Dinnington River Restoration project.
I have recently used ELMS for a stream restoration project on the Cramfit brook in Dinnington. The project aimed to create a more natural two stage channel from an existing steep sided drainage ditch. Over the course of the project we have created a more diverse stream channel and a wider range of marginal vegetation and wetland habitat across a more connected flood plain.
ELMS where awarded contracts for some site preparation work and channel revetment through a tendering process and proved to be good value for money.
Site preparation work included cutting and chipping dense bankside scrub to allow access for an excavator to complete the earth works. Gareth was very flexible to fit the work in with quite tight project timescales, completing the work to a good standard on time.
Following the earth works I was happy to work with Gareth and his team again. This phase of works involved installing revetments allowing the new channel to vegetate and establish as well as minimising the risk or any sediment inputs or erosion. We were keen for this work to take place as soon as possible following earth works allowing the new channel to establish quickly. Gareth was again very flexible to accommodate this and his team worked in often quite difficult conditions (“The Beast from the East”) to get the work done. I was very pleased with the results.
In all elements of our work but particularly wetland restoration biosecurity is a priority for us. With this in mind our contractors are asked to arrive with clean machinery to avoid any risk of introducing Invasive species to a site. All of ELMS vehicles and machinery arrived on site clean and in good condition.
I have had a very positive experience of working with Gareth and his team on the project and would be very happy to work them in the future.
Jamie McEwan (Living Landscapes Team Leader, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust)
Willow Tit Habitat Creation project.
I recently contracted ELMS to carry out some scrub works as part of the Back from the Brink project. The aim was to diversify the structure of the woodland by thinning areas of closed canopy and the creation of glades to develop an understory for the benefit of Willow Tits (the UK’s second fastest declining bird).
Gareth was very professional and prompt in getting back to me to discuss the works and offered a very reasonable quote which proved to be good value for money. He was very accommodating and flexible with awkward access of the site which made him stand out as he was willing to go the extra mile for us.
As well as quality felling works, Gareth and his team also left and created a number of standing birch stumps which would be used for nesting by Willow Tits. Overall the quality of the works was very good, and ELMS completed the works within a short time frame whilst maintaining high standards. I was very pleased with the end result and even heard a Willow Tit checking out the site once his team had finished!
I had a very positive experience of working with Gareth in this capacity and would be comfortable working with ELMS on future projects.
Sophie Pinder (Living Landscape Project Officer, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust)