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ABPmer
Quayside Suite
Medina Chambers
Town Quay
Southampton
SO14 2AQ
2000
Regulated tidal exchange
United Kingdom
Forth/Black Devon (Clackmannanshire)
-3.7732
56.1015
Lagoon
Transitional Grassland
28 Hectares
Habitat Creation
Demonstration or Pilot Project
This project was undertaken over two phases in 2000 and then 2005. There was one sluice of 1-1.5m diameter. This scheme was located at the junction of the Black Devon with the Forth, this site was created in two phases providing approximately 28ha of wetland, a priority habitat for the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.
In the late 1990s Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust was responsible for the first Managed Realignment when some 7ha, of lagoons (with a sluice to allow tidal flooding) was created. This project was the first known "managed retreat" in Scotland and was a response to the potential consequences of global warming and sea level rise.
The ecology of the locality was enhanced as a consequence of the works. In 2000 the project was awarded a SEPA Habitat Enhancement Award and it was praised for its innovative and forward looking approach. In 2005, the remainder of the wetland was created by the Council, as an integral part of the Black Devon Landfill Restoration Project.
This project involved the capping of the landfill site at the confluence of the Black Devon and Forth at the end of its operational life and its restoration to grassland. The capping soils were stripped from land adjoining the landfill site, extending the wetland by some 21 hectares, including a number of small islands for safe roosting areas.
The site is frequented by redshank, lapwing, swans, terns and greylag geese.
The use of soils from the immediate vicinity of the landfill site was a very cost effective approach, which reduced environmental disturbance to Alloa and allowed wider biodiversity objectives to be met.
The project has been recognised nationally by an Association for Public Sector Excellence Award for Environmental Innovation and a commendation for sustainable development in the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning.
ABPmer
Quayside Suite
Medina Chambers
Town Quay
Southampton
SO14 2AQ