Case Study
Aquatic Engineering specialise in biodiversity net gain projects, primarily concentrating on wetland creation.
Recent contracts have ranged from small community projects of less than 1ha, through to sites of circa 10ha +
South Cerney Wetlands are on a Thames Water Asset, working in Cotswold lime was interesting and within hours of commencing work we had uncovered an important bronze age site (see conclusion). We managed to work with and around the 10 archaeologists on site to protect this important historical site
Once the herbicide was dry on the leaves, the site was precision drilled @ 1gm/m2 with 100% wildflower seed.
Small areas of the site were planted with site won material to encourage self-seeding and natural regeneration
Despite it being one of the driest summers on record, 2022, the water table managed to sustain some sort of water level. We will revisit the site shortly for an update.
Site Archaeology: a near-pristine over 3,000 years old Bronze Age spearhead found just below the surface
On the first day, almost on the first machine scrape, this beautiful spearhead appeared at the top of a Bronze Age pit. As Project Manager Alex told the press, “They’re a very rare find and exceptionally special artefacts. Believe me when I say, the preservation of this one is phenomenal.”
The fieldwork went on to identified finds and from a range of periods including six Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age timber-posted roundhouses, two Roman trackways, and a mix of pottery and animal bone. The artefacts are now being examined and catalogued, and could go on to be displayed at the town’s Corinium Museum
In winter, this was a naturally wet site, however it largely dried out for most of the year the bird hide was poorly positioned and required moving before the earth works commenced.
A raised location was agreed with the site ecologist and local birders with improved access and visibility.
Once in position above, profiling and groundworks could commence. However, the site was naturally split along its length due to the presence of a high-pressure gas main. This area was utilised for roosting.
Due to ground water and heavy rains the wetlands soon took on a ‘natural’ feel.
Once the excavations were complete the blending in commenced. All spoil was contoured into the existing landscape and sown with 100% wildflower seed to significantly improve the biodiversity net gains of the site.
12 months on the site is visually settling in. But there is still much to do here to develop its full biodiversity potential
We pride ourselves on offering exceptional aquatic systems and consultancy services to clients locally and globally. Our experienced team always aims to fulfil project requirements in the most efficient manner. A completely free feasibility survey is often possible when we are in your area.
Positioned under the Aquatic Group, Aquatic Consultancy provides a wide range of ecological and biodiversity advisory services.
You can rely on our unified approach for your comprehensive aquatic management needs.
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