Adi Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd

Client: Energy and Water Agency

Start / Finish Dates:  November 2016 - June 2017

Adi Associates, together with a team of experts including Dr Eman Calleja (ecologist and habitat restoration expert), Mr Edwin Lanfranco (botanist and ecologist) and Dr Aaron Micallef (geologist and hydrologist), developed an Environmental Restoration Plan for an integral part of Chadwick Lakes.

The study was carried out in two parts. The first part of the project required the collection of data including existing data as well as data gathered through numerous site visits and surveys to allow the team to map all trees and habitats, locate and identify species of conservation interest, characterise the landscape, identify any cultural features of interest and identify geological and hydrological characteristics of the area. As data was collected it was mapped using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) which were a key tool in assisting the eventual development of a restoration plan. The presence of rare species or species with restricted distribution was confirmed during the project such as the Cantabrican Morning Glory, the Tadpole Snail and the Painted Frog. The surveys began during the rainy season such that the watercourse had a steady and voluminous water flow and much of the valley bed and the bottoms of ponds along the watercourse were not visible. Once the dry season settled in and the area began to dry up, the project team were able to spot a number of alien species including the Red Swamp Crayfish and the Red-Eared Terrapin. During this part of the project, the team also met with numerous stakeholders to understand more about how the area is used and the threats and pressures that it is exposed to.

The second part of the project involved developing the Restoration Plan for Chadwick Lackes. A vision was developed for the site and objectives and actions were drawn up with a view to eventually achieving the vision. The Plan focuses on enhancing and expanding the rare riparian habitats that grow in and along the watercourse. Managing and eradicating invasive aliens is important in ensuring the long-term success of the natural habitats. Another key aspect and main objective of the Plan was to ensure that the water storage capacity of the man-made historic reservoirs is enhanced and maximised. The Plan specifies which interventions need to be implemented and where in the site. It was written in such as way as to facilitate the project manager in the eventual implementation, acting as a handbook for project implementation and site management.