Arboricultural Watching Brief Supports Sensitive Sewer Repair in Bembridge

On Embankment Road in Bembridge, Isle of Wight, Cappagh Browne completed a complex sewer repair within the Root Protection Areas of two mature Monterey cypress trees, both subject to Tree Preservation Orders. With no margin for root damage or ground disturbance, the works were planned and delivered using low-impact excavation techniques and specialist arboricultural oversight to protect these prominent local trees while completing the repair safely and compliantly.

Working Within Root Protection Areas

The repair involved accessing a section of foul sewer located within the trees’ Root Protection Areas. While a no-dig solution was initially explored, the condition of the sewer meant an open excavation was required to complete the repair safely and effectively.

To minimise ground disturbance, the team adopted low-impact excavation techniques, combining vacuum excavation with controlled hand-digging. Excavation was carried out in staged increments of approximately 100mm, allowing continuous inspection as works progressed and reducing the risk of damage to surrounding roots.

Arboricultural Oversight and Environmental Mitigation

An arboricultural specialist was present throughout the initial stages of excavation, providing real-time oversight and guidance. During the works, two structural roots were identified and carefully exposed. These were retained in situ and wrapped in damp hessian to prevent desiccation and protect them from mechanical damage while the excavation remained open.

Additional measures were implemented to protect the Root Protection Areas, including strict controls on the storage of plant, materials and spoil. Reinstatement was completed as promptly as possible to minimise the duration of root exposure and reduce environmental impact.

A second excavation was subsequently opened and supervised to a depth of two metres, with no roots of arboricultural significance encountered. Based on these findings, further arboricultural supervision was deemed unnecessary, confirming that the works were compliant with agreed mitigation measures and best-practice guidance.

Balancing Essential Repairs with Environmental Responsibility

This project demonstrates how essential sewer repairs can be delivered responsibly, even within environmentally constrained locations. Through careful planning, specialist excavation techniques and close arboricultural oversight, Cappagh Browne successfully balanced operational requirements with statutory compliance and environmental protection.

The approach reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding local biodiversity while delivering vital infrastructure works safely, efficiently and with care for the communities and environments in which it operates.