The site  

A former flooded gravel pit, Amwell is now the country's top wetland birdwatching site.  Apart from regular and increasing sightings of the rare bittern, the reserve is notable for nationally significant numbers of birds including: gadwall, shoveler and smew. Otters also use the nature reserve and in the summer dragonflies and damselflies are in abundance.  Amwell is situated adjacent to the River Lee Navigation. 

The site is owned by Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust

The brief

The works included small scale demolitions; minor grading and timber fencing (post & rail, post & wire, hit & miss with concrete posts, timber handrails and leaning rails); installing wooden gates and approximately 180 metres of timber boardwalks and viewing platforms; installation of a new timber bridge and the restoration and relocation of an old cast iron bridge; installation of steps; and installation and refurbishment of timber seats.

The works were part of a larger programme of improvements (the Amwell NR enhancement project), including installation of new bird hides, paving and resurfacing works and signage. 

Our solution

We deployed dedicated teams of full time, in house staff to work alongside the client's retained landscape architect to work to an exact and highly specified brief.  We were able to provide all labour and supply all the materials and were thus able to maximise efficiency.   All the work was carried out in a safe and timely manner and the welfare of the wildlife was maintained at all times throughout the project.   

The result

Amwell Nature Reserve was officially opened by Hillary Benn MP, the Government's Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who praised Amwell Nature Reserve as an "island of respite" during a site visit.

The project took over six months and was completed within budget.