Client
Natural Resources Wales
Project Value
Confidential
Services
- Structural Engineering
- Civil Engineering
Completion
2022
Caulmert Limited were appointed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to plan and design a bridge across the Little Dee in Penaran Forest as part of the LIFE Dee River programme. The project played a key role in reducing the input of sediment and nutrients on a stretch of the River Dee.
The scheme involved restoration of the river’s health and habitats, and the addition of a bridge at the crossing in the Penaran forestry block which had a positive impact on nature in the area.
Prior to installation of the structure, forestry vehicles had to cross the river by driving directly through the watercourse, leading to contamination and the potential to harm spawning grounds of fish and other aquatic animals further downstream.
Caulmert also devised the streamlining of the embankment and improvements to the access track leading to and from the new bridge. The new crossing will prevent an estimated 4,000 trips through the river by articulated lorries, with approximately 25,000 tonnes of timber to be harvested and transported over the next five years.
The bridge measures 8.5 metres long and 3.5 metres wide and construction included the use of 10 precast concrete planks for the deck.
Tomos Wynne, land management officer for the LIFE Dee River project said: “The bridge will help limit the input of sediments and nutrients from entering the watercourse and will also reduce the chances of any further contaminates from entering the Dee, offering benefits to salmon and other aquatic species found there.
Tomos continued: “Working with our contractor, DW Jones, and designer, Caulmert, the plan and build has ensured water quality in the Afon Dyfrdwy, a Llyn Tegid special area of conservation, is protected in the future.”
