Developing a manned model shipping lake at Timsbury

The Warsash Maritime Academy, part of Southampton Solent University, has created a world class manned model training facility for commercial boat handlers.  ECOSA carried out a full range of ecological surveys and prepared an ecological impact assessment in support of the development.

The original world-renowned manned model ship handling centre - one of only five in the world - was moved from its 10-acre Marchwood site to Timsbury after it was identified as an ideal site for training for the international shipping industry.

Work has been carried out on the lake to allow for ship models to navigate berths, basins and channels to recreate a variety of port scenarios, canal transits and berthing operations for officers and pilots to practice ship handling skills. It will allow complex maritime manoeuvres to be practiced in complete safety, making it a key training tool for the shipping industry.

As part of the ecological mitigation, ECOSA's habitat team constructed two otter holts, created banks for water voles and enhanced a series of ponds for great crested newt. This has allowed the training facility to be operated at the site while maximising the ecological value of the lake complex.