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Mid summer has arrived in the UK – bringing sunshine and optimum productivity for Storm Geomatics survey teams. From delivering complex flood survey data for Natural Resources Wales to trialling new electric outboard engines and even spotting signs of success in Storm Wildlife‘s flood plain restoration work.

In line with Storm’s sustainability goals and commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the transition to electric outboard engines across Storm Geomatics’ boat fleet continues. The Torqeedo Travel XP S, already zipping up and down the River Nene in Northamptonshire, delivers the equivalent of 5HP (1600W) with instant torque and whisper-quiet operation.

Switching from combustion to electric offers significant benefits for our clients and the ecosystems we work in:

• Eco-friendly & low maintenance
• Silent operation — ideal for wildlife-sensitive zones
• Quick battery swap system — two lightweight high-capacity batteries extend operation time
• Precision control in confined waterways

We’re proud to offer surveying solutions that actively reduce our environmental impact while improving site flexibility and safety for surveying teams.

In a standout project for the month, Storm’s Thornbury team delivered a six-week topographical survey across the Llanwit Major river catchment in South Wales, commissioned by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). The project focused on producing accurate, high-resolution data to support flood risk modelling and environmental assessment.

The brief was detailed: survey 9km of the Afon Cul-Huw, Ogney Brook, River Hoddnant, Boverton Brook, Llanmaes Brook, Ham Manor, and their tributaries, alongside all relevant hydraulic structures including weirs, thresholds, gauging stations and flood defences. A particular focus was the Frampton Flood Storage Area (FSA), which underwent a full topographic and precise levelling survey.

Surveyors began with a full site walk alongside NRW to refine the survey scope and tailor outputs to meet modelling needs. Thanks to a run of dry spring weather, the team captured data across ten reaches with precision and efficiency. Deliverables included:

• Full suite of Flood Modeller, HECRAS and TUFLOW-compatible data
• Height-width tables and channel photography
• Updated control network and level runs
• Georeferenced 360° photography and gauge board descriptions
• Survey report and X, Y, Z exports

The survey was expertly led by Surveyor, Tom Isaac with support from across Storm’s Thornbury office. This collaborative, technically robust approach supports NRW’s efforts to build a comprehensive hydraulic understanding of the Llanwit Major system and surrounding flood storage assets.

Over on www.storm-wildlife.com, our annual meadow species count took place using the same What3Words quadrats as in previous years. It was thrilling to record the highest species count yet—nineteen in a single quadrat (up from ten in 2024), with two others close behind at seventeen.

This year’s survey showed that our 2023 seed sowing is finally bearing fruit:

• Crested Dog’s-tail grass now thriving at the upstream end
• Oxeye Daisies, Queen Anne’s Lace and Common Knapweed making their debut appearance

One area is still underperforming, but as the lowest count (five species) came from a zone not yet seeded, everyone is optimistic about what’s to come. The steady increase in diversity supports the long-term goal to restore native flora and improve pollinator habitats around rivers close to Storm Geomatics HQ.

Stay tuned as Storm Geomatics continue to lead the way in water-based survey excellence, and don’t forget to follow updates on LinkedIn or drop us a message to talk about solving your projects issue within the riverine environment.

See you all again in July!