Atkins has been appointed to work with Environment Agency to restore UK rivers and wetland, and support natural flood management
Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has been appointed to the Environment Agency’s third Ecological Services Framework, also known as EcoSF3.
On EcoSF3, Atkins will support the delivery of river restoration; wetland management and restoration; natural flood management; geomorphological services; and ensure fish passage improvements across England. Atkins’ role in the framework centres around the use of natural processes to deliver affordable, sustainable solutions.
The appointment follows Atkins’ success on the Environment Agency’s first two Ecological Services Frameworks. This included working closely with the Environment Agency on the ongoing Defra Natural Flood Management (NFM) trials on the River Soar.
The trial delivered a variety of NFM measures to slow and store water on the floodplain, reducing the risk of flooding to communities further downstream. In slowing the flow of water, it is hoped that the project will sequester carbon, and trap sediment and nutrients in new floodplain wetlands that also provide a habitat for a range of wildlife.
Last year Atkins was chosen by Portsmouth Water as principal designer on the Havant Thicket Reservoir – the first reservoir to be built in the South East since the 1970s. The Havant Thicket Reservoir is scheduled to be built, filled and operational by 2029.
Stuart Smith, framework director, Atkins, said: “Our reappointment is a great opportunity to continue supporting the Environment Agency, applying our wide-ranging expertise to find innovative solutions and develop schemes that are sustainable and benefit local communities.
“Our staff take huge pride in the work that we have delivered – and will continue to deliver – on the Ecological Services Frameworks.”
