H Fraser Consulting Ltd.
Organisation type:
Consultancy
Contact name:
Lisa Davies
Position/ Role:
Director
email:
Grants interested in applying for:
Lowland Peat Water Discovery Grant, Lowland Peat Water Implementation Grant, Paludiculture and Wetter Farming Fund
Region:
National/cross-region
Areas of expertise
Carbon accounting/ water management, Environmental monitoring (habitats, water quality), Hydrology, rewetting infrastructure, water management (e.g. tilting weirs, level-control structures), Farmer engagement/ knowledge exchange, Landscape scale planning (aligned with Defra's Landscape Recovery), Peatland restoration, Policy/ regulation/ advisory services, Scientific research (ecology, soils, modelling, remote sensing, biogeochemistry)
Resources available
Facilities for meetings/ demonstrations, Staff time/ research capacity, Trial land available
Engagement interests
HFCL is seeking to collaborate as a strategic delivery and commercial partner for lowland peat and wetter farming projects. We work with landowners, research organisations, public bodies, NGOs, water companies, and businesses to develop and deliver practical, scalable solutions for sustainable peatland management. We offer expertise in research and development in the fields of hydrology and hydrogeology, commercial project delivery, partnership coordination and consortium building, and welcome opportunities to support collaborative projects and funding applications.
HFCL partnerships
HFCL hosts the Shropshire Water Forum and is a partner in the Marches Peat Partnership and the UK Groundwater Forum, providing strong local and regional networks to support collaborative delivery.
We can support with:
* Soils and peatland management – specialists in soil science & farming, peat surveys, habitat restoration, hydrology, and hydrogeology to deliver practical, science-led solutions. We are experienced in the principles of the Peatland Code.
* Wetland pre-feasibility, feasibility, and restoration consultancy – site appraisals, ecological and hydrological surveys, conceptual design, ecosystem service assessment, biodiversity enhancement opportunities, and full restoration design from initial concept through to implementation.
* Groundwater monitoring & analysis – dip wells & piezometers, data loggers, water level and quality measurements, and hydrogeological assessments to understand groundwater availability, recharge, and sustainability.
* Water resource management – advising on sustainable groundwater use, aquifer recharge, and catchment-scale water management strategies.
* Flood risk & drainage – flood and drainage modelling, investigations into flooding and drainage issues, wetland design & restoration, evaluation of SuDS effectiveness, catchment-scale assessments, and water quality improvement strategies.
* Water and nutrient neutrality – nutrient neutrality assessments (nitrogen and phosphorus), catchment modelling, mitigation strategy development, design of offset solutions (e.g. wetlands, land-use change, SuDS), and liaison with regulatory bodies and planning authorities.
* Discharge consents and permitting – preparation of applications, environmental impact support, compliance assessments, and ongoing advisory support to meet regulatory requirements.
* Hydrological Impact Assessments (HIA) – analysing surface and subsurface hydrology to inform land-use planning and mitigate flood risks.
* Contaminant transport & water quality studies – assessing pollutant pathways in groundwater systems and evaluating remediation options.
* Sustainable drainage & hydrological assessment – providing data-driven insights into water movement, infiltration, and storage to support environmental planning.
Additional information
Relevant experience
We support pilots/trials with modelling‑led testing of operating approaches and monitoring designs, so pilots/trials generate evidence that supports scaling, future funding and long‑term management decisions. WE are currenrly working on the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme Demonstrator Projects, involving peatland restoration and groundwater recharge.
Full details can be found via our website: https://www.hfraserconsulting.co.uk.
Recent case studies.
- Pulborough SSSI and Amberley Wildbrooks SSSI peat hydrology assessment - delivered on behalf of Natural England - on behalf of Natural England. The project comprised a programme of desk study, fieldwork and groundwater monitoring in order to investigate the peat and hydrology conditions at play beneath Pulborough SSSI and Amberley Wildbrooks SSSI in Sussex. Conceptual models were produced that provided a summary of the hydrology mechanisms and peat condition beneath the sites. In order to inform Natural England’s future management interventions for the SSSI, the principles of the Peatland Code were employed to inform an options appraisal and risk assessment on a series of potential pilot intervention measures. This included the modelling of groundwater elevations and an assessment of the impact that raising groundwater elevations might have on landscape form and habitats.
- Clun Headwaters Report, Shropshire Council and Catchment Sensitive Farming. Our study examined how the Clun's upland peatlands function as a natural water store, slowing runoff, improving water quality, and supporting wildlife. The findings reinforce the importance of peatland restoration in protecting the long-term health and resilience of the River Clun catchment.