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 After an exhaustive selection process Cognition were successful in securing works directly for The Environment Agency in connection with the development of The EA Information Centre.
It was proposed to convert an area of land adjoining the Thames Barrier at Woolwich into an ecological habitat garden to be used as an educational resource for visitors, predominantly children. A series of different habitat zones were proposed to include woodland, wildflower meadow, herbaceous shrubs, native shrubs and wetland bog area. The work included carrying out recommendations on soil amelioration needed to improve the site soils to a suitable standard to support the different habitat zones
The soil conditions were mostly found to be dark greyish brown dry to slightly moist compacted sandy loam with poorly developed structure. The soil was moderate to very stoney and frequently contained fragments of building waste and other deleterious material, including ash, brick, ceramic, concrete and glass.
Soil requirements for the habitat zones were each considered and applied as appropriate. For example, the nutrient poor soils used in grassland areas were required to be granular or blocky in structure and free from non soil material, brick and other building material and wastes, hydrocarbons, plant matter, roots of perennial weeds and other foreign matter. In each instance the exacting recommendations were carefully applied and all works successfully completed.
The Information Centre is open to the public and is ideal for all the family. It features a working model of the Barrier and a video that shows its construction, operation and how it protects London from flooding. Colourful displays explain the wildlife and environment of the River Thames. There’s also cafe that offers spectacular views of the Barrier together with a picnic and play area for children
The Learning Centre is an educational centre for school groups. It offer activities based around environmental issues providing interactive packages that follow the National Curriculum for Key Stages 2 and 3 for a range of subjects including Science and Geography.
For further information about The Thames Barrier and The Information and Learning Centre visit their website at
www.environment-agency.gov.uk and search for The Information and Learning Centre.
For more information about this case study, please contact us at info@cognitionlandandwater.com |
