Trees
Surveys are conducted before any tree removal takes place, this is carried out in consultation with relevant partners. Trees are incorporated into the Scheme’s design to support natural habitats and for other purposes, where possible.
The Scheme is committed to planting at least 12 trees for every tree removed due to construction, and it’s worked closely with partners to identify planting locations. This includes planting over 8,500 trees and 2,550 hedgerow species along the river at Fishwick Bottoms in Preston. The Scheme has also supported South Ribble Borough Council’s “Plant 110,000 Trees” programme, with extensive planting at Golden Way in Lower Penwortham.
Proposals for replacement and compensatory planting, as well as landscaping and biodiversity requirements, are detailed within the environmental masterplans as part of the planning application submissions.
About the Victoria Road lime trees
To enable construction works along Victoria Road, some of the trees on the river side of the existing wall will need to be removed. Removing trees is not something the Environment Agency undertakes lightly. Extensive investigations, including tree root radar surveys and engineering assessments, were carried out to try and identify alternative designs that could preserve them. Unfortunately, due to the density and spread of the root systems, and the proximity of the trees to the required working area, it is not feasible to retain them and construct the flood defences.
The proposed design includes the removal of 18 lime trees, but three others at the viewing platform will not interfere with works and won’t be removed. The Environment Agency is also exploring further ways to mitigate the tree loss. 180 cuttings have been taken from the trees, which are being propagated and will be planted elsewhere in the community. 14,000 trees have been planted as part of the Scheme on the opposite bank in Fishwick Bottoms
More details on the lime trees can be found here.
Ecology
A range of ecological surveys have been undertaken to inform and support the Scheme. The Scheme encompasses habitats typical of the urban setting along the River Ribble and River Darwen, i.e. grasslands, tree lines, roads, bridges, and pedestrianised areas. The surveys pay particular attention to otters living along the River Ribble and to local bat activity.
Working in the river is avoided wherever possible but when it is necessary, it is restricted to between mid-June and January. This avoids impacting coarse fish, smelt (small fish), and eels present in the River Ribble.
The Scheme has invested in habitat creation, this has mostly taken place at Fishwick Bottoms in Preston with the planting of native trees and hedgerows, and at Ribble Sidings in Lower Penwortham with the construction of an insect-friendly wetland.
Historical structures and features
Some of the new flood defences will be constructed close to historic structures—such as Penwortham Old Bridge—or close to conservation areas. Extra care will be taken when working in these sensitive locations.
Any small heritage features, such as mile markers, will be carefully removed during construction and reinstated in their original positions once the flood defences are complete.
