Atkins appointed to national ecology framework - 07 May 2010
The Environment Agency has contracted Atkins to provide expert ecological advice in freshwater ecology and conservation management across England and Wales.
Atkins, the UK’s largest engineering design consultancy, has been appointed to the national Ecological Services Framework Lot 1 which relates to aquatic and terrestrial ecology. This continues its longstanding relationship with the Agency and draws on its extensive experience of ecological management, including work on the Olympic Park, where Atkins’ ecologists have been involved in relocating sensitive wildlife species so that site work can proceed.
Helen Gavin, Project Manager at Atkins, said: “Atkins has an excellent track record in ecology and habitat management with a diverse team of hydrologists and ecologists across the business. We have expert knowledge of legislation relating to conservation and the aquatic environment so will be able to help the Environment Agency ensure that it continues to build on its commitment to ecological biodiversity while meeting legislative demands. The Water Framework Directive is having a huge impact across the UK and we are applying our hydro-ecology skills to ensure our water bodies achieve good ecological status.”
Atkins will draw on expertise from across its water and environment business to increase the effectiveness of the monitoring and interpretation of the ecology of aquatic systems. This will include expert advice on habitat management and restoration, biodiversity action plans and protected and non-native species.
The framework runs for two years with the possibility of extension for a further two one-year contracts.
Ends
For more information:
Laura Fewell
Communications Manager
Atkins, Water & Environment
+44 (0)1372 756376 / +44 (0) 7803 261 370
laura.fewell@atkinsglobal.com
Notes to editors:
Atkins (www.atkinsglobal.com) is the UK’s largest engineering and design consultancy and the world’s 11th largest design firm. We have the depth and breadth of expertise to respond to the most technically challenging and time-critical infrastructure projects and the urgent transition to a low-carbon economy. Whether it’s the concept for a new skyscraper, the upgrade of a rail network, the modelling of a flood defence system or the improvement of a management process, we plan, design and enable solutions.
Recent projects include:
• Consultant for the design of the Olympic Park and site wide infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including ecological management to ensure adequate protection, mitigation and enhancement of biodiversity.
• Major infrastructure works, such as the design and programme management of the civil works for the Dubai Metro red and green lines;
• High profile transport planning and urban design – our innovative scheme to deliver a diagonal crossing at London’s Oxford Circus has helped tackle the problem of pedestrian crowding;
• Key rail projects – providing architectural and engineering design services on London’s Crossrail, Europe’s biggest civil engineering project, and designing stations, tunnelling and track systems on Gautrain, South Africa’s first high speed line.
• Multidisciplinary building design – North Wood Primary School in Darlington is an exemplar project which raises standards for environmental design and community engagement;
• Vital water and environmental projects – as part of a joint venture, Atkins is providing technical assistance to the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform Programme in Nigeria, which will benefit up to three million people.
Atkins was named Consultancy of the Year in the CIBSE Low Carbon Performance Awards 2010; received the first ever certification of the Carbon Trust Standard awarded to an engineering consultancy in the construction sector; and was named among The Times Top 50 Companies Where Women Want to Work 2009 and The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers 2009. Atkins was also construction and civil engineering sector winner for the fifth consecutive year in the Target National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2010 and was awarded a ROSPA Gold Medal 2010 for excellence in control of health and safety in the workplace.
Atkins is the official engineering design services provider for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.