TEP Environment Grant: MGET Outcome Report

TEP Environment Grant: MGET Outcome Report

TEP Environment Grant: MGET Outcome Report
24 September 2024

Each year, TEP’s Environment Grant provides funding for local initiatives that raise awareness of environmental issues, advance the environmental profession, and align with our core values.

In 2023, one of our grant recipients was the Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust (MGET), an independent charity established in 2010 to support the conservation and improvement of the Upper Mersey Estuary and surrounding areas. Their project focused on assessing and monitoring the aquatic biodiversity of the estuary, particularly planktonic fish and invertebrates.

With the help of our grant, MGET staff, along with community volunteers, conducted ichthyoplankton surveys at three locations along the river. The initial findings indicate that the River Mersey serves as an important nursery for fish and invertebrates. Despite the historical alterations to the river, it continues to support a diverse aquatic ecosystem.

Plankton Species Recording

To date, MGET has recorded over 1,000 individual organisms representing 19 different species of invertebrates and vertebrates. Among these findings are several species previously unrecorded in the upper estuary, including post-larval European bass found 17 to 20 miles inland. These fish are estimated to be around 50-60 days old and are likely from an unprotected spawning population in the Irish Sea, highlighting the need for greater protection of the river’s transitional habitats. The data from these surveys will also inform the Mersey Tidal Power Project, ensuring appropriate mitigation and remediation measures are considered in future planning.

Community Engagement

MGET organised three community engagement days, attracting significant local participation. The project received coverage in local newspapers, and feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing surprise at the river’s biodiversity. MGET plans to continue these events over the next five years.

Looking ahead, MGET’s work will help monitor the river’s health and foster collaborations with both statutory and non-statutory bodies to enhance biodiversity and water quality. In 2025, they plan to publish a free downloadable field guide on the common invertebrates and vertebrates of the estuary, making this valuable information accessible to the public.

We’re thrilled to see our funding supporting such impactful work!

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As Biodiversity Net Gain becomes an increasingly important part of the planning system, local authorities are exploring how their land assets can play a greater role in supporting nature recovery while creating long-term environmental value. To help inform its approach, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council commissioned TEP to assess the Biodiversity Net Gain potential across approximately 500 Council-owned landholdings. Using bespoke desk-based software the project sought to establish a robust baseline of biodiversity value, identify opportunities for habitat enhancement and provide strategic recommendations on how the Council could utilise its land assets to support the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain .
12 August 2026
We are absolutely delighted to announce that we have once again been awarded Investors in People Gold accreditation, recognising our continued commitment to creating an exceptional workplace culture and supporting our people to thrive. Investors in People is an internationally recognised accreditation and framework for improving workplace culture, leadership and people management. Since its launch in 1991, it has helped organisations across the world to lead, support and develop their people more effectively. Today, the framework is used by organisations in over 100 countries and provides a robust benchmark for assessing workplace culture and employee experience. Achieving Gold status is a significant accomplishment and places TEP among a select group of organisations demonstrating outstanding people practices. Only around 28% of Investors in People accredited organisations achieve Gold, highlighting the strength of our culture and commitment to continuous improvement. The assessment process includes an independent evaluation of leadership, communication, employee engagement, learning and development, organisational culture and wellbeing. Colleagues are invited to provide confidential feedback through surveys and interviews, ensuring the accreditation reflects the real experiences of people across the business. This achievement is particularly meaningful because it is based on direct feedback from our people and recognises the positive, supportive and collaborative environment we continue to build together.
19 August 2026
As Biodiversity Net Gain becomes an increasingly important part of the planning system, local authorities are exploring how their land assets can play a greater role in supporting nature recovery while creating long-term environmental value. To help inform its approach, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council commissioned TEP to assess the Biodiversity Net Gain potential across approximately 500 Council-owned landholdings. Using bespoke desk-based software the project sought to establish a robust baseline of biodiversity value, identify opportunities for habitat enhancement and provide strategic recommendations on how the Council could utilise its land assets to support the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain .
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We are absolutely delighted to announce that we have once again been awarded Investors in People Gold accreditation, recognising our continued commitment to creating an exceptional workplace culture and supporting our people to thrive. Investors in People is an internationally recognised accreditation and framework for improving workplace culture, leadership and people management. Since its launch in 1991, it has helped organisations across the world to lead, support and develop their people more effectively. Today, the framework is used by organisations in over 100 countries and provides a robust benchmark for assessing workplace culture and employee experience. Achieving Gold status is a significant accomplishment and places TEP among a select group of organisations demonstrating outstanding people practices. Only around 28% of Investors in People accredited organisations achieve Gold, highlighting the strength of our culture and commitment to continuous improvement. The assessment process includes an independent evaluation of leadership, communication, employee engagement, learning and development, organisational culture and wellbeing. Colleagues are invited to provide confidential feedback through surveys and interviews, ensuring the accreditation reflects the real experiences of people across the business. This achievement is particularly meaningful because it is based on direct feedback from our people and recognises the positive, supportive and collaborative environment we continue to build together.
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