Environmental Consultancy Services
The Fen Ditching Company also includes a separate division known as FDC Consultants. This arm of the business provides standalone consultancy services, which are offered to a wide range of clients throughout the fens and far beyond. FDC Consultants offers professional help and advice for all water and land-based projects, enabling potential customers to determine whether a project should be undertaken or not.
Services include:
- Initial surveys to determine volume of silt to be removed during dredging projects.
- Sediment analysis using specialist soil scientists to determine if silt is suitable for the improvement of agricultural land.
- Application for Waste Exemption Certificates, including liaison with Environment Agency to demonstrate that silt will have a positive environmental impact.
- Services searches with local gas and electricity companies to ensure that no submerged pipelines will be affected.
- Ecology surveys to identify any protected species such as newts or water voles, which may affect the overall project.
- Preparation of land agreements prior to the relocation of sediment after dredging activity
- Pre-start photographic records.
Design and build projects
- Planning applications for reservoirs, including permission from the Environment Agency.
- Engineering calculations and drawings for reservoir construction.
- Construction of lakes and irrigation reservoirs.
- Pond design and liner fitting.
- Design and project delivery of environmental schemes.
- Construction of landing stages and boat moorings on rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
- Design, supply and construction of bridges and walkways.
Grant applications made on behalf of the land owner
- Countryside Stewardship ELS and HLS
- EU-funded grants
- DEFRA grants