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Greenhithe Marina

 

"Thomson Ecology operated to the highest professional standards in their dealings with both us and the regulatory authorities. Their survey work was delivered on time and to budget. They consulted closely with us and the authorities. They then made practical recommendations which allowed us to proceed to the next stage. Quite simply, without Thomson, we couldn't have done it. Well done to all at Thomson."

Martin Murphy, Director of Greenhithe Marina (Management) LLP.

 

 

The proposal to develop a new deepwater marina at Greenhithe on the south bank of the Thames looked under threat when the nationally scarce and fully protected aquatic polychaete worm, Alkmaria romijni, was discovered.

The marina planned to include mooring for 180 boats, a boardwalk leading to a new public causeway, a yacht club with restaurant/ bar and a nautical training facility. The proposal was of interest to the Environment Agency and Natural England as it was located only 650m away from the West Thurrock Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for important winter waders and wildfowl on the Thames Estuary and included UK BAP priority habitat in the form of intertidal mudflats.

The regulatory authorities requested that aquatic biological surveys be undertaken and Greenhithe Marina commissioned Thomson Ecology to carry out the ecological survey work. On discovery of the polychaete worm, which is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), the authorities objected to the development. Further consultations took place between all parties and it was decided that a second extensive survey was required to determine the local distribution of the worm in relation to the proposed marina location and to identify potential ecological mitigation measures.

We obtained the required licence from Natural England to collect Alkmaria romijni and was able to identify that, although it was distributed across a large part of the proposed site, it had a preference for sub-tidal zones. We recommended that by locating the marina 25-30m further off-shore than its original location and avoiding areas where there was the highest density of Alkmaria romijni, the risk of disturbance would be reduced. A number of further ecological mitigation measures were identified to ensure minimal disruption to the worm both during and after the construction of the marina. These were agreed with both the EA and Natural England and the objection was removed.