Westwick Bathymetry surveys
Earlier this month Exo environmental carried out two single beam bathymetric surveys at Westwick Lakes, just South of North Walsham in Norfolk. The site, which consists of 5 main water bodies, is classified as an SSSI for its rarity as a predominantly acid lake environment, which are commonly found in upland areas and not conducive to lowland areas, like in North Norfolk.
Exo Environmental were appointed by Natural England to conduct the single beam surveys as part of a wider monitoring programme, that Exo are leading, into the hydrological nature of the site. The aim of this study is to determine the hydrological connectivity of the site to the surrounding catchment and the interconnectivity between the individual lake sub-catchments.
As part of this work Exo conducted the first single beam bathymetric survey at Captains Pond and the second at Perch Lake. The survey was conducted using a Waveline 270 Inflatable Dinghy, with a 3hp electric Torqeedo outboard engine. The use of the electric engine not only reduces our carbon footprint but reduces noise and vibrational disturbance within the protected habitats.
Exo’s capability of conducting single beam surveys in shallow and hard to reach areas gives us the knowledge and experience to collect accurate depth data in challenging environments.
Whilst one surveyor was on the water the other member of the Exo team conducted a site walkover to identify key topographical and hydrological features, which could influence the flow of water in these sub-catchments.
From this walkover we will develop a detailed monitoring plan which involves installation of dip wells and pressure sensors as well as developing a suitable soil core and lake sediment sampling plan.
Over the next few months, we aim to provide Natural England with a clearer picture of the environment here and its hydrology.
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