A restoration-led minerals extraction enabling former arable land to be restored to wetland wildlife habitats. Work included environmental assessment, detailed design, planning application and coordination of a restoration management programme. A key feature of restoration was the removal of nutrient rich soils to expose the underlying chalk thus creating a series of shallow, calcareous pools. The shallow water has allowed reed and other swamp vegetation to colonise rapidly, to establish new wetland habitats. The exposed chalk surfaces have also provided opportunity for the creation of species rich wildflower grassland and fen meadow. The Watermill site now provides a rich mixed habitat of wetland, woodland and grassland and supports large populations of breeding birds, plants and invertebrates (including nationally rare species) The practice was awarded a CPRE Award for its contribution to conservation and improvement to the countryside through restoration to this nature reserve.
