04/02/2005 - The new
flood alleviation scheme for Knottingley,
completed in October 2004, has received
a commendation for being bird-friendly.
The Environment Agency’s project was commended
by the Royal Society for the Protection
of Birds (RSPB) and Chartered Institution
of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)
Living Wetlands Award 2005.
The judges congratulated the scheme "in
particular (for) the outstanding biodiversity
contributions on such a small site…".
The site provides a valuable wetland habitat
in the West Yorkshire area, which has very
few other similar sites. The design and
location of the site mean it will become
home to birds such as red shank, snipe and
lapwing, all of whose populations have declined
in recent years, reed bunting, reed warbler
and sedge warbler, which will live in the
reed beds, and dabbling ducks.
Birds of prey like barn owls and kestrels
are also likely to hunt on the site and
it is hoped that water voles and otters,
which already live in other places along
the banks of the River Aire, will eventually
colonise the area. Dragon fliesDragonflies
are also likely to be a feature, attracted
by the year-round ponds the site will sustain.
Environment Agency project manager for
the scheme Sarah Burtonwood said: "We’re
delighted our efforts to add value to the
environment in Knottingley as well as protect
the homes there have been recognised.
"We strive to bring as much benefit
as possible to communities when we devise
flood alleviation schemes and it’s great
that this effort has been recognised."
The flood alleviation scheme consists of
raised embankments set back from at the
river’s edge to create a barrier against
high flows as well as wetland areas, which
provide valuable habitat year-round. A network
of washlands provides essential storage
of flood water. R Aire Six months, just
under £2m
The project took approximately seven months
to complete, costing just under £2
million. The wetland area will be opened
to the public later in the year.
The commendation was announced at the CIWEM
World Wetlands Day conference in London
on Monday 31 January 2005.
The Environment Agency is the leading organisation
for protecting and improving the environment
in England and Wales. It is responsible
for making sure that air, land and water
are looked after by today’s society, so
that tomorrow’s generations inherit a cleaner,
healthier world.
