Environment
WWT visited the RSPB Grey Lake Reserve to learn how they manage the sward for breeding and wintering waders. We saw several PowTechnology solar-powered IoT devices there. I was impressed by their simple design, ease of installation and use and how well they had fared in very demanding outdoor conditions.
The RSPB advised that PowTechnology have been hugely accommodating. They have made the whole process hassle free, with support whenever I needed it. Following the initial installations, we intend to roll this IoT solution out to other parts of the site.
Site Manager, WWT Steart Marshes
The Task
WWT (Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust) is the UK’s leading wetland conservation charity, working to restore, create and protect a world where healthy wetland nature thrives and enriches lives. Managing water levels and monitoring salinity is an integral part to successful wetland management, but covering the 488 hectare Steart Marshes reserve by vehicle to check levels was extremely time-consuming and potentially disruptive to wildlife.
The Solution
A self-sufficient, solar-powered Metron digital transformation solution monitors water and salinity levels. Hourly readings are sent to PowTechnology’s MetronView cloud, visible to authorised users, on any web-enabled device. It enables rapid control of tilting weirs and stop log structures to maintain the feeding and breeding habitat of multiple wetland species, including avocet, marsh harriers and dragonflies.
The Result
Remote data collection takes less time and is less disruptive, assisting employees and the ecosystem. Better environmental conditions improve the visitor experience. Effective water management also enables the local ditch capacity to be increased in emergencies, to accommodate local flood water, helping the wider community and surrounding farmland.
Summary
- Habitats are protected
- Breeding is encouraged
- Creates time for other tasks
- Improves visitor experience
- Flood effects can be mitigated