The largest scheme of its kind has been rolled out by South Gloucestershire and Bristol council to support nature and save homes from future extreme weather events.
The £120million Avonmouth and Severnside Enterprise Area Ecological Mitigation and Flood Defence Project has now completed, offering 17km of new flood defences for local communities.
In addition, habitats have been created across two hectares of native trees and shrubs, offering a home for barn owls, bats, otters, and re-introduced water voles, one of Britain’s most endangered species.
‘It not only strengthens flood defence for communities and businesses in the area but also delivers vital new habitats that support wildlife in the internationally recognised Severn Estuary,’ said Ron Curtis, Area Flood & Coastal Risk Manager (Wessex East) for the Environment Agency. ‘This is a powerful example of how partnership, innovation and ambition can safeguard our environment while driving growth and security for the future.’
In addition to the huge environmental benefits, the project will ‘unlock the full potential’ of the Avonmouth and Severnside Enterprise Area. Spanning 1,800 hectares, additional climate resilience means this riverside economic hub can expand and develop. It is hoped around 12,000 new jobs will be by the end of next year in the process, with £1.4billion in economic benefits within the next 13 years.
‘The completion of this project marks a major achievement for the region,’ said Cllr Chris Willmore, Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and Infrastructure at South Gloucestershire Council.
‘People living and working in the area now have greater peace of mind, knowing they’re better protected from the growing risks of flooding – not just today, but for generations to come,’ they continued. ‘Looking ahead, we are delighted that further works on the section of railway to the south of Severn Beach are already in progress. These will be delivered in partnership with Network Rail over the next five years, with early design work already under way and construction planned for 2030.’