Much Wenlock has experienced highway, infrastructure and property flooding. Hydrological modelling indicated that attenuation ponds with controlled outfalls on the Shylte and Sytche brooks was the preferred option.
In developing the scheme, WSP’s Shrewsbury Drainage Team’s main challenges included ecology, land acquisition and material disposal. Even though the design retained the maximum volume, there was an excess of ~39,000m3 of excavated material.
Responding to the challenge of disposal, the team grasped the opportunity to restore a nearby abandoned limestone quarry, thereby reducing and virtually eliminating the need for landfill. Through this proactive and collaborative approach, including working with other WSP teams, clients, contractors, the local community and stakeholders, they managed to produce an innovative, technically successful and sustainable scheme; improve health and safety; improve biodiversity; create habitats; reduce the carbon footprint; provide valuable public open space; significantly reduce the cost of disposal; reduce commercial risks due to programme and financial uncertainty; and design a scheme with low operational and maintenance costs.
Judges' Comments
"The Much Wenlock Flood Alleviation Scheme is a complex project involving multiple stakeholders, to deliver vital and significant protection to both properties and highway infrastructure in central Shropshire. The existence of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) required careful and sensitive management to meet project objectives in a sustainable manner.
Biodiversity has been increased, and new habitats and community amenities created, through thoughtful consultation and design. Careful consideration has been given to project management, to mitigate potential short-term impacts on local fauna during implementation. A worthy winner of the sustainability award."
Essex County Council was the first authority in the UK to install the first sensor-ready LED luminaire on the market (the DigiStreet) in 2017. The DigiStreetconsumes less power, creates less light pollution and provides better lighting for roads.
QR labels identify where theDigiStreetis installed and provides product details.
Essex County Council was the first authority in the UK to install the first sensor-ready LED luminaire on the market (the DigiStreet) in 2017. The DigiStreetconsumes less power, creates less light pollution and provides better lighting for roads.
QR labels identify where theDigiStreetis installed and provides product details.
Maintenance operatives can replace the driver and reprogrammethe luminaires using near field communication technology which improves the maintenance process throughout its life.
As well as maintenance benefits, the DigiStreetallows the authority to take advantage of connected lighting systems and prepares it for future innovations.Each light is connected to the Essex Central Management System and is also ready to connect to future innovations in the Internet of Things, thanks to the provision of an additional socket that allows a sensor to be powered on the underside of the lantern.
Judges' Comments
"This project involved a three year programme to replace high wattage lights with LEDs on main traffic routes. The judges felt this was a very well presented application which clearly highlighted the sustainability benefits achieved, including carbon emission reductions, energy and cost savings, as well as reductions in light pollution. The judges were impressed by the process of continuous improvement, reviewing and applying new technologies, and the effective use of feedback from stakeholders which contributed to the projects’ success and the delivery of significant benefits."
The Blackhall Farm project transformed a poor condition site alongside the high-speed A30 in Devon into a hotspot for wildlife using a volunteer workforce from the local community, enabling adults with learning difficulties to socialise and develop new skills.
This simple, yet innovative approach to managing this asset has enhanced biodiversity and created stepping stone habitats for wildlife to move across the landscape.
The Blackhall Farm project transformed a poor condition site alongside the high-speed A30 in Devon into a hotspot for wildlife using a volunteer workforce from the local community, enabling adults with learning difficulties to socialise and develop new skills.
This simple, yet innovative approach to managing this asset has enhanced biodiversity and created stepping stone habitats for wildlife to move across the landscape.
The potential of the land had already been identified, but a lack of funding had stalled the initiative. Using volunteers, the works were implemented at virtually nil cost.
Over a 3 year period a wetland area has been created, new hedges laid, species rich grassland created and woodland has been actively managed at the 1.5 hectare site.
A management, maintenance and enhancement programme has been put in place using volunteers, ensuring the long-term prosperity of the site.
Trunk roads are generally seen as a barrier to habitat connectivity, but they can perform a vital role as a wildlife corridor – they require slightly different management and maintenance allied with partnership with the local community.
Judges' Comments
"The Blackhall Farm project transformed a poor condition location into a hotspot for wildlife, utilising volunteers and community partnerships to enhance the sustainability and biodiversity of the site. The judges were particularly impressed by how the project involved local community volunteers, and provided opportunities for adults with learning difficulties to socialise and learn new skills, whilst creating an important and enduring local wildlife amenity. The project has a wide range of environmental benefits including delivering a wetland area, laying new hedges and creating species-rich grasslands and woodland, all at very low cost. The judges felt that this type of community engagement and sustainability focused initiative is an excellent example of good practice which has much wider implementation potential."
