BATS
As part of the investigations into the feasibility of the works, British Waterways undertook an environmental appraisal of the works. This identified that the aqueduct might be suitable bat habitat. We therefore called in the experts, in this case Mark Robinson an ecologist with extensive bat experience based in our Waterway Conservation and Regeneration offices. Mark, our batman, identified that there were several potential bat roosts in the aqueduct and even spied a colony of Dauberten bats. Bat habitat is protected. We therefore notified DEFRA and arranged for the bat mitigation works to be carried out. These involved Mark abseiling the aqueduct installing bat excluders on his way down. These excluders will ensure no bats will roost in the structure while the works are ongoing. He has also specified that new bat boxes be installed in the structure to provide new habitat for the bats so that they will return when all the works are completed.
SAFETY
Once on site it was recognised that children could potentially put themselves at risk by ill-advisedly climbing over the parapet wall to walk on the cornice stones. As the stonework has suffered some deterioration over the years and, therefore, presents a safety hazard, British Waterways has erected fence panels along the towpath to prevent people from getting onto the ledge, thus ensuring that the work can be carried out safely.
GOATS
Unfortunately the works have involved turning out a herd of goats that had acquired squatters rights under one of the aqueducts side arches. They haven't taken the news well but hopefully when the aqueduct is returned to its former glory they too will agree the work is worthwhile.
WHO
There is a team of civil engineers who have been working on the Dundas Aqueduct Refurbishment. Even before the works started on site, months of project development had taken place. The project has been led by a chartered civil engineer whose responsibility it is to project manage every aspect of the work. This involves co-ordinating all of the skills and knowledge of British Waterways' environmental and technical specialists, liaising with other statutory bodies, consulting with the general public and working closely with contractors to ensure the works go ahead.
For information the parties involved are :
British Waterways - Client & Project Managers
Edmund Nuttalls Ltd. - Civil Contractor
Ellis & Go. - Stone Masons
Denholm Industrial Services Ltd. - Scaffolding
English Heritage - Advice & consultation