Cattawade Rock Armour Scheme
Client: QTS Group Ltd - Location: Essex / Suffolk
Services Used
Species Found
Plants
Working Within Protected Landscapes
We worked closely with one of our long-standing clients to provide ecological support on a complex infrastructure project with a wide range of ecological constraints. The project involved the installation of rock armour to provide scour protection to a rail embankment, ahead of plans to flood an adjacent parcel of land. Owing to the ecologically sensitive nature of the site, consultation was required with multiple stakeholders, including Network Rail, Natural England, the Marine Management Organisation and the RSPB. The works were located directly adjacent to the Stour Estuary, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site.
Long-Term Ecological Enhancement
Whitcher Wildlife supported the project from the outset, preparing the initial Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), which included detailed coastal botanical habitat classification. This identified the presence of nationally scarce plant species, including dittander and lax-flowered sea-lavender and others. Following consultation, assent was secured from Natural England to proceed with the works. Ongoing ecological support was then provided through regular site visits and wintering bird surveys, ensuring construction activities did not result in significant impacts on qualifying bird species. In addition to avoiding impacts, the design of the flooded field includes the creation of raised islands to support nesting birds in the future, delivering long-term biodiversity enhancement alongside the infrastructure works.