Date: September 2020 |
We are 10! We can hardly believe it. A heart felt thank you to all our staff, clients and colleagues for everything over the years. Here is a statement from Dr. Hamish Moir UK Managing Director & Geomorphologist:
‘It seems like yesterday when Chris Bowles and I began the cbec adventure and now, 10 years later, we have 18 staff! It’s been an exciting time and not without some challenges (the current global situation being an extreme one!) – but there have been many more highs than lows. In order to get to where we are now, my initial business inexperience had to be quickly turned around – you don’t get taught finance and management much doing research in fluvial geomorphology! But we’ve been helped along the way with amazing staff and clients – cbec would not exist without good people supporting us. I think that at least part of our success has resulted from sticking to our core principles of doing science-led work (nearly half of our staff have had PhDs!) and appreciating the intrinsic value of riverine environments – our tag line is ‘designing with nature’ and that is what we always try and apply in our ‘process-based’ approach to river management and restoration. With our recent association with RSK, we are confident that the next 10 years will be even more exciting for cbec – onwards and upwards!’ – Dr. Hamish Moir UK Managing Director & Geomorphologist |
Date: September 2020 |
cbec uk were responsible for the investigation and design of the Allt Lorgy and it’s now a winner for the Uk River Prize! We applied a full ‘process restoration’ strategy with the aim of reinstating dynamic geomorphic and ecological processes. We have continued to monitor the development of the site. Great achievement for us!Congratulations to all involved – Spey Fishery Board, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Scottish Natural Heritage and SEPA.For more information on the winning river for 2020 and other contenders please visit: https://www.therrc.co.uk/uk-river-prize
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Date: November 2017 |
Seaton Park Wetland Project wins Herald Society Award!Aberdeen City Council has scooped a national Herald Society Award for Environmental Initiative of the Year, for a second time! This time for the Seaton Park Wetland Project. cbec is proud to have worked on this project with Aberdeen City Council and all the other key associates.Continual flooding in Seaton Park was once an amenity and maintenance headache. Now, the Seaton Park Wetland Project, in the heart of Aberdeen city, is a thriving environmental asset for wildlife and the local communities.The cbec team was involved throughout the project from concept to construction. In pertnership with Walking-The-Talk, our team conducted a topographic survey, full ecological and geomorphological assessments and public consultation input. This fed into the production of designs (both conceptual and detailed) of the proposed and final works. Our team was also on site during construction to assist and advise. Photos to follow… |
Date: October 2017 |
cbec has a new Head Office phone numberThe telephone number for our Inverness office has changed, but don’t worry, our previous number will continue to work for a while yet.
Please feel free to call us on 01463 718831 to find out more about our services and projects. |
Date: October 2017 |
IFM Annual Conference, The Big Fish, Belfast, 10-12th OctoberDr Hamish Moir and Dr Eric Gillies travelled to Belfast for the IFM Annual Conference this month. The event was hosted the IFM’s Ireland branch and welcomed delegates and speakers from all over Ireland and Great Britain. There was a fantastic programme of talks incorporating sessions from both the freshwater and marine environments, including presentations from both Hamish and Eric. |
Date: September 2017 |
International Symposium on Soil and Water Bioengineering in a Changing Climatecbec’s Managing Director, Dr Hamish Moir, was in Glasgow on 7th and 8th September for the International Symposium on Soil and Water Bioengineering in a Changing Climate.
Hamish, joined by David Holland Technical Director of Salix, delivered a presentation on ‘The Use of Large Wood in River Restoration: Design, Modelling and Implementation’. Find out more about the event |
Date: August/ September 2017 |
cbec sponsors Scotland’s Salmon Festival… cbec was pleased to sponsor Scotland’s Salmon Festival for another year. The primary aim of Scotland’s Salmon Festival was to raise awareness of the Atlantic salmon, its lifecycle, cultural and economic importance in Scotland and the pressures that it currently faces. This in turn links to challenges associated with the integrated management of the wider aquatic environment in Scotland.The festival held a 2 day international conference title ‘Atlantic Salmon Marine Ecology: Knows and Unknowns’ at the UHI campus in Inverness. There was also a film night at Eden Court Theatre showing films of the iconic Atlantic Salmon. A two day family fair was held at Bught Park with electrofishing and casting lessons, food demonstrations by top chefs, fantastic food and craft exhibitors, plus children’s activities including face painting, a bouncy castle, storytelling, arts and crafts.A highlight of the festival was the Inverness Angling Club Centenary Spey Casting Tournament. Competitors travelled from far across the globe to cast on the River Ness. |
Date: July 2017 |
cbec attends the Rivers Trust Fisheries Conferencecbec’s London based Senior Project Manager, Dr Martin Kernan, attended The Rivers Trust 2017 Fisheries Conference.
The conference showcased investigations, projects and partnership working throughout the aquatic environment. Martin met with staff from local Rivers Trusts to discuss all aspects of fisheries management and fisheries science. Our projects have included utilities companies, government agencies, angling associations, fishery trusts and private river proprietors. We have expertise in the Atlantic Salmon of Scotland and the threatened Chinook and Steelhead Salmon of North America. |
Date: July 2017 |
cbec launches the NFM Toolbox!cbec and the Environment Agency are proud to announce the publication of the Natural Flood Management (NFM) Toolbox.
The Toolbox is a practical 7 step guide to developing successful NFM strategies in rural English catchments. This guidance aims to fill an identified gap in NFM practice by signposting practitioners and communities to relevant evidence, support mechanisms, practical assessment tools and case studies that help them deliver projects with both environmental and flood risk benefits. The Natural Flood Management Toolbox is available to download |
Date: June 2017 |
Catchment Based Approach Water Industry WorkshopLeonardo Camelo, cbec’s London based geomorphologist and project manager, has met with representatives from all across the water industry at a workshop organised by the Catchment Based Approach. The CaBA is community-led approach that engages people and groups from across society to help improve our water environments.
You can find our more about the CaBA at: |
Date: June 2017 |
cbec welcomes Marleen Crabtree to the team!cbec is pleased to welcome Marleen Crabtree to our team. Marleen is based in our Inverness office to keep everything running smoothly as Office Administrator. Originally from the Netherlands, Marleen studied Nutrition and Health before working in customer service and administration roles. With an interest in nature and wildlife, we’re sure she’ll enjoy working with cbec. |
Date: May 2017 |
Team building with a spot of paintballingThe cbec team headed to Aviemore last weekend for our annual get-together. A great time was had by everyone with only a few paintballing bruises…
Photos to follow… |
Date: May 2017 |
cbec’s Hydrone G2 remote control survey boat has arrived!The boat is tracked using either Total Station or GPS to record its horizontal location and elevation, with a sonar device (SonarMite) collecting data on depth of water to the water body bed. Together these determine the 3D profile of the bed surface of the water body.
Deployment takes only a short time and, having used it on a number of projects, we are well practised in its operation. By using the boat, we can survey much more efficiently, especially in water that is too deep or fast flowing for wading. If you’d like more information about our bathymetric surveying services, please |
Date: March 2017 |
cbec’s Léa Gillot is contributing author to recently published article!Léa Gillot, a junior scientist with cbec’s field surveys team, is a contributing author to a recently published article; Tracking effluent discharges in undisturbed stony soil and alluvial gravel aquifer using synthetic DNA tracers, (Pang, et al. 2017).Léa spent a six-month internship with the Institute of Environmental Science and Research in Christchurch, New Zealand. The research, and subject of the published article, used synthetic double-stranded DNA tracers in laboratory column experiment and field groundwater and soil lysimeter studies to track discharges of domestic effluent into soil and groundwater.The article can be accessed HERE. |
Date: February 2017 |
Dr Richard Williams joins cbec on an Industrial Fellowship!During his Fellowship, Dr Williams research will involve the assessment of morphological sensitivity of recently completed river restoration schemes. The specific objectives are:
(1) to assess rates of morphological adjustment following river restoration implementation using a variety of survey methods including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); (2) to evaluate scheme resilience based upon restoration approach, river energy and scheme maturity; (3) to produce evidence to shape future river restoration efforts. For more details click |
Date: February 2017 |
cbec celebrates World Wetlands Day!!!On 2nd February, World Wetlands Day fell upon us! A day for raising global awareness of the value of our wetlands! This years theme was centred on Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction. cbec has worked on a number of projects to design and create wetlands to address localised flooding and water quality concerns. Click the links here to see BEFORE, DURING and AFTER photos of our design at East Tullos Burn in Aberdeen. |
Date: December 2016 |
Happy Holidays and New Year from cbec!We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and remember to raise a glass to cbec around your family Christmas dinner….since who wouldn’t want to toast your favourite river restoration consultancy? |
Date: December 2016 |
cbec Opens New Office in Alloa We are excited to announce the opening of our newest office! The space provides cbec with a central base in Scotland and is easily reachable by train. You can find us at:Alloa Business Centre, Whins Road, Alloa, FK10 3SA. |
Date: October 2016 |
John Preston Joins cbec! cbec are very pleased to announce the arrival of the newest member of our team, John Preston! John joins us whilst finalising his PhD on the coastal geomorphology of high-energy subpolar coastlines, modelling drivers of change and the impact of these on Norse seafaring communities. John is an experienced geomorphologist and hydrologist. Welcome John! For more information on John’s experience Click here. |
Date: May 2016 |
cbec Staff Return to the Isle of RúmOur staff loved the first trip to the Island back in June 2015, so it was an easy decision to return for our annual staff social this year. Fell running, cycling, walking and otter spotting were among the activities our team got up to whilst there! Read more about our trip HERE. |
Date: February 2016 |
The Team Welcome Ruth Walker!cbec would like to say a big welcome to Ruth Ward, who joins us as Business Development Manager. Ruth will also take on Health and Safety responsibility and assist with daily administration. Read a short bio here. |
Date: November 2015 |
Dr Martin Kernan, Senior Project Manager, Joins cbec We are extremely pleased to announce that, after months of careful searching, cbec has a new Senior Project Manager: Dr Martin Kernan. Martin has joined us after working for ENSIS for many years, and is an internally renowned freshwater scientist. He not only brings his 20 years’ experience in freshwater systems, but also his meticulous approach to project management and organisation to help us in our continued expansion. You can read Martin’s full bio HERE. Welcome, Martin! |
Date: October 2015 |
Léa Gillot and Jorge Iguzquiza Join cbec!Please give a big welcome to our two newest recruits! After interning with us in 2013, Léa Gillot has joined us as a full-time member of staff. She has a strong background in river restoration and geomorphology, and has made the move from France to join cbec. You can read her full bio HERE.We are also delighted to welcome Jorge Iguzquiza, who is bringing his expertise in GIS for river restoration, as well as his experience in surveying. You can read Jorge’s full bio HERE.Welcome, Léa and Jorge! |
Date: September 2015 |
New Headquarters in Inverness We are very pleased to announce that we have relocated our headquarters from our previous Alford address to Inverness, as we needed larger office space. We recently had a big office opening party, but if you couldn’t make it, you are always welcome to come by and say hello. You can find us at:
The Green House, Beechwood Business Park North, Inverness, IV2 3BL …and our new phone number is +44 (0) 1463 667318. |
Date: August/ September 2015 |
Scotland’s First Annual Salmon Festival We are a proud Lead Partner sponsor of Scotland’s first Salmon Festival, and have worked closely with Inverness College UHI and the other partners to organise this event. It runs from the 2nd to the 5th of September, with a wide range of events, including films, lectures and even a casting competition! For more information, see the official website:http://scotlandsalmonfestival.org/ |
Date: June 2015 |
Staff Trip to the Isle of RúmAt the start of June cbec staff came together from all corners of the UK for a staff ‘away’ weekend on the glorious Isle of Rúm. Apart from a wet and windy start, we had beautiful weather, giving us the chance to hike the island, observe the famous Rúm ponies and even spot a few otters. We are already looking forward to next year! For photos of the trip, click HERE. |
Date: October/ November 2014 |
Eddleston construction is scheduled to begin!Construction on the Eddleston at the Craigburn site is scheduled to begin at the end of this year. We have surveyed and modelled the site to produce restoration designs on behalf of the Tweed Forum. |
Date: October 2014 |
Dr Hamish Moir becomes Honorary Research Fellow!We are proud to announce that our Managing Director, Dr Hamish Moir, is now an Honorary Research Fellow at the Rivers and Lochs Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands. Congratulations, Hamish! |
Date: September 2014 |
Leonardo Camelo joins cbec!We extend a warm welcome to Leonardo, who joins cbec this month as an Environmental Specialist, bringing his knowledge and expertise in river geomorphology to the team. Read his bio here. |
Date: September 2014 |
A busy few months ahead for cbec…We have a busy conference schedule this autumn! Here is a list of all our recent and upcoming conferences:
1st – 3rd September: British Society of Geomorphology Annual Conference, University of Manchester. Our Director, Dr Hamish Moir, presented a talk entitled: 22nd – 24th September: Vindel LIFE Project Conference, Lycksele, Sweden. Dr Moir will be presenting on 1st October: cbec is sponsoring the Institute of Fisheries Management – London Branch’s Annual Sherry Evening at Fishmongers Hall, London. Come join us for a wonderful event! 6th – 9th October: 45th Annual Institute of Fisheries Management Conference: From Sea to Source, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool. Details of the conference can be found 27th – 29th October: European River Restoration Centre Conference, Vienna, Austria. Dr Moir will be presenting a talk discussing 5th – 6th November: IUCN NCUK (International Union for Conservation of Nature National Committee for the United Kingdom) Expert Workshop on River Restoration, University of Liverpool. Dr Moir has been invited to provide input on several topics, including the status of river restoration in the UK and evidence of which restoration approaches are known to succeed. Visit the 15th – 19th December: American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, San Francisco, California. Drs Hamish Moir and Eric Gillies will be attending and presenting on |
Date: September 2014 |
cbec to develop MImAS for Scottish GovernmentWe are very pleased to announce that the Scottish Government has commissioned us to deliver a major project on ‘Developing data extraction procedures to improve the description of river morphology pressures and typing data in Scottish rivers’. cbec is leading the project in partnership with Geoger Ltd., Arup, Newcastle University and the Tyne Rivers Trust. |
Date: August 2014 |
cbec awarded options appraisal projects on Lemno Burn and the River Nith We are proud to announce that SEPA (the Scottish Environment Protection Agency) has awarded cbec two river restoration options appraisal projects: on the Lemno Burn (South Esk catchment) and the River Nith (second phase at New Cumnock). We will be producing a series of restoration options for both projects this autumn. |
Date: August 2014 |
Construction almost complete at Hackbridge on the River Wandle! On behalf of the Wandle Trust, cbec conducted the modelling and design of three weir removals at the site, and the plans have finally become reality. Visit the Wandle Trust’s website to learn more: http://www.wandletrust.org/ |
Date: July 2014 |
River Babingley construction is about to begin! cbec was contracted by the Norfolk Rivers Trust to survey and model the upper reaches of the River Babingley to produce river restoration designs. We will be supervising construction this September. Photos to come! |
Date: July 2014 |
Alison Wood joins cbec!We are pleased to welcome Alison to cbec later this month. Alison will be joining us as a Junior Scientist and Administor, bringing her field and organisation skills to the team. Read a short bio here. |
Date: April 2014 |
The East Tullos Burn restoration project is almost complete Check out photos and a description of the project here. cbec has been working on this project with Aberdeen City Council, Walking-the-Talk and Salix River and Wetland Services and we are very pleased with how it has come together! |
Date: April 2014 |
cbec at the River Restoration Centre’s Annual River Restoration Conference cbec will be at the River Restoration Centre’s Annual River Restoration Conference at Sheffield Hallam University on the 7th and 8th May 2014. We will be having a stand and presenting some of our latest work – come say hello! To learn more about the conference, more information can be found on the RRC website. |
Date: March 2014 |
cbec has had a busy winter! Several of our projects are in the construction phase, including East Tullos Burn in St Fittick’s Park, Torry, Aberdeen. cbec designed and modelled the project in 2012 on behalf of Aberdeen City Council and worked with Walking-the-Talk to conduct a public consultation with local residents. We are working with Salix River and Wetland Services to deliver the construction works, and it is coming along nicely. Photos of the works in-progress are here and will be updated regularly. |
Date: February 2014 |
Mains of Dyce – Current Conditions We invite you to examine our latest photos of the Mains of Dyce, illustrating how it has stablised. Click to go straight to the photo album. |
Date: January 2014 |
cbec at RAFTS and ASFBcbec is looking forward to attending the annual RAFTS and ASFB conference at the Battleby Institute in Perth on the 20th of March. We will be having a trade stand and a competition to win a bottle of single malt. Come along to say hello and try your luck!For more information on the conference, click here: http://www.asfb.org.uk/events/For any visitors from this conference, please see our River Restoration page. |
Date: December 2013 |
Autumn/Winter Newsletter Released
Read our |
Date: September 2013 |
Thomas Aspin completes his Summer PlacementThomas Aspin, our summer intern who was welcome into cbec for his master’s summer placement has now completed his time. He returns to King’s College London to finish writing up his dissertation. Good luck Thomas! |
Date: August 2013 |
Summer Newsletter ReleasedRead our Summer Newsletter (Issue 2)! This issue’s feature is Natural Flood Management, and the case study covers NFM on the Dee and Nith. |
Date: May 2013 |
New Staff – Thomas Aspin Thomas Aspin will be doing a summer placement with us investigating the eco-hydrology of a Yorkshire river. Welcome to cbec, Thomas! |
Date: April 2013 |
Welcome to the first edition of our cbec Quarterly Newsletter! Please read, enjoy, discuss, debate, and pass on to your colleagues. Let us know your thoughts over on our Facebook page, plus follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date with cbec’s activities! Visit our Newsletter page to download (and sign up for newsletter notifications). |
Date: April 2013 |
Spring has sprung!The 16’ of snow has melted that was blanketing several of our sites in Scotland, and we are finally out and about surveying across the country. Although we had braved this winter’s blizzards, a bit of sun makes it all a bit more pleasant! See photos of some recent surveying HERE. |
Date: March 2013 |
cbec at the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS) and Association of Scottish Fisheries Boards (ASFB) Annual Conference in PerthWe had an excellent time at this year’s RAFTS conference, staying warm and dry inside even as it rained, snowed and hailed throughout the day. There were excellent talks focusing on the pressing issues of aquatic resource management in Scotland, and many chances to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.Please visit our Facebook page for photos of the event: HEREFor any visitors from this conference, please see our River Restoration page.You can read more about this conference at the official website: HERE |
Date: February 25th 2012 |
cbec now hiring!cbec is hiring one full time permanent position (Senior Project Manager) and two full time temporary positions which have the potential to become permanent (Technical Assistants).Please visit the Careers section for job descriptions and instructions how to apply.UPDATE: Technical Assistant and Project Manager positions now filled. |
Date: January 2013 |
cbec events over the coming yearcbec will be participating in many conferences and exhibitions through 2013. The list will expand over time, but here are a few to add to your calendar. Why not visit one to meet our staff and discuss any potential projects? If friendly expert advice is not enough, there’s always the chocolate on our stand!NB. We will have a cbec stand at the events in bold: |
17th January –
PEOPLE, PILOTS and PROJECTS: An evaluation of the
scientific basis for river and catchment restoration
necessary to achieve Good Ecological Status under
the Water Framework Directive, the Welland Trust and
the University of Leicester, Leicester
6th February – Before and after – the Arborfield bypass,
weirs and wet woodland project, Institute of
Fisheries Management, London
21st March –
Annual Conference: Catchment if you can: Is
fisheries management more effective when catchment
based?, Rivers and Fisheries Trusts, Edinburgh
22nd March –
London Freshwater Group Spring Meeting, London
10-11 April –
Water and Environment 2013 Annual Conference, CIWEM,
London
27th April –
Freshwater Algae Identification, London Field
Studies Council, London
30th April to 1st May – 14th ANNUAL NETWORK CONFERENCE: Scaling up
our Aspirations for River Restoration and
Management, River Restoration Centre,
Northamptonshire
26 to 27 June –
European Eel Conference: Breaking Down Barriers,
Institute of Fisheries Management, London
October (dates TBD) –
Annual Conference, Institute of Fisheries Management
11 to 13 September –
5th European River Restoration Conference, Vienna,
Austria
9 to 13 December –
Fall Meeting, American Geophysical Union, San
Francisco, USA
Date: 13-15 November 20121 November 2012 |
UPDATED: cbec at The River’s Trust’s Living North Sea ConferenceAs mentioned in this post previously, cbec has just returned from the Rivers Trust’s Living North Sea conference in Newcastle. There were excellent speakers giving updates on the Living North Sea project that has run for the past three years working to improve sea trout migration. Much has been accomplished! Check out the photos of our stand, too – a lot of chocolate was consumed!Please visit our Facebook page to see photos of the event:HEREFor any visitors from this conference, please see our River Restoration page. You can read more about this conference at the official website: HERE |
Date: 8 October 2012 |
cbec at the IFMcbec just returned from exhibiting at the annual Institute of Fisheries Management conference in Edinburgh. The three-day event examined evidence-based fisheries management and had a wide range of excellent speakers covering an array of topics. We had a wonderful time meeting the delegates, discussing how cbec can help improve fishery management and judging the poster contest. We look forward to next year’s conference!Please visit our Facebook page to see photos of the event: HEREFor any visitors from the IFM, please see our Fisheries Services. |
Date: 29 September 2012 |
cbec and Life+Big news! Scottish Natural Heritage’s work on securing future populations of the rare freshwater pearl mussel on the River Naver has just received new funding from the European Commission’s LIFE+ Fund.Read the BBC article: HEREcbec led a project on the River Naver looking into the effects of in-stream river engineering on freshwater pearl mussels. The output from this project helped feed into this Life+ application. |
Date: 6 September 2012 |
cbec on Facebook!cbec is now posting the latest news and developments in the water resources and associated industries, onto our Facebook account. We invite you to visit our Facebook page to browse these interesting articles and our comments.While you are there, we would greatly appreciate a ‘Like’!See our Facebook page: HERE Remember the Facebook link is always at the top right of every page on this website for quick access. |
Date: 20 August 2012 |
cbec launches new UK websitecbec is proud to launch a new revamped UK website. This new website will make it easier to understand what makes cbec so successful in delivering exceptional quality projects and services. In particular, we have re-codified all our current Focus Areas and Technical Services. |
Date: 16 August 2012 |
Come visit cbec’s stand at IFM’s Annual Conference in Edinburgh, October 2012cbec will be manning a stand at the Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM) Annual Conference, October 3rd-5th, in Edinburgh. If you would like to have a face-to-face chat with cbec to discuss any idea or project, Contact Us and we will be happy to arrange a time during the conference. |