James McMorrow

Said the following about Martin Gregson:

“Martin has demonstrated a huge passion for improving the legacy of construction works in a railway environment. As the Environmental Manager for the MFF IP Anglia contract Martin has implemented a series of initiatives that have brought realised environmental benefits to the contract:

Pushing forward the sustainability agenda Martin has recognised that to achieve a positive legacy safety, quality and community involvement need to be considered alongside safety to ensure proactive delivery.

In particular Martin has achieved the following:

Reduced the burden of unnecessary noise monitoring and improving consultation with residents and Local Authorities to ensure Best Practicable Means.

Reduced the costs of environmental surveys and challenging consultants to provide a robust service to the project teams.

In particular, Martin has championed the early adoption of eDNA surveys for great crested newts. The eDNA reduces costs by approximately 60% by involving one visit and a lab test.This has a significant safety impact as well by reducing the number of visits and survey time scales.

Worked closely with a complex array of stakeholders on the Wrabness Embankment Stabilisation Project.The works at Wrabness have been required for over 10 years but this had not been achieved due to the difficult environmental and ecological constraints (ancient woodland, dormice protected species, two key external regulators and local landowners).

Martin worked with the woodland custodians, RSPB and devised a long term strategy to help develop and enhance this ancient woodland as part of the project. By unlocking the stakeholder requirements and regular liaison Martin achieved a level of engagement above and beyond what would be normally expected which has enabled the works to go ahead having been required for over 10 years.

Martin is a valued member of the MFF team and his enthusiasm and passion has increased the knowledge and awareness of environmental issues for those working with him. Martin thoroughly deserves to be recognised for his achievements.“