This event has been postponed to a future date. Existing registrants will be contacted shortly.
Overview
Come and learn about how a landscape in Oxfordshire is being restored to improve climate resilience and biodiversity! The “Stage Zero” scheme on Blenheim Palace estate seeks to restore natural processes, returning a stretch of the River Dorn and its floodplain towards a state it would have been in prior to human modification. The scheme has been developed by Blenheim alongside the Environment Agency and the Evenlode Catchment Partnership. The scheme, which is being overseen by project management consultants Atkins, involves using a series of natural barriers to control the flow of water in the River Dorn.
We will begin with a morning of talks at Blenheim Palace itself where you will hear from the team of experts who have designed and implemented the scheme. After lunch (provided), there will be a short visit to the site itself, where you will see how drains have been blocked, fallen trees placed in the water and a series of punches cut into the riverbank to naturally flood into the surrounding water meadows and slow the flow downstream.
Speakers
- Dr David Gasca, Head of Natural Capital - Blenheim Palace
- Dr Eleanore Miles, Senior Environmental Scientist – AtkinsRéalis
- TBC - Environment Agency or another catchment partner
Provisional Agenda
- 10.00: Arrive at Blenheim Palace and registration (Spencer Churchill Room)
- 10.25: Opening address, ialeUK representative
- 10.30: Dr David Gasca
- 10.50: Dr Eleanore Miles
- 11.10: EA Speaker TBC
- 11.30: Q&A
- 12.00: Sandwich lunch (provided)
- 13.00: Depart to River Dorn Stage Zero Scheme. Approx. 10mins drive plus walk over rough ground
- 13.30: Guided visit of the River Dorn Stage Zero Scheme (David Gasca and Eleanore Miles)
- 15.00: End
Access
Access to the field site is across a relatively steep field so it may not be suitable for all. Ground conditions in the floodplain area could be muddy / wet if there has been recent rain. If you have concerns about access/mobility, please email publicity@iale.uk
Registration
Please register and pay via the appropriate link below - prices vary according to ialeUK membership status. Non-members are very welcome, but you can join ialeUK now! Deadline for registration is Thursday 26 September. After paying, registrants will be provided an email address to send any dietary requirements.