Sustainability Award for Skomer Island!
Sustainability AwardThe following is an extract from the Award Citation:
"The old warden's house was becoming increasingly uninhabitable and the decision was taken by the Trust (who manage the island) and CCW (who own the island) to improve the facilities for the warden and visitors.
A new warden's house, residential accommodation for researchers and laboratory facilties were designed. Consideration had to be given as to how the raw building materials were to be brought to the island (barge via Milford Haven was the decided option). All materials brought to the island had to be baited against rats which would have devastated the summer populations of Manx Shearwater and Puffins.
The replacement materials had to be lightweight, transportable, fit visually into a very sensitive landscape and withstand a harsh marine environment. A sustainable timber frame building was put on the site of the old accommodation and it has its own solar energy, water harvesting and new foul water treatment plant.
The derelict stone farm buildings were turned into five bedrooms, a kitchen and lounge/dining room for short stay visitors. The old cowsheds were rebuilt to provide better accommodation for the voluntary assistant wardens who spend a week at a time on the island, and improved accommodation was also built for the assistant wardens. Solar energy provides electricity and heating and a natural spring and eco friendly composting toilet serves staff, volunteers and visitors.
A new interpretation and information centre was built on the mainland to replace the old Lockley Lodge builing. Remote cameras were introduced where pictures of nesting birds and seals plus views of the flora and fauna can be enjoyed by disabled visitors unable to get to the island or if the boat is cancelled due to inclement weather.
This extremely complex project was expertly completed without disturbing the sensitive environment. It will greatly assist the protection, enjoyment, management and interpretation of this wonderful natural environment."
The award was presented to Dr Madeleine Havard, chief executive of the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales, and the project team at an awards ceremony held on 16 May 2008 at Cardiff Millennium Centre.
Skomer Island was entered by Alan Thomas of the Countryside Council for Wales, who was also the Project Manager.
Designers: Roger Bell, Bell Designs
Quantity Surveyor: Lyon McGee Associates
Structural Engineers: Roger Casey Associates
Planning Supervisor: Parsons Brinkerhoff
Principal Contractor: Dawnus Construction Ltd