Summary
This event provides an opportunity to visit the A3 Cockrow heathland green bridge connecting Ockham and Wisley Commons in Surrey and hear from the designers and contractors involved in its construction.
Description
The recently-opened Cockrow bridge spans the A3 in Surrey and was built as part the M25 Junction 10 improvements. It is the first of its kind in the UK supporting a heathland habitat translocated from nearby sites and which provides connectivity between Ockham and Wisley Commons designated as a SSSI and SPA that are separated by the A3. The scheme was delivered along with extensive heathland restoration through clearance of pine and birch woodland.
This outdoor event offers an opportunity to visit the bridge and hear from guest speakers involved with the design and construction of the bridge – Victoria Gilbey from AtkinsRéalis and Nataniel Bond from Alaska Ecological Contracting. The speakers will provide insights into the construction journey from initial funding applications to the practical translocation of the heathland turves. The event will be hosted by Surrey Wildlife Trust who manage the adjacent common land. There will also be an opportunity to see the heathland restoration areas and to understand how the site is managed. The bridge is easily accessible from the car park at Ockham Bites café and is also close to Surrey Wildlife Trust’s Pond Farm offices.
Nat Bond is R&D Manager at Alaska Ecological Contracting Ltd and has over a decade of experience in ecological restoration, creation and management with a keen interest in long term results; rooted in the methods and machinery used to achieve them. The Cockrow bridge project has given him the opportunity to use this experience on a high profile heathland translocation project. Demonstrating the quality, speed and efficiency achievable with an experienced team of operators passionate about the results; equipment designed and optimised for the task; and a stakeholder team dedicated to the best possible results.
Victoria Gilbey is an Associate Director at AtkinsRéalis and a consultant ecologist specialising in major infrastructure projects, supporting clients through optioneering, planning, and construction with a focus on nature-positive, climate-resilient design. With eighteen years experience on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, she has delivered ambitious habitat creation and enhancement schemes for a wide range of UK clients. A Subject Matter Expert in Biodiversity Net Gain, Victoria is committed to high-quality ecological design underpinned by robust long-term management and monitoring. She is passionate about integrating nature and climate considerations into infrastructure delivery to secure meaningful, lasting environmental benefits.
