17.09.12
Crossrail delivers earth for nature reserve
Construction begins today on the Wallasea Island project – a wetland habitat for thousands of migratory birds.
Spoil from Crossrail’s central London tunnels will be used to create the largest coastal nature reserve in Europe. Farmland, bought by the RSPB, will be transformed into a 670-hectare wetland habitat for birds, otters and herring. The area will also provide coastal walks and cycling routes for visitors.
Crossrail will transport 4.5 million tonnes of earth to Wallasea Island to build the reserve, delivered via rail and ship. A new jetty and facility to handle the material has been constructed on the Thames Estuary, and more than 2,000 ship-loads of excavated earth will be delivered, with up to 10,000 tonnes unloaded per day at the operation's peak.
The RSPB has warned that there has been dramatic loss of coastal habitat in the past 400 years and without schemes such as Wallasea, rising sea levels could lead to the loss of another 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) in the next decade.
The Government has a target to recreate 3,600 hectares (8,900 acres) of saltmarshes and mudflat habitat by 2015.
Crossrail chief executive Andrew Wolstenholme said: “This landmark project is a pioneering example of how the construction industry and environment groups can work in partnership to build a sustainable Britain that benefits both the economy and the environment. Crossrail is delighted to be involved in a project that will leave a lasting legacy long after the construction of the new rail line has been completed.”
RSPB chief executive Mike Clarke said: “Wallasea Island will show for the first time on a large scale, how it’s possible to ‘future proof’ low lying coasts against sea level rise caused by climate change.
“This will deliver benefits to wildlife and provide a wonderful place for people to enjoy. Wallasea Island could now see the return of birds that once bred in England, such as Kentish plovers that were last seen here more than 50 years ago.”
Environment secretary Owen Paterson said: “This could be the gold standard against which all future projects are measured.”
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Image c. Crossrail Ltd