Showcasing the talent and innovation of members under 35
The Pevensey Levels, East Sussex, is a wetland designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Ramsar Site and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). It is a 3600-hectare tract of low-lying grazing meadows, intersected by a complex system of ditches that sustain several nationally and internationally significant plant, invertebrate and bird species. To ensure suitable conditions, the Environment Agency has to maintain optimal water levels throughout the area to support the species and habitats in its ditches.
Star Inn Gates is the main water level control structure on the eastern Pevensey Levels. This critical asset reached the end of its working life, and the Environment Agency has managed a project consisting of the design and installation of replacement gate structures, as well as the incorporation and compliance with eel passage measures and regulations.
The Star Inn Gates’ main asset works involved the replacement of the existing sluice gates, along with associated work such as the installation of a new kiosk, replacement of the upstream and downstream level sensors, a stoplog storage rack, new stoplogs and the installation of an adjustable (floating) inlet eel pass with monitoring features.
The project construction began in May 2024 and was completed in August 2025 with construction partner VolkerStevin. As part of the scheme, Hitesh Depala from Binnies provided CDM adviser services to the Environment Agency to ensure Construction (Design & Management) Regulations (CDM) compliance and monitoring throughout the project. Binnies, in partnership with the Environment Agency, carried out health and safety audits to ensure construction activities and methodologies were compliant and to provide assurance of design changes before client acceptance.