Rodney Parade Walkway and Flood Defence Structure
Newport
Client: Welsh Development Agency
The project proposed the construction of a riverside walkway, cycleway and flood defence structure along the east bank of the River Usk at Newport. The River Usk is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) containing habitat types and/or species which are rate or threatened within a UK or European Context.
As an integral part of the ecological impact assessment work extensive baseline survey work was undertaken to ascertain the location of suitable otter habitat and to note evidence of otters. The survey addressed how the otters were using the bank area and predicted the potential impact and its significance of the proposed walkway and flood defence structure.
The Otter Survey of Wales 2002 and DMRB Volume 11 was used as guidance and the habitat assessment covered a 10km stretch of the River Usk both upstream and downstream.
