We have recently moved to larger premises, giving us the facility to cater more fully for the demands of our operations within agriculture, conservation and leisure. We have been involved in the restoration of wetlands into irrigated water meadows and the restoration and maintenance of several miles of the river Itchen and its tributaries, giving us a unique level of competency on projects involving rare and protected habitats.
Our retained staff have a network of specialist consultants with proven ability enabling us to successfully manage all projects put to us whatever the planning and environmental issues are.
The Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2008 came into force on 1st January 2009, posing a new challenge for farmers in designated Nitrate Vulnerable Zones including much of Hampshire and Wiltshire, although full enforcement is deferred to allow preparation time to select and implement preventative measures such as new manure storage facilities.
The Regulations aim to improve water quality and specify that farmers should not be spreading manure during the autumn when the water table is being recharged. Exact dates are dependant upon soil types and whether fields are ploughed or grassland. Dates for spreading will be staggered between August and October, although the lifting of this is likely to be on the same day in January, resulting in farmers needing to stockpile manure for several months, and deal with the 'small' issue of storage.
Enforcement of the Regulations is proposed to begin in 2012, meaning that farmers will need to have in place hard standings, concrete yards, stores or barns to hold manure until they are permitted to spread it on their land. For further details of the requirements of the Regulations, the timescales and the areas which are designated as Vulnerable Zones visit the DEFRA website. If you need advice on the kind of facilities which you will need to comply with the Regulations please contact us
In the current climate any additional costs to a business are unwelcome, but with possible deductions from your Single Payment Scheme or risk of prosecution at stake, a competitive, professional solution becomes essential. At Highbridge Civil Engineering we specialise in all areas of ground works, concrete foundations and drainage and can undertake any work which may be necessary to provide suitable storage facilities.
As a local, family business with extensive experience of serving the agricultural industry we would be happy to provide a free no obligation quotation for any works that you may require in order to meet the new regulations. We have recently secured a national contract with a leading concrete company, and we would like to take this opportunity to pass these very competitive prices onto you, to assist with this forthcoming busy time in the farming industry.
Highbridge Civil Engineering addresses each client’s individual needs to the highest professional standard, with both agricultural and environmental references available from satisfied farming customers. We pride ourselves on our exceptional Health and Safety record and Customer Service within the industry. Our experienced work force holds the relevant certification for the operation of all plant and equipment and are conversant with current health and safety legislation.
Please phone us for further information and a competitive quote.