Prestigious ICE Award for LIFEquake project
The successful completion of an important restoration action to improve water levels on Wales’ largest lowland fen has been recognised at a prestigious industry event.
This ambitious intervention delivered through Natural Resources Wales' LIFEquake project received the highly acclaimed Chair's Award at a recent Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) awards ceremony.
LIFEquake, co-funded by the European Union and supported by Welsh Government focuses on restoring rare quaking bog habitats, which take their name from the way the deep layers of waterlogged peat literally ‘quake’ underfoot.
The award recognised the successful clearance of the 2km-long Glan y Wern Canal at Crymlyn Bog near Swansea. The historic hand-cut canal runs through the centre of the site and its clearance was considered particularly challenging due to the difficulties associated with operating heavy machinery on unstable quaking bog habitat.
Peatlands are among Wales' most valuable natural assets. These landscapes store significant amounts of carbon, help regulate water levels and provide important habitats for wildlife. Maintaining the right hydrological conditions is essential if they are to continue delivering these benefits.
The canal clearance, something previously considered unlikely to succeed due to the site's complex conditions, has allowed water to move more freely across Crymlyn Bog. As a result, water levels can now be managed more effectively, creating better conditions for peat-forming mosses and other key wetland plants to thrive.
The Chair's Award recognises the innovative engineering approach taken to restore this important peatland habitat and highlights the positive contribution such projects and collaborations make as part of our response to both nature and climate emergencies.
Gareth Thomas, project manager for LIFEquake, said:
"We’re thankful for the effective working relationship we have with our contractors and we are absolutely delighted to have co-delivered such a significant outcome for Crymlyn Bog. It means a great deal that this work has been recognised as an example of best practice by leaders within the engineering profession.
"This award is also a significant achievement for nature conservation. Engineering awards often recognise large-scale construction projects, but in this case specialist amphibious machinery has been used to restore a valuable natural habitat and give nature the best possible chance to recover."
Ceri Davies, Chief Executive, Natural Resources Wales, said:
“We pride ourselves on appointing the best contractors to support our work and help us deliver such meaningful outcomes for nature. We also are proud to host projects like LIFEquake who are in a position to dedicate the time and resource and overcome enormous challenges like this one. It’s a wonderful thing when it all culminates in recognition as significant as this prestigious award. Well done to everyone involved!”
Pictured: LIFEquake project manager Gareth Thomas with the Chair's Special Award.