Planning permission has been granted for The Moors at Arne, a scheme on the Isle of Purbeck to adapt approximately 150 hectares of low-lying grassland into diverse wetlands.
wetlArtist's impression of The Moors at Arne nature haven in Dorset
A partnership between the Environment Agency, RSPB, and Natural England, the project will provide essential space for nature to replace areas lost elsewhere in Poole Harbour due to sea level rise.
The granting of planning permission by Dorset Council means the ambitious scheme to compensate for the impacts of climate change can proceed, and a three-year programme of construction will begin in spring 2023.
Careful construction of new tidal embankments will create a mosaic of saline and freshwater areas. The new areas will take several years to establish and will continue to evolve over time, but in doing so will protect natural surroundings, while improving and maintaining flood resilience. Without these works, this unique coastal landscape and its wealth of protected species is at risk from sea level rise and could be lost in the future.
Ron Curtis of the Environment Agency added:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with RSPB and Natural England on such an exciting project that will provide benefits for wildlife and all those who live, work or visit the Poole harbour area.
Dante Munns of the RSPB said:
"We are delighted that this scheme has been approved. It has taken a long time to plan and develop and is an exemplar of how technical specialists, stakeholders and the wider public have worked together.”
Close collaboration with the RSPB and Natural England has ensured the project’s construction programme safeguards the site’s rare plants and host of resident creatures which include water voles, sand lizards, and birdlife.”
The Silvertown Tunnel’s pumping system is reducing the risk of flooding, delays and costly maintenance, while supporting the long-term resilience of London’s transport network, says Ian Ireland, large pumping projects programme manager, Xylem UK.
In a TV show that will explain the complex journey of the wastewater treatment process, Lakeside Equipment Corporation is set to feature in US Public Television’s All Access program with Andy Garcia.
Environmental Services & Solutions (ESS) Expo, the UK’s largest environmental event, has released the full speaker programme for its 2025 event, which now features seven shows spanning all corners of the environmental sector, under one roof at the NEC Birmingham.
We are exhibiting at WWEM – Water, Wastewater and Environmental Management Expo, which is one of the eight exhibitions taking place at the NEC, Birmingham 17-18 September 2025 as part of ESS Expo 2025. Please come along and visit us at Stand WW-S60.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video. 
What is to be done about the UK’s failing utilities? Listen to Professor Dieter Helm explore the options to tackle the UK’s failing utilities – Thames Water, the Royal Mail and Network Rail in particular.