Learning's from the River Lugg

December 10, 2020

Last week the River Lugg, a nationally important Site of Special Scientific Interest, situated within the Wye Catchment - a European protected habitat - hit the news after reports of destruction and unconsented river works. Envireau Water have worked extensively within the Wye and Lugg catchments over the last 20 years and we are very conscious of the importance of the SSSI. With this distressing news we thought we would take this opportunity to highlight the effects human interaction can have to our natural water environment.


We do not know under what circumstances the works took place, however, there is a learning point to be taken from this event. In general, activities carried out within 8 metres of the bank of a river requires a permit from the regulators. Requirements differ across the devolved nations and the river in question, so be sure to know which regulatory body you need to apply to. The steps taken to obtain a permit can be time-consuming, but not necessarily difficult. The permitting process allows the impact of the proposed works to be assessed, other stakeholders to be involved (for example Natural England and the Forestry Commission) and mitigation to be designed to minimise or eliminate impacts.


What happened to the SSSI?

The news reports state that a 1-mile reach of the river and banks have been subjected to, dredging, felling of trees and re-profiling. The consequences for this may include removal of protected habitats, increased soil erosion, increased turbidity, silt deposition on spawning areas, and reduced bank stability, all contributing to the decline of ecosystems and water quality.


Our Principal Hydrologist Lee Clarke said…


“The motivation of the event was likely to reduce and manage flood risk. However, there are many other suitable solutions which could have been implemented, such as Nature-based solutions (NBS). These offer effective ways to protect, sustainably manage and even restore natural systems. 


Though, we don’t know the full story, as a landowner you have a responsibility to protect the environment and it’s integral you are aware of your regulatory requirements. What you might perceive as a costly, time consuming activity in gaining a consent or a permit, could prevent you from being in deep water with the regulator.”


What can you do?

Don’t make the same mistake! If you’re unsure of your options, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team has a wealth of experience in the permitting requirements for works in, or near rivers and other water courses and can liaise with the correct regulatory body to obtain the necessary permit or consent for you. We carry out regulatory work across the UK and are here to support you whilst protecting the environment. Get in touch with our technical lead LeeClarke@envireauwater.co.uk or call us on 01332 871 882.

Share

Hannah Muir joins Envireau Water

By Rachael Plant • July 10, 2025
We're always excited to see our team grow, and we are thrilled to welcome Hannah to the team. Hannah joined our Scotland office at the end of June to gain some hydrogeological experience alongside completing her university studies, and we look forward to welcoming her officially in September where she will begin her career as a Hydrogeologist. Prior to joining, Hannah completed a BSc in Environmental Sciences at University of Glasgow and is currently working towards completing an MSc in Hydrogeology at the University of Strathclyde. During her masters and undergraduate degree, Hannah has participated in various fieldwork activities where she developed an in-depth understanding of applied hydrology, soil analysis and mapping techniques.

Rob Pickersgill joins Envireau Water

By Rachael Plant • July 8, 2025
Our team just keeps on growing and we are delighted to welcome Rob Pickersgill as our newest member! Rob joined us at the end of June, bringing extensive experience across both hydrology and civil engineering, with a particular focus on hydraulic modelling, Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs), and Discharge Impact Assessments. Rob's academic background stems from the University of Nottingham, where he completed a MEng in Engineering, followed by an MSC in Global Urban Development and Planning at the University of Manchester. Rob joins our specialist surface water team and will be based at the RSK Group office in Bristol, providing hydrological services to a range of projects for our diverse client base, primarily within the development sector.

World Day to combat Desertification and Drought 2025

By Rachael Plant • June 17, 2025
Desertification and drought are two of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. Exacerbated by climate change, the devastating effects of both can be felt across the globe, with an estimated 40% of the world's population impacted by water scarcity events. As global temperatures continue to rise, and severe weather events increase, regions across the globe face the potential for increased frequency and severity of droughts, often progressing rapidly and unexpectedly. As of 29th May this year, a drought was officially declared in parts of the UK, having experienced the driest start to Spring in over 130 years. Whilst the recent rainfall at the start of June has helped to stabilise concerns, uncertainty for the months ahead still remain. How is the UK landscape affected by drought?
Show More

Hannah Muir joins Envireau Water

By Rachael Plant • July 10, 2025
We're always excited to see our team grow, and we are thrilled to welcome Hannah to the team. Hannah joined our Scotland office at the end of June to gain some hydrogeological experience alongside completing her university studies, and we look forward to welcoming her officially in September where she will begin her career as a Hydrogeologist. Prior to joining, Hannah completed a BSc in Environmental Sciences at University of Glasgow and is currently working towards completing an MSc in Hydrogeology at the University of Strathclyde. During her masters and undergraduate degree, Hannah has participated in various fieldwork activities where she developed an in-depth understanding of applied hydrology, soil analysis and mapping techniques.

Rob Pickersgill joins Envireau Water

By Rachael Plant • July 8, 2025
Our team just keeps on growing and we are delighted to welcome Rob Pickersgill as our newest member! Rob joined us at the end of June, bringing extensive experience across both hydrology and civil engineering, with a particular focus on hydraulic modelling, Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs), and Discharge Impact Assessments. Rob's academic background stems from the University of Nottingham, where he completed a MEng in Engineering, followed by an MSC in Global Urban Development and Planning at the University of Manchester. Rob joins our specialist surface water team and will be based at the RSK Group office in Bristol, providing hydrological services to a range of projects for our diverse client base, primarily within the development sector.

World Day to combat Desertification and Drought 2025

By Rachael Plant • June 17, 2025
Desertification and drought are two of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. Exacerbated by climate change, the devastating effects of both can be felt across the globe, with an estimated 40% of the world's population impacted by water scarcity events. As global temperatures continue to rise, and severe weather events increase, regions across the globe face the potential for increased frequency and severity of droughts, often progressing rapidly and unexpectedly. As of 29th May this year, a drought was officially declared in parts of the UK, having experienced the driest start to Spring in over 130 years. Whilst the recent rainfall at the start of June has helped to stabilise concerns, uncertainty for the months ahead still remain. How is the UK landscape affected by drought?

Tom Onslow joins Envireau Water

By Rachael Plant • June 12, 2025
Envireau Water is delighted to welcome Tom Onslow to our North Office in Richmond! Tom joined us at the start of the month from Western Australia, where he gained experience working as a Field Hydrogeologist. Prior to this, Tom graduated from Newcastle University with a Master of Earth Science (MEarthSci). Tom is experienced in both field and desk-based activities, including the supervision of water exploration drilling programs, conducting hydrogeological sampling and logging, carrying out pumping tests and analysis and designing and installing groundwater monitoring networks. Tom has also built a strong foundation in technical reporting, having contributed to a wide range of water-related projects, particularly across the mining sector. At Envireau Water, Tom will continue to develop his hydrogeological expertise and provide technical support across a range of sectors both on site and in the office.
Show More