Wing Water Project, UK

Protecting the bird population at Rutland Water Nature Reserve is a crucial component of the Wing Water Supply Project, which will enable the full resource potential of Rutland Water reservoir to be realised.

The creation of four lagoons providing 85ha of new bird habitat has been essential. The lagoons ensure that increased abstraction from the reservoir – to meet growing demand – will not adversely affect the renowned and protected nature reserve. Meticulous planning has enabled the lagoons to be constructed with minimum impact on the resident wildlife and local environment.

Mott MacDonald was appointed as programme manager to support client Anglian Water in determining the delivery strategy, procurement route and commercial model.

Haven for nature

Built in the 1970s the nature reserve covers approximately 243ha. By the 1980s it was recognised as an important European site – over 20,000 birds a year were visiting and bird watching was a major draw. In 1982 the reserve was designated a site of special scientific interest. In 1992 it was made a Ramsar site – a designation given to wetlands of international importance – and a special protection area under the European Birds Directive.

Anglian Water (AW) had only ever abstracted 75% of the water permitted from Rutland Water, so 25% was available. But due to the reservoir’s highly protected status – AW had to prove to the government’s adviser, Natural England, that there would be no detriment to existing habitats if abstraction increased. They also had to prove to economic regulator, Ofwat, that they would build only what was completely necessary.

The right design

AW looked at Rutland Water’s habitats to determine how they would be affected. The worst case scenario equated to a drought. AW had to demonstrate that increased abstraction would have absolutely no impact on the nature reserve.

AW modelled the worst case scenario impact with maximum abstraction on the reserve habitats. They determined how far the water would recede and how much habitat would dry up. This enabled them to ascertain how much extra habitat was needed to compensate for that situation. The result was two in-water dams creating lagoons if the water level falls too far, with four lagoons.

These measures mean that for most of the time there will now be a significant increase in the amount of habitat. However, at the worst case scenario, there will be at least as much habitat for the birds as existed previously.

Quality of construction

It was vital that the birds were not disturbed by lagoon construction.
Lagoon A involved building a 270m sheetpiled dam, so disturbing the birds, pollution and noise were major concerns. The piling was initially planned to start in April 2009, coinciding with the return from Africa of the lake’s small but important osprey population. The Rutland & Leicestershire Wildlife Trust, which operates the reserve, was concerned that piling would disturb the ospreys and so the start was moved to winter 2008.

The success of lagoon A’s dam construction enabled construction of the 1km sheetpiled dam in lagoon D to be brought forward several months and be completed ahead of schedule.

Awareness of ground nesting birds around lagoon B was fundamental. Grass in the fields around this lagoon was kept down so that birds didn’t nest. When nests were found the areas around them were cordoned off until the chicks had fledged.

Lagoon C's site is home to a badger sett, thus plant was carefully selected to ensure it will not be disturbed during the breeding season. Great crested newts also had to be handled carefully.

Adding value

The new lagoons extend and enhance an internationally recognised nature reserve that is already a renowned tourist attraction. As more tourists are drawn to the nature reserve they will bring wider economic benefits to the area.

The project was awarded both the Partnership Initiative of the Year Award and the Outstanding Innovation Award at the Water Industry Achievement Awards.