VHE Project Update

River South Esk Riverbank Restoration Works
Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland
The River South Esk is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) with internationally important populations of freshwater pearl mussel and Atlantic salmon. ‘Pearls in Peril’ (PiP), a UK-wide project to safeguard the future of the freshwater pearl mussel, is funding restoration works which have positive effects with regards to restoring natural process and the habitat of freshwater pearl mussels and salmonids.

VHE have been awarded a contract to undertake riverbank restoration works on the river. The works are being undertaken on behalf of Scottish National Heritage on the edge of the Balmoral Estate. They will include the removal of rock armour, regrading of river banks, replacing soils and vegetation and excavation to reconnect three former palaeochannels on the River South Esk and White Water River.

The project is expected to run for 5 weeks from Monday 6th July.

North Gawber Colliery Enabling and Restoration Works
Mapplewell, Barnsley
Following on from the operational successes at Rossington and Prince of Wales, VHE have been appointed by Harworth Estates to undertake enabling and restoration works at the former North Gawber Colliery site in Barnsley. The site has been proposed for redevelopment by Harworth Estates with up to 325 residential properties.

The scope of work includes significant earthworks requiring the breaking out of structures and crushing of hard materials along with the treatment of several mine entrances. Further works include the diversion of a watercourse, ecological translocation works, formation of an attenuation pond, installation of foul sewer as well as construction of a road, footpath, footbridge, cycle-way and reinforced earth retaining structure.

VHE will commence on site in July with the project scheduled to last 20 weeks.