QinetiQ: Supporting environmental work at MOD Shoeburyness

Land October 1, 2020

Writing for Defence Online, Matt Elmer, Health, Safety and Environmental Advisor at QinetiQ, examines environmental responsibility when working with the MOD Estate.

Environmental responsibility is a key priority for us at QinetiQ, particularly in stewardship of sites which we manage under the Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA). The LTPA covers sixteen MOD-owned sites which are mostly used for test and evaluation (T&E) activity in support of our armed forces. Many of these sites are ecologically sensitive and we are committed to work alongside the MOD in protecting the natural balance.

MOD Shoeburyness is one such site – humans, flora and fauna have co-existed with T&E here for over 150 years. Based in Essex, the site has outstanding geographical features, with 9,300 acres of land plus an additional 35,000 acres of flat tidal sands; this not only provides a large secure safety area needed for long range firing and the recovery of shells, but the size and range of environments makes the site a prime location for conservation activity.

MOD Shoeburyness an important strategic range for T&E and training exercises. Yet, in line with QinetiQ LTPA range requirements regarding environmental and ecological interests, the environmental work that occurs alongside it is of fundamental importance to the functioning and upkeep of the site and the team have gone to great lengths to support the natural environment. Currently MOD Shoeburyness has 30 sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) along with Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) status and is recognised under the Ramsar convention, which identifies wetlands of international importance. These designations recognise the unique habitat at Shoeburyness and spur us to a commitment to go above and beyond the basic requirements for an ecologically conscious organisation.

Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said: “Sustainability is a priority across Defence and, while never losing sight of its primary purpose, we want to manage our Estate in a way that enhances the environment.”

“From using wildlife friendly ditching methods that protect water voles, to adding chick shelters to support beach-nesting birds, the team at MOD Shoeburyness are leading the way in encouraging rare plants and animals to thrive. It’s encouraging to see how simple changes to our estate can make such a difference to the health and diversity of the local ecology.”

Currently conservation at the site involves a multi-pronged approach linking a number of different projects that are run by a dedicated conservation group. Some of the activities include practical and educational initiatives; for example, beach cleans are carried out along the site’s coast line throughout the year in association with Biffa (a waste management company).

Wildlife is also central to the range’s conservation focus. MOD Shoeburyness is home to a number of rare bird species, and the development and implementation of environmental support systems to retain and attract them is an area of focus. The flats around Foulness Island in particular, which is located within MOD Shoeburyness, are of international importance for six bird species: Dark-bellied Brent Geese who flock to the area in their thousands every winter, Oystercatchers, Grey Plovers, Knots, Bar-tailed Godwits and Redshanks.

Recently, the team has been working on improving nesting for Little Terns, a rare seabird native to the UK which has suffered a 25% reduction in UK population since the 1980’s. For the Little Tern project, QinetiQ, DIO (Defence Infrastructure Organisation) and Natural England have been working together to employ a novel ‘no dig’ solution to increase Little Tern breeding habitats. This is done by stimulating the creation of nesting areas through a wader platform, and adding chicken shelters to

attract these beach-nesting birds. A number of Little Tern decoys have also been installed to encourage these sociable birds to feel comfortable on the site, and MP3 players have been used to mimic bird noises for the decoys.

Considerable work has also been undertaken in recent months to improve the habitat for Turtle Doves, one of the UK’s fasted declining breeding birds – and for which MOD Shoeburyness is a natural home and one of the few remaining UK breeding strongholds. The Turtle Dove is unique in the UK as the only migratory dove species, and has been threatened by a loss of habitat and disease. QinetiQ and the Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB) have been working together to support habitat improvement works, conducting Turtle Dove surveys and taking steps to improve the likelihood of nesting attempts during breeding season, for example working with local farmers to put feed across the site for the doves.

At MOD Shoeburyness, the team continues to prioritise environmental and ecological interests by undertaking infrastructure improvements, one such example addresses flooding issues to ensure water flow is clear. Similar to other low-lying areas in the UK, flooding can be a problem at MOD Shoeburyness. To deal with this the site undertook over 6 miles of ditching works using a wildlife friendly method, which has been crucial to protecting various species habitats – including European protected water voles and a number of aquatic invertebrates.

The positive results yielded from ongoing projects at MOD Shoeburyness, involving the LTPA team and a great number of conservation charities and organisations, highlight the importance of protecting and maintaining sites that are ecologically sensitive. These important works at MOD Shoeburyness allow essential testing and training for our armed forces to take place in harmony with the environment, making the most of its unique geographical features and natural attributes, without forsaking its natural backdrop and its inhabitants.

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Matt Elmer QinetiQ