Client: Albanwise Environment
Project Value: Approx. £75,000
Project Duration: Completion January 2025
Overview
Albanwise Environment commissioned H Fraser Consulting to support a pioneering pilot project on the Holderness Plain in Yorkshire, exploring the feasibility of transforming an existing 135 ha wetland into a 622 ha dynamic, landscape-scale wetland. The project aligns with wider goals around climate resilience, biodiversity enhancement, flood mitigation, water quality improvement, and social value – providing a model for nature recovery at scale.
Project Objectives
The primary aim was to understand the water dynamics across the site to support informed decision-making about wetland expansion. Key outcomes included:
- Assessing the feasibility of wetland enlargement
- Understanding the hydrological behaviour of the site
- Evaluating the interaction between surface water and groundwater
- Identifying the role of the underlying Chalk aquifer
- Supporting future water balance and flood management planning
Site Context
The site is a low-lying agricultural landscape, characterised by a complex network of man-made drainage ditches and subsurface tile drains. Geologically, the area comprises up to 10 metres of glacially-derived superficial deposits (silt, sand, gravel, clay) overlaying the regionally significant Chalk aquifer, which in this area exists under artesian pressure.
Our Approach
HFCL undertook a comprehensive hydrological and hydrogeological assessment, including:
- Borehole Installation: 12 boreholes strategically drilled across the site targeting the Chalk aquifer, deep and shallow superficial deposits
- Long-term Monitoring: Monthly groundwater and surface water level observations over 12 months
- Continuous Data Capture: Level loggers installed in boreholes for real-time groundwater monitoring
- Water Quality Testing: Sampling of surface and groundwater to assess baseline quality conditions
- Rainfall Monitoring: Onsite equipment used to gather localized precipitation data
- Infiltration Testing: Conducted in shallow deposits to assess post-drainage permeability
Key Findings
- The Chalk aquifer is hydraulically separated from the shallow superficial deposits by a 5–7 m thick layer of low-permeability glacial till, significantly limiting vertical connectivity.
- The Chalk does not influence the site’s shallow hydrology and was excluded from the final water balance model.
- A site-wide water balance model was developed focusing on interactions between surface drainage and the shallow aquifer. The model assessed current and future conditions, particularly anticipating hydrological changes if active drainage is halted.
Outcomes & Impact
This assessment provides Albanwise Environment with a robust technical foundation to guide the next stages of wetland development. The project contributes valuable insights into:
- Water resource sustainability
- Flood risk mitigation through natural solutions
- Carbon sequestration and net-zero strategies
- Enhancing biodiversity and habitat connectivity
H Fraser Consulting’s work equips stakeholders with the data and confidence needed to progress toward a transformative wetland restoration vision across the Holderness landscape. Contact us now for more information about water resource management.
