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Grassholme Reservoir Embankment Works

Enhancing safety and building resilience to an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB)

  • 3,700

    Trees Planted

  • 35K

    m3 Material

  • County Durham, England

    County Durham, England

Improving biodiversity while protecting an ancient semi-natural woodland in County Durham

Grassholme Reservoir in County Durham is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). It’s also within proximity of numerous sites of specific scientific interest (SSSI), special areas of conservation (SAC), and special protection areas (SPA). Originally completed in 1914, the reservoir supplies raw water to Lartington Water Treatment works.

When the most recent statutory inspection of the reservoir found the northern embankment in need of stabilizing, Northumbrian Water appointed Esh-Stantec to reconstruct it and relocate the adjacent watercourse running along its toe. While successfully addressing the instability risks of the embankment for safety, we also looked to the area’s biodiversity. Throughout the project, we took special care and consideration to protect an ancient semi-natural woodland. We translocated approximately 100 trees from the woodland, planted a further 3,700 trees, and diverted 325 metres (1,066 feet) of the Carl Beck watercourse.

These works provided water supply resilience and improved biodiversity, while maintaining the sensitive landscape setting.

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • Northumbrian Water Group
Partners
  • Turner and Townsend
  • Esh-Stantec
  • BSG Ecology
Meet Our Team

James Atkins, Senior Civil Engineer

From Scotland to Ethiopia, our team is delivering great work around the world.

Annabela Leung, Senior Civil Engineer

Whether it’s a clean water or wastewater, a reservoir or a pipeline project, there are always opportunities for civil engineers to shine.

Matt Barlow, Technical Director Acoustics

Great acoustics result in better, more sustainable developments—and increase value for both clients and stakeholders.

Kelvin Limbrick, Technical Director – Hydrology and Flood Risk

An important part of my role is to help steer our clients towards more sustainable practices within the natural and urban water environment.
Kelvin Limbrick Technical Director – Hydrology and Flood Risk Read More

James Atkins

Senior Civil Engineer

Annabela Leung

Senior Civil Engineer

Matt Barlow

Technical Director Acoustics

Kelvin Limbrick

Technical Director – Hydrology and Flood Risk

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