Joint message from the lead project partners
We’re excited to share news with you on the tremendous progress being made so far this year on the Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA) Ecology Mitigation and Flood Defence Project, the biggest of its type in the West of England. The project covers an extensive area, stretching from Aust in the north to Lamplighters Marsh in the south.
When the project is complete in 2026/27 we will have:
- Provided around a 17km length of flood defence, reducing flood risk to 2,500 homes and businesses
- Helped to unlock 12,000 new jobs for the West of England
- Created a minimum of 80 hectares of new wetland habitats for internationally important bird species
- Created improved walking routes, making it easier for everyone to enjoy nature and the spectacular views of the Severn Estuary.
We welcome your feedback. Let us know, too, if there is a future topic that you would like covered in this e-newsletter.
Progress Update
Since the beginning of the year, and despite the challenges of Covid-19, we have made substantial progress.
Delivering flood protection
In the north of the project area, we are installing a flood defence wall at Aust Wharf Road and expect to complete this work by this winter. We have installed a new filter drainage system at Passage Road and are constructing ramps to cross the road. Improvements to existing earth embankment flood defences are in progress from Passage Road to New Passage and will be completed in autumn 2022. We are also working at Cake Pill outfall to raise the structure and expect to complete this section of work in the summer.
Wetland Progress
A vital element of the project is the creation of new and sustainable wetland habitats to protect and secure the future of the internationally important bird species who make their homes on the Severn Estuary. Work is in progress and, by the end of the year, we will have created wetlands at both Northwick and Hallen Marsh. We are constructing new ponds, areas of shallow water, and ‘high-tide roosts’ for birds.
Footpaths: temporary closure
So that we can construct the new flood defence walls and ramps, sections of the Severn Way footpath between Aust and Chittening are temporarily closed. There will be a phased reopening of the footpath to allow completed sections to be reopened as works progress. The finished project will include footpath improvements.
Project partners Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council, the Environment Agency and the West of England Combined Authority have worked together to ensure that other footpaths remain open to provide alternative routes. A map with full details of the diversions and closures is available here.
