful evening with many well deserving winners who had all contributed to the environment in one way or another, from producing waste management products to practical heathland management.  
 
I was particularly proud that the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Business Environment Forum had come so far. In 1998, I proposed and set up the Environment Committee that evolved into the Forum. Although due to pressure of work I am no longer involved with the Forum in an active way, I continue to keep up to date and involved from the sidelines.  
 
It is now time to think about next year's awards.  
 
If you are based in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight then have a think about what projects you might have in the pipeline, or in which category you might enter. You never know, like many last Thursday night, you might win.  

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Are you proud of your environmental credentials?  
Are you a Hampshire business or organisation?  
Then how about entering the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Business Environment Awards 2003.

If you would like to enter, please telephone Maggie Francis on 023 9244 9404 or email bef@chamber.org.uk for an application form.  
 
The Awards are open to all businesses (in whole or part) of any size or sector (public, private and voluntary) based in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.  
 
Entries will be judged against a range of criteria including:  
water conservation, energy efficiency, waste minimisation, community involvement, environmental innovation and technology, transport, supply chain management, site management, wildlife conservation.  
 
The Awards have two key objectives:  
To celebrate outstanding performance by businesses in contributing to sustainable development in the area.  
 
To highlight examples of achievement and best practice to encourage businesses and other organisations to adopt a sustainable approach to their operations.

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Receive a FREE copy of our latest Newsletter/Briefing Note (December 2002) which is all about Sustainable Drainage Systems. Email us

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DEFRA Plans to Improve Wildlife Protection  
A joint consultation paper on plans for changes to the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) procedures was announced today by the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.  
 
To find out more about this important forthcoming legislation please go to DEFRA Wildlife Protection News Release

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The Environment Agency publishes its Draft Corporate Strategy - and one of our projects is in it - on page 26.  
 
We were surprised and delighted to read in the Environment Agency Draft Corporate Strategy about one of our partnership projects investigating a Hampshire wetland Site of Special Scientific Interest.  
 
We have worked on the site for many years and know it inside out, although with the current project, detailed knowledge is increasing all the time.  
 
The site, at The Moors, Bishops Waltham, is used extensively in our training courses being, as it is, an unusual and extremely interesting area.  
 
Working with Peter Potts, Hampshire County Council Ranger and the Environment Agency, we will be coming up with new and important information to help solve long-term water planning issues.

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Understanding Emer Bog  
From - Wildlife, Autumn/Winter 2002. Newsletter of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.  
 
Emer Bog, situated near Romsey, was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1979 for its unusual habitats ranging from ancient semi-natural woodland to wet heathland and older alder carr to acid grassland. In 2000, English Nature proposed the reserve as a candidate Special Area for Conservation, this designation recognising the bog as being an important habitat in a European Context.  
 
English Nature and the Environment Agency have funding to identify the specific features that make up the Special Area of Conservation on and around the reserve. Ron Allen, from The Environmental Project Consulting Group, has put in a draft of a number of measures to establish how the water relations have shaped the bog. Once agreed, this work could include hydrochemistry, pH and nutrient concentrations, ascertaining any possible influence from nearby water inflows.  
 
If all proceeds to plan, Emer should be one of the most understood wetland habitats in Britain. It will also identify whether the Bog is in favourable condition or not and what steps the Trust has to take with regard to management. This work will provide a blueprint for similar studies within the New Forest valley mire system.

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The Rotherlands  
From - The Herald 27th September 2002  
 
Town and district councillors were given a guided tour of the Rotherlands project last week to see for themselves the work carried out by volunteers in the area.  
 
Councillors said they were extremely impressed by the progress that has seen the wetland area behind Penns Place, Petersfield transformed from a neglected and overgrown stretch of river into a managed conservation area rich in wildlife.  
 
The walk was led by Ron Allen, the man responsible for drawing up the management plan for the area in 1997.  
 
Mr Allen, along with Pat Redhill, the Rotherlands Conservation Group treasurer, was able to answer questions on the area and show councillors exactly what work had been carried out.  
 
The work has been carried out by more than 200 dedicated volunteers who have undertaken 17 work parties since 2000.  
 
The group has worked hard to control brambles and nettles that had encroached onto meadows and footpaths.  
 
Working to the management plan, drawn up in 1997, the group has cleared and improved the footpaths and created protected areas for wildlife including otters and water voles.  
 
Mr Allen thanked all the 'unsung' heroes for their help in realising the group's vision of a well-managed conservation area.

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Businesses will have to produce company biodiversity plans under policies outlined by London mayor Ken Livingstone. The mayor's biodiversity strategy also sets out ways that the greening of the built environment can be encouraged and how open spaces will be used in ecologically sensitive ways. Connecting with London's Nature - The Mayor's Biodiversity Strategy is available, priced £10, from the Greater London Authority's publications department (tel: 020 7983 4100).

From 30 August 2002 Planning magazine

A FREE copy of our own poster Business and Biodiversity - a Win, Win Situation is available by emailing us your name and address and stating Free Copy of Poster when we will be pleased to put the poster in the post to you.  
 
Alternatively, you might like to purchase a copy of our book Easy Step by Step Guide to Developing Environmentally Sensitive Land - The Business Approach which costs £14.99. Email us with with your details and Purchase Book and we will be pleased to contact you direct.

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IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION  
English Nature has just launched new web pages for protected species and the law  
 
We work extensively with protected species and the licensing procedure. Now, English Nature have launched additional webpages for anyone wishing to know more about these important matters. If you would like to know more, go to English Nature Protected Species and Licensing

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Householder? Flooding? - check it out for yourself  
 
Reading the article in the Telegraph Saturday 3rd August, it seems certain now that houseowners on floodplains, or those who houses have flooded a number of times, will have a rocky ride in the future.  
 
Insurance companies, while appearing to continue to insure, will increase premiums according to how great the risk is which means that for some properties, the sky could be the limit.  
 
Those owners unable to get any insurance on their properties, will find selling their homes particularly difficult as buyers will not be able to get a mortgage. No insurance, no mortgage.  
 
Although not much can be done (other than additional flood defence and that opens up other issues) for those currently suffering, the next generation of buyers will need to do their homework to ensure fewer problems in the future.  
 
And, do not expect your Solicitor to do this as part of the conveyancing process. The Law Society confirmed there is no requirement for solicitors to check whether a property is on a flood plain.  

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Endangered Bats  
 
Despite strong legislation, many British bat species are in serious trouble.  
 
Damaged or destroyed roosting places and declining insect food add to their problems.  
 
Between 1978 and 1986, Pipistrelle numbers fell by 60% and the mouse-eared bat became extinct in 1991.  
 
Before that, the last mammal to have become extinct in the UK is thought to have been the wolf, wiped out more than 250 years ago.  
 
However, we at EPCG work on many bat projects, ensuring that developers are well briefed on full legal bat protection. In many instances, bat provision can be incorporated into development sites where there was little or no bat presence, thereby encouraging bat awareness and conservation.  

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Blame lack of builders for homes crisis by Daniel Jones of Bristol in 5 July 2002 Planning Magazine.  
 
"I have read and listened to the many arguments surrounding the planning system's failure to provide for the nation's housing needs.  
 
The system has many faults, but I also think it is being used as a scapegoat for wider market failures. Having worked in strategic planning, it is clear that structure, local and unitary plans are allocating land for many more homes than the construction industry is willing to build.  
 
Secondly, I never understood the viewpoint that speeding up the planning application process would increase supply. Any developer with an ounce of sense must factor in three to 12 months to achieve permission, depending on the sensitivity of the site. It is simply a question of good planning. Any reduction in the eight-week target will have no impact on housing supply.  
 
So what is the problem? Lack of housing is a result of constraints in the construction industry. Having worked on building sites in my youth, when bricklayers would turn up in the morning and move to a different site in the afternoon, I know there is a skills shortage in the construction industry.  
 
So there we have it. Just as local authority planning departments are wracked by staff shortages, so too are the house builders. The development industry must modernise its construction processes to improve productivity. The planning system must help by being more proactive in assembling those difficult urban sites for development and in educating the public about the advantages of modern prefabricated construction techniques.  
 
There are many other measures that could be taken to improve the planning system, and as planners we should be open to change. But until the construction industry can find more people to build houses, the planning profession will not make a jot of difference to the crisis in the housing market."

Daniel Jones letter in Planning Magazine

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Hampshire Woodlarks Safe!  
Bramshill in Hampshire has been protected after a judicial review ruled that the process by which English Nature confirmed the site as a SSSI had been properly carried out and satisfied the requirement of human rights legislation to provide a fair and public hearing before an independent and impartial tribunal.  
 
Bramshill in north Hampshire is a key part of the Thames Basin Heaths proposed Special Protection Area, a network of heaths and woodlands that are internationally important for three species of breeding bird - woodlark, nightjar and Dartford warbler. These birds need protection and careful management of their habitat to ensure their survival, providing a combination of open and overgrown land. English Nature will work with the landowners and managers of the sites in the coming years to ensure that woodland and heathland management provides the right spaces for these rare birds to flourish, safeguarding their populations in the South East of England.  

From: English Nature News Release 3 July 2002

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Biodiversity - but not today  
Representatives from 182 countries attending a biodiversity convention in the Netherlands in April failed to agree a policy to protect the world's forests, plants and animals. Of the countries represented, 120 agreed that 'biological diversity is being destroyed by human activities at unprecendented rates'. But, ten years after the Rio Earth Summit, the best they could come up with was to have measures in place to reverse current trends by the year 2010. The one success was a plan to prevent so-called 'biopiracy' - the exploitation of plants by drug and biotechnology companies.  

From the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) magazine 'Water and Environment Manager' June 2002.

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A boost for the economy and the environment  
The Environment Agency had objected to a planning application for a much needed Enterprise Centre which would provide small and starter accommodation for small and fledgling businesses.  
 
Our sensitive and comprehensive ecological survey, design and plan for the water, wetland and wildlife interest enabled the Environment Agency to withdraw its objection and for planning permission to be granted. 24 May 2002

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Milk that helps the environment  
The Wildlife Trusts have just launched their innovative new scheme 'White & Wild'. This is a brand new milk product produced for The Wildlife Trusts, the UK's largest charity working exclusively on all aspects of nature conservation.  
 
For every litre purchased, three pence goes to participating farmers to fund active conservation projects and two pence goes to The Wildlife Trusts for improving reserves in counties where the milk is bought.  

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Police face charges over dead newts  
A Chief Constable could face prosecution over the deaths of several great-crested newts on the site of a new £2 million police station.  
 
English Nature launched an investigation after a tip-off that the newts, a protected species, were disappearing down uncovered drains.  
 
The bodies of several of the five-inch long, amphibians have been found in the car park of Peterlee police station, Co Durham. Planners agreed the station could be built as long as the newts were protected. George Hedges, the Chief Constable, is ultimately responsible for the building project.  

From The Daily Telegraph Thursday May 2 2002

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Big changes in Quarrying to come?  
A group of six British companies, known as the East Channel Association, has plans to dredge hundreds of millions of tons of sand and gravel from an area in the English Channel 30 miles offshore, between the Sussex coast and the Pas-de-Calais.  
 
This announcement has caused enormous concern amongst marine conservationists and the French fishing industry and the decision as to whether the project will go ahead lies with the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions.  
 
Behind the proposal is the UK construction industry's unceasing demand for aggregates, as it tries to meet the need for ever increasing development.  
 
However, with the Government trying to reduce the industry's damage and demand with the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, the construction industry is in for some interesting times.  
 
The Fund aims to reduce damage by:
  • improving areas where aggregate extraction has taken place  
  • helping to reduce demand for primary materials by research into alternatives  
  • encouraging recycling and re-use of aggregates through Waste and Resources Action Programme  
  • promoting new methods for extracting and moving aggregates to reduce environmental damage.
The Fund also looks to address quarrying's impact on the environment by:
  • improving existing sites  
  • reducing the need for new quarrying and  
  • making any new quarrying more sensitive.
But, will these needs also be met by extensive dredging off the south coast?  

Written by Mary Allen with information taken from Journal of The Institution of Environmental Sciences Vol 11 No 2.

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Copyright © The Environmental Project Consulting Group 2002