The event, ‘Barrage or What?’, is part of National Science and Engineering Week, and is supported by RSA Wales and Western Region; the British Science Association, Bristol and Bath Branch; the University of the West of England Institute for Sustainability, Health and Environment; and the University of Bristol.

The forum coincides with the Severn Tidal Power Consultation currently being undertaken by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

The aim is to provide a neutral space for members of the public to consider the evidence and to develop their own informed opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of the various options being examined by DECC to exploit the tidal energy of the Severn Estuary. Outcomes will be fed into the government feasibility study and will be more widely disseminated.

The programme will include a brief overview of the Government’s Severn tidal power study by Claire Gibson, Director of Sustainable Resources, South West of England Regional Development Agency, and four short presentations of key information given by specialists on the engineering options, habitat-ecology consequences, the socio-economic dimension and sustainability issues. Speakers include Professor Colin Taylor from the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Bristol and Peter Jones of RSPB Cymru. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to take part in structured discussion in small groups.

The event takes place on Saturday 7 March from 9.30am to 1pm at University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus (Q block, room 2Q49), Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY. Doors open from 9am, price £5 at the door.

If you would like to attend, please help planning by registering in advance; email Janetbrady@btinternet.com, tel 07510 241080.