C A S E S T U DY
PRACTICE:
Capita and AECOM
Jubilee River Berkshire
By Jon Rooney and Clare Penny The long-term success of largescale infrastructure projects can only be realised with a commitment to long term management from the earliest stage. This is illustrated by the Environment Agency’s flagship 11.6km Jubilee River flood alleviation scheme. A key aspect of its success was the close partnership working between landscape architects and other professionals from the Environment Agency, consultants and contractors throughout the design and construction.
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The scheme, which siphons flows from the River Thames to alleviate flooding around Windsor, Eton and Maidenhead, was completed in 2002. The naturalised channel is flanked by a network of diverse habitats including wetlands, grazing marshes, woodland and grassland and is lined by bridleways and footpaths. It is an exemplar in the creation of multifunctional green infrastructure, which makes the surrounding area more resilient to the impacts of climate change and contributes to the sequestration of carbon.
Challenges Budget constraints beyond initial establishment meant a novel approach was required for long term management. This site covers over 100ha, with many habitats in close proximity to water. Safety was major consideration and initial actions to address risks were prioritised. Containing and eradicating invasive non-native species (INNS), including Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) and
New Zealand pygmyweed (Crassula helmsii), was also a key challenge in the early stages of the project.
Achievements Capita AECOM has been managing the Jubilee River since 2015, working alongside specialist ecological contractor Ecosulis, to deliver upon the objectives of the 25-year Landscape Management Plan. A programme was developed to gradually enhance the Jubilee River’s habitats, supported by digital technologies. The team developed a bespoke GIS-based monitoring system, which divided the site into habitat parcels. This led to quicker response times by identifying works onsite and reporting using handheld devices. The system also allows the history of each parcel to be recalled at the touch of a button. This assisted with monitoring progress and forward planning. Fieldwork was complemented by drone surveys, which provided aerial views of areas inaccessible on foot, and mapped changes associated with drought
1. Whilst governments and organisations work towards ‘net zero’ targets, we must respond to the impacts of the climate emergency today – building large infrastructure that can cope with increased temperatures, higher rainfall and prolonged drought. Credit: AECOM