THE WOODLAND TRUST, BROMSGROVE

Overview

The works were commissioned by The Woodland Trust, at Fairfield Forest near Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, and required the replacement of the existing brook culvert along with the construction of a new access track and car park.

The existing watercourse crossed beneath a compacted stone access track with 4x 225 Ø mm clay pipes and 1x 300 Ø mm iron pipe acting as culverts, which were undersized and in a state of poor repair resulting in restricted flow capacity and the potential for increased flooding. The solution was to construct a new 1200 Ø mm culvert complete with 2x vegetated bag headwall system (RootLok system), to replace the existing culvert, whilst working within the existing watercourse without the aid of over pumping due to the ecological constraints imposed within the contract.

In addition, the Woodland Trust required the construction of a new stone vehicle access track approx. 450 m long to access various parts of the woodland together with a 90 m² stone car park.

Challenges
The scheme presented a significant number of challenges, given that the works were undertaken within a site designated as Ancient Woodland as follows:

Development of a detailed traffic and pedestrian management plan to mitigate traffic congestion at the site access

Maintenance of pedestrian access at key ‘rights of way’ which travers the site and are to remain open.

Presence of high-pressure gas main which travers the site

Protection of existing tree root systems which are within the proposed pavement and temporary haul route all construction

Protection of Ancient Woodland tree roots within the area of access road construction

Protection of woodland ecology

Flood risk during periods of prolonged rainfall

Pollution risk to sensitive woodland watercourses and fauna

Unauthorised access

Working within a live watercourse without over pumping

Outcomes

Through proactive planning, strong environmental controls and close coordination with key stakeholders, the access track, carpark and culvert replacement works were delivered safely, ahead of programme, on budget and with zero defects at the point of hand over. The upsized culvert provides long term flood resilience and supports The Woodland Trust’s commitment to sustainable woodland management,

Furthermore, no environmental or safety incidents were recorded (including zero RIDDOR’s ), allowing the continual access to both The Woodland Trust personnel and members of the public to the woodland amenity.

This project highlights effective planning within a environmentally sensitive ancient woodland demonstrating McPhillips ability to deliver complex works around critical infrastructure such as high-pressure gas mains.

Benefits & Added Value

Through the implementation of McPhillips quality management plan the following benefits and added value were incorporated into the project as follows:

Through careful traffic coordination material deliveries were phased outside of peak traffic resulting in no local traffic disruption with local supply partners

Localised ‘no dig’ construction techniques, together with strengthened passing points incorporated into the access road to protect / preserve tree root zones close to the surface

Maintaining unauthorised access within the works through strict fencing erection and maintenance with controlled access and egress.

Utilisation of tree friendly aggregates with no history of Ancient Woodland disputes

Phased culvert construction utilising temporary open ditch diversion to mitigate silt disturbance whilst maintain existing fauna and flora

Localised weather monitoring to allow for works scheduling within drier periods

Detailed utility surveys and liaison with Cadent Gas with inclusion of plant exclusion zones and advance protection mat installations

Provision of gate marshals at all rights of way crossing points together with the erection of clear pedestrian friendly signage.

Pollution control with downstream silt nets/bunds, off site designated refuelling zones utilising HVO fuel (not diesel) and strict environmental monitoring in accordance with our ISO 14001 accredited procedure’s.

Client Testimonial

“Thanks again to you and your team for all the work you have done on this and for the professional way you operate.”

John Virgo – Contracts manager (The Woodland Trust)

Testimonials

"The site manager and assistant site manger did a fantastic job on the scheme, they were friendly, reliable, professional and their experience on managing the subcontract labour and technical ability was second to none."

Ian Lowe, BIT Group

"McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd undertook the construction of a recent public realm scheme in Shrewsbury, they provided traffic and pedestrian management to manage the construction of the scheme in a busy urban area, with high pedestrian footfall. All civils and re-paving works were completed to a high standard and in a tidy, productive and efficient manner. They were able to engage with Shrewsbury BID to aid in the planning of events, as well as liaising with local businesses and shops to minimise impact. They worked effectively and efficiently to complete works to the accepted programme and administered the contract well using web based management systems. There were good working relationships between all parties, and their on-site management of personnel was excellent."

Scott Hughes, WSP

"McPhillips were good to work with and they were always keen to resolve any issues or complications which obviously occur on such a large and complex project, probably the biggest S278 Worcestershire has ever dealt with."

Sally Everest, Worcestershire County Council

"Having been the first time we have used McPhillips as a main contractor we have been impressed at the ease at which we have developed a good working relationship to enable the project to be maintained to timeline and budget incorporating both additional work items and some more unusual occurrences on-site."

Richard Allen, London & Cambridge Properties

"We will most certainly use McPhillips again and we will have no hesitation in recommending you to other schools and colleges."

Sheena Hodgson, The Westwood Academy

"The site delivery team were extremely helpful. The site was clearly always orderly, fully resourced and well managed throughout. The workmanship was of the highest quality and the project was delivered on-time and within budget providing The Wrekin Housing Trust with a facility of which we are justifiably proud. Overall WHT is more than happy with McPhillips’ performance on Oakwood and wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again in the future."

Karen Lloyd, The Wrekin Housing Trust

"I will have no hesitation in employing McPhillips on other projects and therefore look forward to working with you again; it was a pleasure working with you and your team, demonstrating a positive approach throughout the project."

Mike Steele, Birmingham City Council

"The quality of the work provided is always of a high standard and every effort is made to accommodate the needs of businesses and residents impacted by the work. With regard to project management, I found the management team and site staff to be amenable at all times. I would highly recommend McPhillips to be considered for any highway regeneration projects or similar works."

Steve Hollins, Telford & Wrekin Council

"McPhillips carried out work for Adams’ Grammar School between May and September 2013. They did so under some stringent conditions imposed by the school and performed admirably to meet significant deadlines. Their work on site was also very impressive; their site manager was most professional and worked seamlessly with our own employee when there needed to be alterations/modifications. They worked very easily around children and kept an appropriate distance from our own work. When it came closer to the deadlines they produced work at an impressive speed in order that we were able to open on time. We will certainly use them again."

Michael Barrett, Adams' Grammar School

"I can truly say that I could not wish to have worked in conjunction with a more impressive and agreeable contractor than McPhillips. Many thanks for the experience."

Peter Oughton, Dogs Trust

"We’re delighted with the work carried out by McPhillips. Thanks to their excellent building and civil engineering experience and skills we’ve been able to create an enriched environment for our dogs."

Clarissa Baldwin OBE, Dogs Trust

"We have no hesitation recommending McPhillips and look forward to the opportunity of working with them in the future."

Pam Edwards, The Wrekin Housing Trust

"McPhillips and their team were professional and efficient from tender stage through to contract completion, with a can do attitude that brought the scheme in on time and on budget within tight constraints."

Bob Nicholson, Pochin Developments

"Everyone has commented favourably on the quality of workmanship and the professional, courteous and organised approach of the men involved. As a consequence, the work was completed to a very high standard, in a very short time with the minimum of noise and disruption to residents."

Diane Peacock, Pengrove Residents Association

"McPhillips performed extremely well with a high quality of workmanship and a professional approach in dealing with the public and businesses in a very busy part of the town. I can confidently recommend McPhillips as a competent and professional contractor and since this scheme, I have worked with them on various projects and would be pleased to work with them again in the future."

Karl Farrow, Cheshire West & Chester Council

"I would have no hesitation in recommending McPhillips."

Paul Harris, Shropshire Council

"The team from McPhillips remained positive and proactive throughout, working with the Council's team to find solutions and deliver an enabled site which was fit for purpose. Their can-do attitude and pragmatic approach has been essential in delivering a successful project for the Council."

Kate Turner, Telford and Wrekin Council

"McPhillips has an excellent understanding of the client's needs and works collaboratively to achieve a quality product."

Peter Parker, Birmingham City Council

“Choosing the right construction partner for our development was crucial. McPhillips proved to be the perfect choice, demonstrating exceptional expertise in delivering precisely what our operation needed. As a Telford-based business ourselves, it was particularly satisfying to work with a local construction partner who understood our needs and delivered such high-quality results. The new facility has significantly enhanced our operational capabilities, and McPhillips’ professional approach made the entire process smooth and efficient."

Robin Dale, Dale Brothers

THE WOODLAND TRUST, BROMSGROVE

Project Details

Project Images

Testimonials

Contact Us