Freshwater Habitat Creation for the River Thame Conservation Trust

Key Achievements

• Freshwater habitat construction


• Creation of a fish refuge with direct access to the River Thame


• Overcoming challenging site access whilst maintaining sensitive ecosystems


• Delivering to schedule despite testing weather conditions

The Challenge

The River Thame Conservation Trust, in collaboration with the Freshwater Habitats Trust, identified the need to create a new wetland area, and freshwater habitat, to improve water quality and nurture wildlife on the River Thame at Eythrope in Buckinghamshire.

The project required the restoration a floodplain and construction of a wetland complex, in an environmentally sensitive area with significant restrictions to site access.

The Solution

As a result of an innovative logistics plan and recognising a proven history of adaptability and success in the construction of wetland and wildlife habitats, White Horse Contractors were awarded the contract to carry out the works. Following further consultation with Water Engineering specialist Nathan Jackaman, our team began plans to mobilise on-site in Eythrope.

White Horse Contractors devised a bespoke plan to safely deliver and remove the required plant and machinery from the site without damaging the wider ecosystem.

Our specialist team understands the importance of catering to every clients’ needs. With that in mind, we worked with the trust to find a solution for the transport and redistribution of spoil on surrounding agricultural lands. Works commenced with the White Horse team installing a temporary bridge, which safely enabled access of plant to the site and enabled the economic removal of spoil arising.

Utilising our in-house specialist plant the team then implemented a drainage management plan to control the flow of water for the duration of the works. Thanks to this diligent planning, and the secure site access, we were able to continue works through an extended period of heavy rainfall. To minimise costs we collaborated with landowners Waddesdon Estate to sensitively redistribute spoil on Estate land and eliminate the need for costly removal.

Results

Through careful planning and with a deep understanding of the client objectives White Horse Contractors delivered the project on schedule and budget.

Works were completed to high standards and in line with the Trust’s mission to contribute to the local area without disruption. The wetland complex is a huge success for the River Thame Conservation Trust and Freshwater Habitats Trust in fulfilling their shared objective to create a new functional wetland in the heart of Buckinghamshire.

Please see below (in collaboration with the RIver Thame Conservation Trust) Freshwater Habitats Trust's video:

We wish the Trusts’ teams continued success in 2021 and look forward to working with them again soon.