A year of progress
Over the past year, more than 60 specialists have contributed their expertise through a wide range of activities, including site visits, geomorphological assessments, ecological walkovers, stakeholder engagement, drone surveys, water level monitoring, coastal sediment sampling and topographic and heritage assessments, as well as options appraisals. Collectively, this work has helped unlock constraints and advance restoration efforts across approximately 25 km of watercourses throughout England.
Many of these projects have required rapid mobilisation to help the Environment Agency secure additional funding and maintain momentum on key objectives. The WSP Binnies Joint Venture has risen to the challenge, drawing on its strength and depth of technical expertise combined with strong project management teams to deliver high-quality, timely support.
Sustainability has been embedded throughout, contributing to long-term resilience. One project, for example, has created a new freshwater wetland habitat, while another has supported salmon populations through targeted river restoration. These projects deliver multiple benefits and apply proportional, pragmatic solutions that consider modification alongside replacement.
Framework Managers Kathryn Ellis and Owen Tarrant have been particularly impressed by how quickly a shared ethos of collaboration has taken root. Our integrated, one-team approach enables WSP Binnies to provide tailored, innovative solutions and effectively address constraints and risks, drawing on the passion and expertise of our industry-recognised professionals, who are committed to the success of these projects.
We look forward to many more years supporting the Environment Agency, the wider Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and their partners in restoring England’s rivers and habitats.