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On our major highway projects, sustainability issues are addressed as part of the Environmental Design, which seeks not only to reduce the impact of proposals on the environment and local communities, but also provide cost effective solutions and opportunities for enhancement, wherever possible. The following are examples of principles and techniques employed in major schemes to meet sustainability objectives:- |
Avoid unnecessary planting to achieve a good balance between open areas of grassland and closed habitats of woodland and scrub, thus promoting biodiversity.
Sow grass seed at lower rates, increasing natural colonisation of ground flora, reduce use of material - Use true (grown from locally sourced material) local provenance stock for sustainability of gene material, as carried out on A53 Hodnet Bypass.
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Re-grade and return land to agriculture using surplus material that would otherwise be waste, reducing apparent scale of the works and removing long-term maintenance requirements.
Soil Management (as proposed by Moore Environment on A53 Hodnet Bypass) ensuring the careful selection and deployment of appropriate soils, minimising soil movement and wastage and maximising quality of ground conditions for each landscape/ habitat type eg.
- topsoil to ideal depths for tree and shrub planting and establishment
- low nutrient substrates for species rich grassland, wetlands
- low nutrient conditions for general verges to encourage natural colonisation by less vigorous and a greater diversity of species
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Implement Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), CIRIA and DMRB guidelines to minimise risk of flooding and pollution to surface/groundwater assets and benefit biodiversity.
Design ponds/drainage ditches to serve as combined flood attenuation, pollution retention and nature conservation wetland habitat features.
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- 8 such ponds were incorporated along the A63 Selby Bypass.
- On A53 Hodnet bypass all road runoff is taken via double pond systems, providing scope to catch sediments and oils, and balance the flows to prevent flooding. Ponds are being planted with reeds to further improve water quality and to create value for wildlife.
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Also on A53 Hodnet 4 hectares of new wetland have been created in the Tern valley, using natural ground water. Pools and marshes will support a variety of fish, amphibians, insects and birds. Water margins are already developing plant communities from local seed and wildlife is being further encouraged by the provision of otter shelters and hibernacula for newts and frogs.
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The largest wetland has a footpath network for public access and can be used as a teaching resource for local schools. |
- River enhancement. The River Tern was straightened and deepened several decades ago, reducing its value for wildlife. The project has restored several sections of the river by creating new meanders, ox bow pools, shallow margins and cliffs for sand martins.
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Griffin House 9 Coventry Rd Coleshill Birmingham B46 3BB 01675 466877 |
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