JN Bentley have supported Herefordshire Council with the construction of three new integrated wetlands in Luston, a nature-based solution which is lowering the levels of phosphate in the Rivers Wye, Lugg, and Usk to improve the water quality and boost local biodiversity and wildlife, safeguarding the natural environment.
Construction began in 2022 and involved multiple stages. Initial site surveying and modelling was carried out and a temporary works surface installed to allow digging of the individual cells. Clay excavated on site was used to line the wetland cells, creating an impermeable layer to reduce infiltration and risk of groundwater contamination.
The wetland cells were then planted using a variety of 14 different natural plant species, and the pipeline made operational to test the water treatment process. Finally, the surrounding site was landscaped with the planting of native trees and wild meadow species to support biodiversity.
In the year since the Luston Wetlands project began, the phosphate levels have dramatically reduced – and in some cases removed altogether – and will continue to remove around 300kg of phosphate from the water system every year, a process nicknamed 'the earth kidneys'. The scheme will also provide a biodiversity boost of 183%, thanks to the planting of 85,000 species that will further aid nutrient removal. Every week, water samples are taken to track the phosphate levels at the start and end of the cells to ensure the process is working and making a difference to the rivers and wildlife.
In 2019, Natural England advised Herefordshire Council that the high levels of phosphate in the River Lugg meant that any new housing development must fully offset its phosphate load; thus, the Luston Wetlands project was developed and the works have permitted the development of 600 new homes.
The integrated wetlands were officially commissioned in July this year, where key project stakeholders, including JN Bentley, were invited to celebrate the official opening of the scheme.
The launch event included a welcome from Paul Walker (Chief Executive) and Councillor Swinglehurst (Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Environment) alongside a guided tour through the town of Luston to the Wetlands. This was followed by afternoon tea and a keynote speech from a very special guest, Kevin McCloud (MBE) - known for the internationally acclaimed Channel 4’s Grand Designs and renowned for his ambition to enhance the built environment.
Read more about the scheme on the Herefordshire Council website.
One year on since the site became operational, key project stakeholders came together to celebrate the official opening of the innovative scheme.
The completed wetlands at Luston, Herefordshire.
