Landfill operations ceased at the site in the mid-1970s. In keeping with the standards of the time the former gravel pit had no liner and received a mixture of commercial, industrial and domestic wastes directly in contact with the gravel and surrounding groundwater. A thin layer of cover soil was then placed across the site, and it was turned over to informal horse grazing. By the mid 2000’s the cover soils had been all but swallowed by the landfill materials leaving the wider environment at significant risk from a variety of contaminants including asbestos, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons with uncontrolled landfill gas & leachate. The situation was exacerbated by close proximity to residential areas including a school.
In light of growing regulatory recognition of the site’s problems Rural Arisings Ltd were appointed by the landowner to restore the land to beneficial use. Early consultation led the way for the land to be converted into a new privately owned public open space as a part of Thurrock’s green grid.
We are responsible for managing the entire restoration process including detailed surveys, ground investigation, design, submission of planning applications, construction of the earthworks, stakeholder management, as well as the financial strategy needed to see a project of this scope realised.
A charitable trust has been set up to safeguard the management of the new park, work with the community and enable locals to volunteer in carrying out habitat management and wildlife surveying.
The restoration design is centred on a new cap and cover to protect users from the pollutants below, to mitigate rainwater from reaching the landfill and provide a growing medium for the new soft landscaping.
Eight metres in places, the contours were shaped to use of the run-off from surface water in the wetland habitats and have the benefit of providing views of the surrounding area. A gas venting system was installed to manage residual landfill gas and protect the adjoining properties.
The habitats created in the new country park include wildflower meadows, hedgerows, areas of scrub, woodland patches, grassland for wildlife and recreational purposes and specially designed habitat to benefit reptiles and the amazing and unusual diversity of invertebrates found on site. A large part of the restored site has been converted into a meadow recognised by the Prince of Wales’ Coronation Meadow scheme. The site has been featured on the BBC programme ‘The Hidden Wilds of the Motorway’
Provisions were made for the resident fishing club to continue using the lakes in the middle of the site throughout the restoration works. Also two wind turbines were installed which provide cheap renewable energy to the adjacent school and a contribution to ongoing park management.
You will find further information and updates about the work on site on our blogs.
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