funding smaller scale projects, including those mimicking natural systems, where the benefits from installing flood reduction measures are apparent. The first block of funding came from the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, part of the Environment Agency with the project funds being managed by the Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust; unsurprisingly this was the first time either organisation had funded a water management scheme using beavers! Other help and support came from Essex Wildlife Trust who have been vastly knowledgeable about the ecology of the area. Funding has also come from some unexpected sources, such as Coca Cola who have been working to put back into the environment the water they have extracted for the soft drinks industry, a scheme running as part of the Cam and Ely Ouse Catchment Partnership, part of DEFRA’s Catchment Based Approach initiative. The estate has contributed further finance, labour and materials. Can you explain how the beavers’ habitat works within the landscape of the estate? At Spains Hall Estate we already had measures in place such as field edge bunds, or earth banks, around the edge of some fields to slow water run-off onto adjoining roads, and also attenuation (or balancing) ponds which are man-made basins designed to store floodwater at ground level. From a climate change perspective, we know that there are many more heavy rainstorms than there used to be, and more periods of drought. The way the beavers
work is to build dams which trap the water and create deep pools, which is the habitat they enjoy most. The dams gradually release the trapped water onto the adjoining land, like a sponge being squeezed. It is important to note that the quality of the water has also improved, as measurements have shown that oxygen levels in water from the dams is more stable than other streams, meaning aquatic insects and fish fry will benefit. For many people working with such beautiful creatures in the outdoors will seem rather idyllic. Have there been any downsides to the project? We were well aware that beavers fell and eat trees and shrubs, and sure enough several trees adjoining the dams have been damaged by them, including some willows that we had assigned for harvesting to use to produce cricket bats. From the outset the project included plans to test ways of deterring beavers from damaging selected trees. We are trialling fencing and an eco-friendly sand-paint mix, which seems to be working so far! But any downsides are outweighed by the huge positives. Since the project has started there has been enormous interest in the beavers and the dozen dams they have built. It’s been a springboard to many interesting conversations, and we are now working with the geography department of King’s College London, who want to develop low cost weather and water measurement systems for developing countries. They have installed a number of water flow and
measurement devices around the site, which will help to determine how much water can be held back in places that are prone to drought. The measurements from the devices here are relayed to the cloud, and anyone can view the data. We’ve also had visits from the Chief Executives of the Environment Agency, Country Landowners Association, Natural England and Flood Re. This last is particularly significant, as Flood Re is an initiative between the government and insurers to help homeowners who cannot get insurance as their properties are at such a high risk of flooding. There are four houses in Finchingfield who fall into this category so it has particular resonance for us here. This scheme won’t eliminate flooding, but it might reduce the risk by making the area more resilient and will give the government and the insurance industry better data. For more information on the beavers and Spains Hall Estate please see www.spainshallestate.co.uk to assist all businesses invest in projects that provide environmental and climatic improvements which can help you establish sustainability projects on your land or within your business. If you are considering such a project, speak to the Scrutton Bland tax team to find out more about the options available to you. Email hello@scruttonbland.co.uk or tel 0330 058 6559 . There are a number of tax measures that have been introduced by successive governments
P E R S O N A L F I N A N C E | S C R U T T O N B L A N D | 1 1 C L I E N T P R O F I L
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker