Structural ModificationsEast Chevington
The Home Engineers provided the structural modifications of 2 bird hides at East Chevington Nature Reserve in Northumberland.
Project Overview
This project relates to the structural modifications of 2 bird hides at East Chevington Nature Reserve in Northumberland. The existing Bird Hides are steel containers that are constructed with corrugated steel plates.
The roof is formed with steel box sections that support steel plates that span between. The proposal was to modify the existing Bird Hides to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly structure for the general public and bird watching enthusiasts.
The works were made possible as part of Northumberland Wildlife charity’s five-year ‘Catch My Drift’ project, an initiative backed by the National Lottery via The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The project outcomes were to improve habitat, biodiversity, and access to the East Chevington Reserve at Druridge Bay, Northumberland.
The main structural design considerations were to ensure stability of the Bird Hide structures following the modifications, whilst also developing and designing strengthening works that would be suitable for the permanent case.
Structural Modifications – Public Amenity
Northumberland Wildlife Trust, The Home Engineers (Structural)
Project Challenges
The primary challenge was ensuring the stability of the existing steel container structures once modifications were made.
Any alterations to the roofs and walls required careful assessment to ensure they could safely withstand permanent loading and visitor use, while still achieving the desired improvements in appearance and accessibility.
The Solution
We carried out structural design modifications to strengthen the bird hides and ensure stability following the proposed works.
Strengthening measures were developed to address the structural demands of the modified container form, with the steel box-section roof structure carefully checked and reinforced as necessary.
This approach ensured that the hides could be safely adapted while maintaining durability in a coastal environment.
The Outcome
The completed modifications provided the East Chevington Nature Reserve with bird hides that are both functional and inviting.
The project has improved accessibility for the public and enhanced the overall visitor experience, contributing to the broader aims of the “Catch My Drift” project in promoting biodiversity and habitat protection.