Taken by a member of the Gondolin team whilst investigating an RSPB site on Islay.
Gondolin Land & Water were proud to support the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) numerous wastewater and drainage projects in Scotland. Each site presented unique challenges and opportunities to create sustainable, nature-conscious solutions in highly sensitive environments.
Our Scope of Services Included:
- Site Investigation: Hydrological surveys, soil testing and percolation analysis
- Wastewater & Drainage Design: Full foul and surface water network design compliant with SEPA guidance
- SuDS Assessment: Mitigating flood risk while improving water quality and amenity
- Licensing Support: Preparation and submission of SEPA CAR Licence applications (two approved, one pending)
"Gondolin’s expertise provides invaluable support on ecologically sensitive projects with complex site requirements. I have found them to be attentive to client’s needs and a pleasure to work with.”
Allan Robertson
Building Surveyor
RSPB
1. Wastewater and SuDS Design on Islay
At an RSPB site on the island of Islay, our team designed a new wastewater treatment system to serve an existing office and cottage, with provision for a future development.
Key deliverables included:
Separation of combined foul and surface water drainage networks
Design of a sustainable drainage system (SuDS) to manage runoff from car park and roof areas
Integration of environmentally sound practices into every design stage
Trial pits excavated to assess ground conditions and inform sustainable drainage and wastewater treatment designs at remote RSPB sites.
2. Welfare and Wastewater Facilities on Orkney
The Orkney site required a bespoke wastewater treatment solution for a staff welfare facility located in a remote area. To minimise environmental impact and enhance biodiversity, we incorporated a willow trench system — a nature-based solution using plants to provide tertiary treatment and improve effluent quality before discharge.
Benefits included:
High water quality discharge
Alignment with local ecological conditions
Added value through habitat creation and biodiversity gain
3. Drainage Improvements at Forsinard Flows, a New World Heritage Site
Forsinard Flows, a Highland peat bog site recently designated as a World Heritage Site, presented a unique challenge. We were tasked with replacing an ageing shared wastewater system to better serve local property while meeting modern regulatory standards.
Solutions included:
Full separation of foul and surface water drainage
Design of a modern treatment system suitable for peatland context
Regulatory compliance with a sensitive environmental footprint
A snippet of our detailed sustainable drainage design plans.
Delivering Wastewater and Drainage support for Conservation Organisations
At Gondolin, we understand the challenges of designing wastewater and solutions in remote and ecologically sensitive areas. Our experience in hydrology, regulatory compliance, and low-impact engineering makes us a trusted partner for conservation organisations like RSPB.
If you require support with wastewater, surface water or sustainable drainage systems in protected or challenging environments, get in touch with our team today.
