User:NickRRC: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 18: | Line 18: | ||
{{#ask:[[Category:Case study]] | {{#ask:[[Category:Case study]] | ||
[[Country.RESTORE region::West]] | [[Country.RESTORE region::West]] | ||
|?Location | |||
|?Project summary | |||
|?Project started | |?Project started | ||
|?Project completed | |?Project completed | ||
Revision as of 15:08, 4 December 2013
This is the user page for Nick Elbourne.
Actions:
Check for coverage on start/end dates, themes and measures
| Location | Project summary | Project started | Project completed | Bank and bed modifications measure | River corridor measure | Channel pattern measure | Other technical measure | Management interventions | Social measure | Theme | Biological quality element monitored | Hydromorphological quality element monitored | Physico-chemical quality element monitored | Other response monitored | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 't Merkske | 51° 25' 4.63" N, 4° 50' 29.21" E | Het Merkske is a river in a southern tip of the Dutch province Noord-Brabant and forms part of the border with Belgium. This area has an important ecological function and is home to large numbers of river animals.
Further improvement of the river's ecological quality has been pursued through Building with Nature measures. Regular maintenance of the river's edges has been suspended so that branches and fallen trees remain in or near the stream, as long as this does not impede the flow too much. Additonally, dead wood has been introduced at fifteen locations, in various forms: branches, stubs and trunks. | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||||||
| 2e Lower Woodsford River and Floodplain Enhancement | 50° 43' 12.17" N, 2° 18' 50.69" W | This is a river and floodplain project including 15ha of floodplain and 2kms of main river. Reaches of the River Frome have been improved through removing raised embankments and hard stone bank protection. This allows for natural river processes to occur and reconnects the river and floodplain during high flow events.
Existing floodplain ditches have been re-profiled improving their habitat value while others have been created in a network including new scrapes. Over 22,000 trees were planted in the project area as part of the wider project utilising Forestry Commission funds through the English Woodland Grant Scheme. | 1 January 2012 | 1 January 2014 | Removal of revetments | Tree planting Lowering of embankments | Re-profiled ditch | Community involvement Engagement with schools | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Land use management - forestry Monitoring | ||||||
| 3Rivers - Lumburn:Walkham:Tavy | 50° 31' 45.52" N, 4° 9' 38.87" W | The project focused on Water Framework Directive Failures on these three rivers which largely related to phosphate inputs. There are a range of diffuse and point source phosphate inputs into these rivers from both rural and urban sources. We worked with partners to contact farmers who were likely to be having impacts through their land based activities and households who may have impacts through the use of non-mains foul drainage systems.
26 farm visits and associated integrated farm plans were undertaken, three agricultural events were attended and three agricultural demonstrations were delivered (soil decompaction, cross compliance, efficient slurry spreading). Three farm grants (surface water management x 2, streamside fencing) were also completed. With regard to urban drainage, over 100 of the most vulnerable properties on non-mains drainage were visited to disseminate information on the recently introduced General Binding Rules. Local estate agents were also contacted to help disseminate information on the General Binding Rules as were the caravan/ campsites in this area (8).
| floodplain woodland planting | Land management | Volunteer engagement | Water quality | |||||||||
| Aaijen- Removal of bank fixation | 51° 34' 51.60" N, 6° 2' 25.80" E | 1 January 2005 | Removal of bank reinforcements | Flood risk management Monitoring Water quality | Invertebrates: Abundance Invertebrates: Taxonomic composition Macrophytes | Continuity for organisms | |||||||||
| Abaissement et démantèlement de trois clapets sur l’Orge aval | 48° 37' 57.50" N, 2° 18' 46.38" E | En 2010, le SIVOA a abaissé les trois clapets des ouvrages
de Guiperreux, Souchard et Vaucluse (situés l’un derrière l’autre d’amont en aval). En juillet 2012, ceux de Guiperreux et Vaucluse ont été définitivement démantelés. Ces travaux ayant conduit à l’abaissement de la ligne d’eau au niveau des prises d’eau alimentant des bassins privés, des mesures d’accompagnement ont été mises en place : les côtes des canaux d’amenée d’eau ont été abaissées. | 1 March 2010 | 30 September 2012 | Lowering of checking valves Removal of checking valves Water supply channel lowering | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality Urban | |||||||||
| Abbey Brook Weir | 52° 59' 13.60" N, 3° 11' 11.70" W | 1 August 2011 | 1 November 2011 | Rock ramp construction Creation of fish passes | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydropower | ||||||||||
| Abbots Worthy Restoration Project | 51° 5' 16.75" N, 1° 17' 6.30" W | To restore degraded section of SSSI in line with Test and Itchen River Restoration Strategy and WFD objectives through a series of well known river restoration techniques | 1 April 2018 | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Abbotts Hall Managed Realignment Scheme | 51° 47' 5.40" N, 0° 50' 51.59" E | The location of the project is in the North bank of the Salcott channel tributary of the Blackwater Estuary (Essex). The strategy was creation of new coastal (mudflat, saltmarsh, transitional grassland and grazing marsh) and freshwater habitats, together with the provision of natural flood defence. In order to achieve tidal inundation of the area available (49ha of the 85ha scheme are intertidal), five breaches were required along 3km of hard defences. The largest breach was 100m in width with a level of +1.5m OD (approximately MHWN), and the remaining four breaches between 10-20m (at higher levels). The main breach was included to moderate outflow by acting as a sill, reducing the tidal prism of the site, and controlling the phasing of exchange between Salcott Creek and the site itself.
Phase 1 of the scheme was undertaken in 1996 and consisted of a regulated tidal exchange on part of the site (20ha). Pre-breach, a three year monitoring programme was undertaken to ensure appropriate scheme design for the site and to provide a baseline for determining its effects. Following realignment, a further five year monitoring programme was established to assess the effects and provide further information for the design of future schemes. Monitoring undertaken: Accretion / erosion. | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | Fish Invertebrates Macrophytes | Flow velocities | Salinity | |||||||||
| Adams Mill enhancements | 52° 5' 51.58" N, 0° 45' 14.71" W | Site is location of a historically successful Barbel fishery. Recent deterioration has been noted by EA and Anglers at this location. Surveys have shown that the decline is likely to be a result of increased sediment load from collapsed banks undermined by signal crayfish activity, along with historic modifications that have reduced the natural resilience of the river.
Measures undertaken and planned at this site include: - Tree planting (started April 2014) 50 Willow whips planted in margins of river. - Further tree planting (Completed in Feb 2015) 100 Alder, 50 Hawthorn, 25 Oak, 25 Maple and other species, to be planted along this section of river with support from Woodlands Trust. - Bank stabilization( October 2014) 2 sections of bank stabilazation completed using brushwood bundles, staked into bank. - Riffle enhancement(started October 2014) 1 riffle enhancement installed in October 2014. (2 Poplar logs staked and tied with fencing wire). 1 riffle ehancement installed in additional location in Feb 2015 (5 Poplar logs 2-4 m in length secured with 20mm re-bar. Logs to be in alternating orientations to maximise variation in scour patterns). - Channel narrowing (expected 2015) All work undertaken by Environment Agency with assistance from local volunteers. | 1 September 2014 | Bank stabilisation | Increase in-channel hydromorphological diversity | Fisheries Hydromorphology | Fish | Quantity & dynamics of flow Substrate conditions | Habitat mapping | ||||||
| Adaptive management of hydraulic structures in the Sèvre nantaise and Thouet basins | 47° 35' 16.84" N, 2° 39' 47.11" W | More than 300 sites in the Sèvre Nantaise and Thouet basins with hydraulic structures underwent participative multicriteria analysis in order to develop programmes to help meet targets defined in the French SAGE process as well as delivering improvements to meet Water Framework Directive objectives. | 1 January 2004 | Weir partial removal or permanent opening of gates allowing self restoration of previously impunded stretches | More natural reservoir releases | Social representation of the river | |||||||||
| Adare Fish Counter | 52° 39' 41.63" N, 8° 48' 20.72" W | This project is to facilitate the re-opening of the Maigue Salmon fishery, by producing statistical evidence to allow accurate estimates of fish stocks.This project was carried out in-conjunction with OPW & IFI. | Creation of fish passes | Fisheries Social benefits | |||||||||||
| Afon Clywdd | 53° 10' 57.73" N, 3° 22' 7.56" W | The Clwyd (Photo 1 and Map 1) is a large catchment in north-east Wales, discharging north into the Irish Sea. The confluence of the Afon Clwyd with the Afon Elwy is downstream of St Asaph, which in November 2012 was subject to severe flooding resulting in a fatality. The impact of flooding from the Afon Elwy, which flows through the town, was exacerbated by the backing up of flow at the confluence with the Afon Clwyd, which was also in spate.
In 2015, Natural Resources Wales commissioned AECOM Consultants to identify potential Working with Natural Processes (WWNP) in the Elwy catchment which would provide climate resilience to the proposed improvements to engineered flood defences in St Asaph (AECOM Consultants 2015). Following the study, AECOM wanted to develop techniques for rapid assessment of WWNP that could be applied to different types of catchments. AECOM used EU innovation funding to test techniques in a number of catchments, including this study of potential WWNP in the Vale of Clwyd. A systematic review of the aerial imagery, Ordnance Survey (OS) mapping and flood zone/flood extent information was carried out to identify the most important morphological features in the catchment and to identify locations where the WWNP measures could potentially be implemented across the catchment. In contrast to the Elwy, the identification process included an assessment of implementation and shortlisting to streamline the process. The overall impact of the modelled WWNP is a reduction in peak flow and an increase in time-to-peak (TP). Peak flow reduction was approximately 6% for the 5-year design event and approximately 1% for the 200-year design event. | Runoff pathway management | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Land use management - forestry Water quality | |||||||||||
| Afon Merin Natural Process Restoration | 52° 23' 56.58" N, 3° 46' 27.57" W | The Afon Merin is one of the principal tributaries of the Rheidol system, flowing from its upland SSSI catchment, through NRW managed Welsh Government estate Myherin woodland and onwards into the Rheidol Valley. A 3km section provided landscape scale intervention opportunities to "kick-start" natural processes to benefit biodiversity, water quality and quantity, and carbon sequestration. The site offered the potential to undertake a pilot study of low cost high nature value interventions on Welsh Government Woodland Estate. While seemingly in a natural state, the rivers was incised and disconnected from the wider flood plain, with a lack of suitable gravels for the resident native Brown Trout population. Felling commenced in 2018 and some of the timber was used to begin ditch blocking and creating leaky dams within the main channel. Early observations showed that the results had been positive with the hydrological systems soon renaturalising within the valley floor, wet areas were developing and the main channel began to take on a more braided characteristic by occupying historic channels. In channel flow diversity increased markedly allowing a more complex sediment matrix to appear. | 1 February 2018 | 15 leaky dams and scrapes. | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - forestry Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||||
| Agreed definition of mobility area for the Adour | 43° 39' 8.51" N, 0° 0' 51.13" W | The Adour is an highly mobile, braided piedmont watercourse and constitutes one of the primary resources for alluvial materials in the Adour-Garonne basin. From the 1960s, large amounts of aggregates were extracted from both its main channel and associated floodplain. These activities caused a significant incision of the main channel, reducing the frequency of flooding into the floodplain, lowering the ground water table and cutting off ancient meanders, etc. Thus erosion of the banks occurred, which prompted the managing authorities to stabilise its cross-sectional and longitudinal profile: major embankments, weirs and protective structures for banks (covering 26% of banks) were subsequently constructed on the Adour. In order to put a stop to isolated responses to demands for riverbank consolidation without the implementation of a global approach, the Institution Adour and the two local associations conducted a joint study of how to design an integrated, acceptable and sustainable management programme for the Adour’s mobility area. The consultation with stakeholders in the area led to the definition of a permissible mobility area covering 1,744 hectares. | 1 January 2005 | Removal of bank reinforcements | Develop riparian forest | Definition of erodble corridor | Channel pattern/planform | ||||||||
| Albany Park | 51° 40' 5.85" N, 0° 1' 59.94" W | A partnership project between London Borough of Enfield (LBE) and the Environment Agency (EA; Biodiversity & Geomorphology team from Hertfordshire and North London Area). Funded by LBE, EA and the Greater London Authority (GLA). The environmental and flood risk benefits allowed for funding, and the project came to approximately £1.5million.
The Turkey Brook is a medium sized, clay-based catchment flowing initially through rural grassland into a dense urban area of London, before meeting the River Lee in Enfield. It is failing under the Water Framework Directive for: macrophytes and phytobenthos, phosphate, and drought/low flows, and hydromorphology. The river was confined in a steep sided concrete channel along the edge of the park, with very little biodiversity, habitat or connection with groundwater. The general public often did not even know it was there, or if they did they regarded it as an open sewer. The Albany Park Restoration Project aimed to restore 400m of the Turkey Brook, by breaking it out of concrete and creating a natural, sinuous river through the park. The river now flows through a wide, shallow river corridor made up primarily of the Kempton Park Gravel Member, which allows the channel to reform and reshape itself during high flows until it reaches an equilibrium. The urban, flashy nature of the catchment means that intensive geomorphological work is achieved during each high flow event. The river is now connected laterally with it's floodplain and riparian zone, and vertically with the groundwater and a hyporheic zone. The natural cross section and improved connectivity has improved the Turkey Brook's resilience to low flows, and its ability to store water and attenuate high flows. The constructed wetlands and SuDs features around the park has hopefully also improved water quality, but ongoing monitoring will determine the success of this. The river is now a valuable public amenity in an otherwise heavily urban area, and provides an educational resource for local schools. | 4 January 2016 | Creation of berms Creation of backwaters | River naturalisation Reedbed creation Scrapes Fish habitat restoration | Recreation | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits Spatial planning Urban | ||||||||
| Alkborough tidal defence scheme | 53° 42' 2.78" N, 0° 41' 31.70" W | Alkborough Flats are on the south bank of the Humber Estuary, on the eastern side of the confluence between the River Trent and the River Humber. The site is around 440 hectares of agricultural land, of which approximately 375 hectares are protected by a flood embankment constructed in the late 1950s.
| 2005 | Salt marsh and mudflat restoration | Flood risk management Social benefits | Invertebrates | |||||||||
| Allt Lorgy River Restoration | 57° 16' 18.18" N, 3° 50' 33.26" W | This project aims to restore the morphology and habitat of a 600m section of moderately high energy river and its floodplain by removing significant artificial constraints (man made embankments and boulders. Over the years these have canalised the water course from a multi braided to a single channel. By kick starting the process the intention is that over time the watercourse will do its own work to re-establish a natural equilibrium. In September 2012, five artificial embankments were lowered by the removal of over 900m3 of material. In stream boulders were removed and replaced with large wood structures. Additional wood structures were introduced in key locations and some of the extracted gravel was graded and stockpiled ready to be used for sediment reintoduction. Culvert pipes were removed from the floodplain and one large drainage ditch was in filled. | 1 March 2012 | Removal of in stream boulders and replacement with wood structures Additional strategic wood structures introduced Graded extracted gravel to be used for sediment reintroduction Embankment lowering | Removal of 3 culvert pipes. Infilling of a large drainage ditch. | Site fenced to enable natural regeneration to take place. Supplementary planting planned for Spring 2013. Long term site monitoring programmed planned. | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring | ||||||||
| Alma Road Rain Gardens | 51° 38' 47.70" N, 0° 2' 3.53" W | Alma Road is situated in Ponders End, a deprived area in the London Borough of Enfield. The area is known to suffer some localised surface water flooding, due to the impermeable nature of the surroundings created by the expanse of hard-surfaces, lack of green spaces and inadequate capacity in the existing drainage system.
This part of Enfield is generally low lying, as it forms part of the Lee Valley. The natural flow path to the nearby watercourse, Brimsdown Ditch, a tributary of the Salmons Brook/River Lee, is obstructed by the adjacent railway line and exacerbates surface water flood risk. When it rains the runoff from Alma Road picks up a large amount of pollutants, drains into the highways gullies and is fed into the Brimsdown Ditch. Rain Gardens are a type of Sustainable Drainage (also known as “SuDS”) which mimics natural drainage by allowing water to soak naturally into the ground. The project will retrofit five Rain Gardens into the highway realm, with a total area of 200m2 along a 200m stretch of Alma Road, with the aims of: • Reducing surface water flood risk on the highway, as highlighted in the London Borough of Enfield’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (2015) • Water quality improvements to surface water runoff and the receiving Brimsdown Ditch by removing runoff from the conventional drainage system • Improving biodiversity by planting a wide variety of species • Horizontal traffic management by slowing down traffic in proximity to the school, bus stop and several wide junctions that are currently not pedestrian-friendly • Aesthetic enhancement of the road and the surrounding area • Improving public perception of SuDS through school and community engagement. • Inspiring more green infrastructure SuDS development across the borough In later phases, the Alma Road Rain Gardens will be complemented by an additional 400m of SuDS features along the highway and across the 7Ha site of the Alma Regeneration Project. | 1 April 2015 | 31 March 2016 | Sustainable urban drainage ponds (SUDs) | Rain gardens | Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Water quality Urban | ||||||||
| Amerongse Bovenpolder | 51° 59' 26.69" N, 5° 27' 46.93" E | The Amerongse Bovenpolder project aims to improve biodiversity, function as a green corridor, maintain and improve landscape, and to improve conditions for recreation and cultural-historical values. The polder has been previously used as a landfill, for sand excavation, and for tabacco cultivation.
Rijkswaterstaat and DLG Government Service for Land and Water Management created a 45 acre seepage swamp to improve conditions for the variety of flora and fauna in the Bovenpolder. The marsh is fed by clean groundwater (= seepage) from the Utrecht Heuvelrug (hill ridge). Seepage swamp is an ideal habitat for plants that need (iron rich) groundwater such as water gillyflower, mare's-tail and sedge species. In the coming years, an old river channel will be dug outin the Bovenpolder and semi-wild horses and cattle graze the area. These measures will make the Bovenpolder suitable habitats for amphibians, small mammals, insects and marsh birds such as night heron and black stork. Ecological connections between the Utrechtse Heuvelrug the Bovenpolder will also be restored in the future, by the constructing a wildlife crossing allowing birds and mammals to pass unhindered from areas high-up to low down by the river, and vice versa. The development of the Amerongse Bovenpolder is a collaboration of the Province of Utrecht, DLG Government Service for Land and Water Management, the Ministry of Agriculture, the municipality of Amerongen, Hoogheemraadschap (water board)The Stichtse Rijnlanden and Rijkswaterstaat. | 1 January 2001 | 31 December 2015 | Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||||
| Amwell Loop | 51° 47' 49.84" N, 0° 0' 2.16" W | 1km River restoration - Flood risk management project with habitat enhancement. Mitigation for capital works on tumbling bay weir. Reach enhancement through use of deflectors and tree works. Aims (improved flow, river restoration, creating a self sustaining channel). | habitat improvements Deflectors | Tree planting | Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||||
| Aménagement du plan d’eau de la Sangsue et création d’un bras de contournement du Woigot | 49° 14' 54.48" N, 5° 56' 12.04" E | Les travaux sont composés de deux grandes opérations:
d’une part, le reméandrage du Woigot sur un linéaire d’un kilomètre en amont du plan d’eau et, d’autre part, la création d’une rivière de contournement en rive gauche du plan d’eau sur 1,1 km de long. L’opération de vidange du plan d’eau se déroule en deux phases. La première consiste à une vidange rapide. Lors de la seconde, plus lente (sur deux jours), un dispositif de ballots de paille est placé en aval des ouvrages pour filtrer les eaux. Une fois secs, les sédiments sont régalés sur deux zones du plan d’eau: • en amont, de façon à créer une zone humide pour diversifier les habitats et favoriser l’autoépuration • en aval, sur la future zone de l’amphithéâtre de verdure située en rive gauche. Le barrage (clapet et digue de 92 m de long) a ensuite été détruit et les matériaux réutilisés sur place pour la construction de la nouvelle digue et de l’amphithéâtre de verdure. Deux ouvrages viennent remplacer l’ancien: • en amont, un ouvrage de répartition des débits équipé d’un pertuis et d’une passe à poissons • une digue latérale de 1 100 m avec, en aval, un ouvrage maçonné permettant de réguler les débits de sortie. Le nouveau lit est créé en rive gauche du plan d’eau, d’une pente moyenne de 3,8 ‰. Les berges, sur ce nouveau lit, sont stabilisées par du génie végétal. En aval du plan d’eau, le seuil de Caulre (hauteur de chute de 4 m) est remplacé par une passe à poissons composée de seize rangées de blocs franchissables par conception. En amont du plan d’eau, le seuil de Bonnes Fontaines (hauteur de chute de 1,1 m) est dérasé. Le Woigot est taluté sur 1 000 m en amont du plan d’eau pour retrouver un cours d’eau sinueux avec un lit naturel d’une largeur de deux mètres (largeur de neuf mètres avant travaux). Les berges sont maintenues si nécessaire par du génie végétal et une ripisylve est plantée le long de la berge. | 1 June 2012 | 30 June 2014 | Construction of a bypass channel Dam removal Creation of fish passes Creation of lateral dike to regulate flows Application of plant-engineering Riparian planting | Remeandering Creation of wetland | The banks are maintained if necessary by vegetal engineering | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits | |||||||
| Ancholme and Coast habitat project | 53° 37' 34.86" N, 0° 32' 22.61" W | To improve the river Ancholme and tributaries for biodiversity, fish, geomorphological and pollinator reasons, improve chalk streams and to contribute to improved WFD status | 4 January 2018 | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Anloërdiepje | 53° 2' 33.90" N, 6° 41' 22.12" E | The Anloërdiepje is a tributary of the Drentse Aa, which has a generally good or average ecological condition. In order to improve ecological conditions and meet WFD criteria, the mowing regime in the Anloërdiepje was altered. See also: http://www.rtvdrenthe.nl/nieuws/168154/Waterschap-verhoogt-beken-Drentsche-Aa-gebied-Omliggende-natuur-kan-zo-natter-blijven | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Anton Crescent Wetlands Regeneration | 51° 22' 23.01" N, 0° 12' 8.64" W | Although initially designed as a flood storage area to aid sustainable drainage systems, this area of land provides rare wetland habitat within an urban London setting. The wetland includes areas of reedbed which is scarce and under threat within the UK, and listed as a priority habitat within the UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan. The land had previously been used for educational purposes by the adjacent school, but on-site management has declined resulting in a lack of school usage and reduced habitat value. Key habitats that would benefit from restoration include:
The project has provided much needed management to the site to restore the wetland habitats and again provide a safe educational resource for local schools. The project has developed an ongoing site management plan to ensure the achieved improvements are maintained. The key partner in this project, the London Borough of Sutton, are to propose the site for designation as a Local Nature Reserve. Project objectives: Improve the habitat and community value of Anton Crescent Wetland; To produce a long term management plan for site; To present site for designation as Local Nature Reserve under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Key activites: Manage reedbed and maintain are of open water; Manage willow trees for wildlife and maintain flood storage capacity; Improve structure and biodiversity of meadow; Increase public awareness and enjoyment of site, generating local interest and provide educational resource. | Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Urban | ||||||||||||
| Arasement du seuil des Treize Saules sur la Quilienne | 50° 9' 14.58" N, 2° 29' 25.30" E | La vanne de l’ouvrage a été levée partiellement au cours de l’hiver 2008. La chute résiduelle de 40 cm
influençait encore l’amont sur plus de 500 m. Le seuil des Treize Saules a été effacé totalement (structure porteuse, vanne et fondations) et les berges ont été reprofilées en pente douce. Sur 30 mètres linéaires en amont de l’ouvrage, un aménagement en technique végétale de type fascinage a été implanté en pied de berge pour éviter l’érosion une fois la section d’écoulement rétablie. Une poutre en bois ennoyée a été installée 30 m en amont de l’ancien seuil afin de maintenir un point dur et éviter l’érosion régressive (présence d’un pont 350 m en amont).
| 1 October 2009 | 31 October 2009 | Barrier removal Planting of hydrophytes Bank reprofiling | Filter masses were laid downstream of the dam to limit the impact of the work on the environment | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture | ||||||||
| Arasement du vannage du moulin de Réveillon et réaménagement du lit mineur de la Blaise | 48° 44' 10.08" N, 1° 22' 15.20" E | Les travaux consistent à démanteler le vannage du
moulin et à araser le seuil existant. La fosse de dissipation est comblée par des granulats grossiers. En amont de l’ancien seuil, par mesure de précautions et en raison des contraintes latérales fortes (présence d’une route et d’une zone industrielle de part et d’autre du cours d’eau), les berges sont stabilisées par techniques végétales sans attendre la reprise naturelle de la végétation. Des fascines sont posées (boudin de géotextile et hélophytes) à l’aide de fer à béton, l’arrière de ces fascines est remblayé afin de créer de véritables banquettes. Un lit d’étiage, très légèrement sinueux, de cinq mètres de large est créé redonnant ainsi au cours d’eau sa largeur originelle. | 1 January 2008 | 31 December 2008 | Dismantling of the mill Leveling threshold with the water level Helophytes planted Bank stabilisation Installation of geotextile | Creation of a sinuous channel | Habitat and biodiversity Spatial planning Water quality | ||||||||
| Arborfield nature like bypass and weirs project | 51° 24' 28.95" N, 0° 55' 27.36" W | In this reach, impassable flow control structures impounded the river by 1.4m, for over 4km upstream. WFD fisheries surveys determined moderate to poor ecological status upstream of the structures, with good ecological status downstream.
Project objectives to improve WFD status upstream of weir structures from 'moderate' to 'good', along with flood alleviation. Works involved lowering of 5 structures along an 800m section of river, construction of a 200m nature-like weir bypass channel to create free fish migration status, in addition to two backwaters created towards the end of the bypass channel and directly downstream of its exit; as well as creation of 80m of new riffle habitat for spawning. After twenty years of work, a significant partnership project helping to deliver Water Framework Directive objectives has been completed on the River Loddon at Arborfield, near Reading. The problem: Arborfield weirs were highlighted as the most significant barrier to fish migration in the Loddon catchment limiting natural habitat types upstream. Local access and flooding issues were raised. The solution: Two hundred meters of complex channel and backwaters bypassing Arborfield weirs have been created. This will provide some 20km of free fish passage from the River Thames towards Basingstoke at certain times of year for a range of fish like sea trout, barbel and eels. The project delivers enhanced fish spawning and nursery grounds and restores impounded habitat. The new river channel will help the Loddon towards meeting 'Good Ecological Status' required by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and aims to be helpful as a case study for similar WFD-led projects around the country. Project Objectives:
Works included: Thames Water weir lowering and repair work to four out of five structures - to lower upstream water levels and reduce overbank flow frequency. | 30 June 2010 | Introduction of spawning gravels Riffle creation Weir lowering | Bypass channel Creation of backwater Improving fish migration | Volunteer engagement | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | Fish Invertebrates Macrophytes | Channel pattern/planform Quantity & dynamics of flow | Habitat mapping | |||||
| Arnos Park - Pymmes Brook | 51° 37' 16.08" N, 0° 8' 8.59" W | To re-establish natural geomorphological features within the Pymmes Brook, including the creation of natural instream features, natural banks, wet berms, potentially wetland scrapes and wet grassland i.e. reconnecting the river with the surrounding habitats, its floodplain. The first step would be to carry out a feasibility study of the Pymmes Brook though Arnos Park, including the surrounding landscape, defining the potential habitats which could be create and where. This would also give an idea of the cost and time scales involved. Depending on the outcomes of the feasibility study, a topography study of the area maybe needed if the its decide that wet scrapes and marshy areas should be created, thereby defining the works that would be needed to create these areas. An application has been made to the London Mayors Parks Programme (need to see if this project gets funding from this). Get partners together discuss desires for the park and constraints, design and estimate costs and estimate the finances available to the project.
The North East Thames River restoration document highlights this area as having potential for full river restoration. The works should include the removal of all impounding structures and artificial embankments. Once this has been completed there should be a low flow channel created which meanders its way along the natural course of the Pymmes (may not be the current course, decided by a topographical study). Outside, the low flow channel a peak flow course should be created, this should include wet berms and setback flood defences to allow the river to naturally flood. These areas should contain back waters, wet berms, natural erosional cliff faces and wetland scrapes, which would significantly improve the biodiversity value of the area and the amenity value to local residents. The Pymmes Brook is a clay-based river in a high-energy river catchment. Sections of the Pymmes Brook that resemble naturalised river forms exhibit characteristic features of a high-energy system, meanders, small meander cliffs, gravel bars and pool. The river through Arnos Park has been resectioned, constricted, has a concreted lining (in places) and contains a number of weirs which impound and stagnate the water, resulting in extremely poor water quality (GQA class E) as well as a lose of natural morphological features. Arnos Park has been designated as SINC Borough level 2 for it ancient woodland and damp grassland, the pymmes runs through the middle of the park and currently provides little ecological value, while the potential of the river remains huge. A Flood Risk Management project is being investigated for wider benefits and includes potential significant enhancements to this section of river. | 1 January 2008 | Creation of berms Barrier removal Embankment renaturalization Creation of low flow channel Creation of backwaters | River naturalisation Scrapes Floodplain reconnection Remeandering | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits Urban | |||||||||
| Ashlone Wharf FCRM scheme | 51° 28' 17.57" N, 0° 13' 22.45" W | Planned objectives: • Potential to improve conveyance and reduce sedimentation and improve the ecology of the Beverley Brook. Objectives carried out (2012): | 1 May 2011 | Creation of fish passes | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Assessing the habitats outcomes of Floodplain Forest restoration: the case study of the floodplain forest at the Ouse Valley Park | 52° 4' 17.35" N, 0° 49' 53.50" W | The Manor Farm Floodplain Forest and its associated PhD research project is a best practice example of bringing together industry (Hanson), a charitable body (The Parks Trust), non-departmental public body (Environment Agency) and academia (Cranfield University). The Parks Trust (land owner) joined forces with Hanson (quarry operator) with the vision of creating this new floodplain forest landscape along of a 1 km reach of the River Great Ouse. It was the first project of its kind in United Kingdom where planning permission was obtained specifically for the creation of a floodplain forest habitat.
The Parks Trust owns over 2000 hectares of parkland around Milton Keynes and continually seeks to improve their parks by providing new facilities, increasing biodiversity and enhancing habitats. The Trust joined with Cranfield University to establish a PhD research project to develop a hypothesis-driven adaptive monitoring framework for assessing the environmental outcomes of the Floodplain Forest, as a case study with application to ecological management. Outputs of this research have enhanced understanding of the aspects to consider when assessing floodplain forest re-creation/restoration and have been used to develop guidelines for land managers based on a long-term monitoring approach. These management guidelines will be applicable to other similar restoration projects. Community Involvement - bird-watching areas and information boards provided to encourage local interest in the area. | 1 January 2007 | 1 January 2014 | Removal of sand from beneath agricultural fields and restoring marsh lands has increased floodplain capacity and improved floodwater management | Bird watching area Improved public access | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||
| Aston Clinton River Restoration | 51° 47' 46.05" N, 0° 43' 29.72" W | During the winter of 2013/14 there was flooding in Aston Clinton Park, partly as a result of a collapsed culvert. The opportunity was taken to create a new stretch of open watercourse which would bypass the collapsed culvert and was set to benefit the environment, reduce flood risk and be more cost efficient than replacing the very old culvert. The project involved many different stakeholders at different levels of community and council involvement including: the Environment Agency; the tenant farmer; Buckinghamshire County Council, Aylesbury Vale District Council and Aston Clinton Parish Council. The stakeholders worked together by sharing and reducing costs, making use of and blending the skills available within the different organisations and community. The project would have been much more expensive and difficult to achieve without the excellent partnership working demonstrated by all stakeholders. All stakeholders were happy with and proud of the project. The newly cut channel will continue to develop and mature and be a source of pleasure to the community and landowners and benefit to the environment. Works included: 185m stretch of open river installed to bypass the collapsed culvert. | 1 August 2015 | Deculverting | Bypass channel Creation of new channel | Engagement with a wide range of stakeholders | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||
| Aubourn Rock Ramp and Habitat Works | 53° 9' 7.49" N, 0° 38' 10.62" W | Aubourn Weir, located in the lower reaches of the Upper River Witham, presented a major barrier to upstream fish and eel passage and the heavily-modified channel in the vicinity, lacked morphological and habitat diversity resulting in poor fish populations. Also affected by high levels of phosphates, the overall Ecological Status of this section of the river is classified as Moderate.
The key objectives of the Aubourn project were to enable fish and eel passage at the weir and to undertake additional enhancements to improve the channel diversity. The wider project, from Bassingham Bridge to beyond Aubourn Weir, sought to enhance the heavily-modified channel using existing riverside trees to create in-stream deadwood habitat, improve flow variation and provide valuable refuges for fish and invertebrates. There were two parts to the project: construction of the rock ramp fish pass and associated bed enhancements in the vicinity of Aubourn Weir, and extensive woody habitat creation from Bassingham downstream to beyond Aubourn Weir.
| 5 January 2016 | Tree hinging over long section and large rock ramp installation to replace existing large weir that was a barrier to fish passage. | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Austria River Mur - Strategic river management for considerations in the power and water management sector in Styria/Austria | 47° 23' 45.38" N, 15° 16' 11.14" E | The objectives of the previously mentioned projects at the Mur is the recovery of natural rich structured river habitats , the reconnection of cutoff meander, the restoration of the river continuum, the protection of existing and the development of new alluvial forests by connecting existing stocks to the fluvial dynamics and the population’s awareness raising for the river habitat.
The restoration, improvement and long-term protection of natural wetlands and rivers, is a prerequisite for establishing rare and endangered water dependent animal and plant species. In addition, these measures serve the requirements of the water protection management to increase the retention capacity at flood discharges. To reinforce the already implemented stepping stones and their effects from the previous projects and for the creation of a continuous restructured section, the new LIFE+ areas of follow-up projects were deliberately selected in the vicinity of previous projects. For the purpose of documenting and ensuring the success of the projects, the measures and their synergy effects are scientifically studied in monitoring programs, which will continue until 2015. Up to now major success could be achieved by the measures implemented for improving the structural diversity of the Mur and the Enns. Acquisition and reactivation of flooded areas contributed to the passive flood protection, this has been proven already at the flood event in June 2013 - in spite of higher water flows than in 2002, reduced flooding and less damage were reported in 2013. Due to intense public relations the population deeply appreciated the projects and the habitats. Through spatial integration of the measures, the cumulative effect for the river habitat goes far beyond its sum of the individual measures. The projects are an important step onto a nature-oriented liveable future on the Upper Mur and the Mur, and many more should follow. To overcome the conflict between hydropower expansion and nature protection or recreation/tourism, management plans have been established for the rivers Enns, Mur and Mürz. These plans have been aligned between energy providers and river experts. The core objective of these plans is to balance the interests of the energy sector and those of river protection and restoration, focussing on river-ecological aspects. When setting up these plans, hydropower potentials have been juxtaposed with ecological goals that considered potentially affected protected species and areas, their ecological state as well as water management aspects. Where ecological measures for conservation and/or improvement of river-bound habitats have already been implemented, river stretches are excluded from any future hydropower use. Hence, already restored areas along the rivers Enns and Mur that have been supported via EU-programs are disclosed as ecological priority zones. Apart from the aforementioned designations, measures for poor ecological stretches have been defined. Special focus is given to the concept of “stepping stones” with its up- and downstream effects. Stepping stones bridge hardly restorable stretches and therewith provide an efficient and cost-saving concept for mitigation measures. The measures focus mainly on biological qualities, the primary criteria of the ecological status assessment. The management plans provide a binding planning framework until 2022 and a regulation framework for hydropower projects at the mentioned rivers. Likewise, ecological interests are safeguarded for the long-term. Precious and pristine stretches of rivers are protected from encroachments and the perspective of further river restorations is enabled. The management plan for the river Mur is the basis for the enactment of a so called “regional program” of the Austrian Water Management Authority. Water management plans (German: Gewässerbewirtschaftungspläne, BWP) represent the first planning instrument of this kind at province level in Austria and demonstrate that the involvement of the key stakeholders in the planning process succeeds in a mutually acceptable result, which enables to match the requirements of different policies and different interests. | 1 January 1995 | 1 January 2015 | Providing of continuity | Protection of alluvial forests by connecting existing stocks to the fluvial dynamics | Reconnection of cutoff meander | Population’s awareness raising for the river habitat. | Economic aspects Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydropower Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Land use management - forestry Monitoring Social benefits Spatial planning Water quality | ||||||
| Austria Upper Mur - LIFE III (LIFE03 NAT/A/000011) „Inner-Alpine river basin management – Upper River Mur - murerleben I" 2003-2007 | 47° 11' 25.66" N, 14° 46' 38.03" E | The project "Inner Alpine river basin management Upper Mur" was conducted within the framework of the EU funding program "LIFE-Nature" and focused on the restoration, improvement and long-term protection of the natural floodplains and the river landscape of the Upper Mur.
The flood protection for the population of the Mur valley was an essential requirement. The measures cover the area of the three political districts Murau, Judenburg and Knittelfeld. During the four-year project, more than 90 kilometers of the river were made passable for fish, seven cutoff meander and tributaries were revitalised or newly created. The "passive flood protection" - an important goal of water protection management - could be realised through purchasing and reactivation of approximately 17 ha retention areas alongside the river as flood inundation area. The recreation and adventure area on the river Mur was created or enhanced to 4 km of river length. The total investment amount was about EUR 2.2 million, the EU financed 50% thereof. The national share has been taken over by the lead partner, the Government of Styria, represented by the Departments of Water Protection Management and Nature Protection, and other partners. Major funding has been provided by The Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management. | 1 August 2003 | 31 July 2007 | Creation of bars Creation of Slips Creation of undercut banks and islets Creation of fish passes | Regeneration of alluvial forests Creation of pond | Reconnection of water bodies to the river | Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||
| Austria Upper Mur - LIFE+ (LIFE+ 08 NAT A 614) „Inner-Alpine river basin management – Upper River Mur - murerleben II" 2010-2015 | 47° 6' 19.47" N, 14° 12' 3.46" E | Under the heading of "murerleben" already the second LIFE - project on the river Upper Mur runs in Austria. After completion of murerleben I, murerleben II started, considering the monitoring results and lessons learned:
• to enhance and support the previously implemented stepping stones focussing on their up- and downstream impacts. • to create large connected and diversified habitats in the river and its alluvial forest areas • to support the consolidation of the revitalized sections • to enable those species which need various, local separate habitat structures, such as amphibians and kinds of fish to benefit from these contiguous habitat complexes (wintering, spawning, summer quarters) The new LIFE+ areas were selected consciously in due consideration of previous projects in order to strengthen the already taken measures and to create a related restructuring stretch of river. The measures, but also the synergy effects of the measures, are scientifically examined in a monitoring programme aiming at documenting and maintaining the success of the projects. The programme is going to continue until 2015. In the present second LIFE+ project from 2010 to 2015 investments of about EUR 2.8 Mio. are planned, 50% thereof is financed by the EU. 7 new measures are projected in connection with “murerleben I” • Revitalisation or recreation of 7 distributaries and widenings • Initiation of 17,7 ha new areas with alluvial forest • Implementation of ponds serving as habitats for amphibians (13,000 m²) • Reactivation of approximately 10 ha flooding area In accordance with the objectives of the Natural Habitats Directive and the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive in the two LIFE-Projects 16 water segments of the river Mur (a total length of 90 km) are planned. The implementation regards the preservation of the biodiversity, the dynamic river development as well as the improvement of the passive flood protection. | 1 February 2010 | 1 February 2017 | implementation of Pool/riffle sequesnces Creation of Slips Creation of undercut banks Creation of islands Creation of bars Improve longitudinal connectivity | Regeneration of alluvial forests Floodplain reconnection | Awareness raising | Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring | |||||||
| Austria Upper Mur - Public relations in murerleben I + II LIFE III (LIFE03 NAT/A/000011) and LIFE+ (LIFE+ 08 NAT A 614) „Inner-Alpine river basin management – Upper River Mur - murerleben I+II" 2003-2015 | 47° 10' 5.74" N, 14° 39' 29.20" E | The public relations are an integral part of all projects on the river Mur. The population is informed about the project by regular press releases, information-boards, folders, press conferences, festivities and the project homepage. Additionally, school projects, events and the production of two films for the documentation of the results took place.
Until now great success could be achieved by the realized measures in order to ameliorate the variety structures on the river Mur. Buying more land and reactivating flood plains provides passive flood protection. By means of intensive public relations the project is present in the people’s minds and the awareness and appreciation for the habitat river Mur was increased. „murerleben“ is an important step towards a close to nature and worth living future on the Upper Mur - many steps should follow in any cause. Kindergarten Jägersteig Judenburg: In several excursions to the river Mur one group of the kindergarten dealt with the river landscape. After learning about the existing flora and fauna, the children experienced the "landscape river Mur"´ in a playful manner with songs and stories. Regarding the 20th anniversary a song called "Murerleben" was prepared and performed. BG/BRG Judenburg: The gymnasium Judenburg prepared two projects. On the one hand pupils have adressed bio-monitoring in the school lesson "science and nature" and on the other hand 23 pupils of the 7th class have dealt with the design of seats and information boards. They presented their miniatures to a seven-headed jury consisting of representatives of the federal state Styria and freiland Environmental Consulting Civil Engineers Ltd.. The members of the jury were enthusiastic over the creativity and the ideas. Since November last year they prepared drafts and finally presented their manufactured miniatures separately. The jury’s main criteria were the practicability, the resistance to weather and the protection against vandalism. Four of the twelve models were realised in the course of the next years and serve as recreation oases and information points. Two locations are planned in the Lässer alluvial forest, a further one at the Ingering estuary (municipality of Apfelberg), as well as one in St. Peterer alluvial forest (municipality St. Peter/Jdbg.). The group of pupils occupied with bio-monitoring are going to realise electrofishing under a specialized guidance at the river Mur already this autumn. School for Food and Agriculture, Großlobming: An important partner during the events on site is the school for food and agriculture in Großlobming. The school girls arranged not only a perfect catering but also served their self-made snacks in form of a fish. Simultania Judenburg: The project "Milestones along the river Mur“ is a large and extensive pupil project at which the Simultania in Judenburg, headed by Prof. Helmut Ploschnitznigg, took part. A group of young persons with a handicap have created wooden pillars along the total project area at the river Mur. This project will be continued at "murerleben” LIFE+ successfully. The wooden pillars, worn away due to their weather exposal, will be replaced by newly designed wooden pillars and will decorate the riverside of the river Mur in all colours. | Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Social benefits | ||||||||||||
| Austria Upper Mur - River Widening Weyern (LIFE III (LIFE03 NAT/A/000011) Inner-Alpine river basin management – Upper River Mur - murerleben I 2003-2007) | 47° 11' 36.36" N, 14° 48' 42.24" E | In the Weyern-Au space for the development of natural river habitats has been created over a length of about 1.2 km. This has been facilitated by the creation of two side-arms. The islands between the tributaries and the river Mur are unsecured, so the river Mur can form natural waters and shoreline structures. In the hinterland alluvial basins were created as amphibian breeding waters with large areas of shallow water. One abandoned meander which is connected only downriver to this new side-arm serves as valuable winter rest and refuge for fish. Through the release of 4 ha land natural alluvial forest will develop instead of the existing spruce forests. In addition, the water accessibility for the population has been improved.
GerambRose 2010: The measure river widening Weyern of the project Murerleben 2003-2007 was awarded on 17.09.2010 with the GerambRose. The GerambRose is awarded in Styria in appreciation for services that maintain or create high-quality architecture. Neither the owner, the designer nor the performers, but their collective effort, the building, is the focus point of the price. The theme of the GerambRose 2010 was dedicated to the "public spaces". Together with the river widening Weyern (Upper Mur), the river widening Gosdorf and Schladming (Enns) were awarded a prize. | 17 September 2010 | Restoration of the connection of side arms | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring | ||||||||||
| Austria Upper Mur - River widening Lässer Au (LIFE+ (LIFE+ 08 NAT A 614) Inner-Alpine river basin management – Upper River Mur - murerleben II 2010-2015) | 47° 12' 9.04" N, 14° 50' 43.01" E | One of the goals of the Upper Mur is the recovery of habitats, which went lost to a large extent through the regulation of the Mur. The widening Lässer Au therefore aims - together with the measures implemented in Weyern and Apfelberg - at providing a contiguous, rich structured water course and alluvial areas.
For the dynamic development of the river Mur, the existing bank protection has been removed on the left bank and a 900 meter long structured side-arm with two inflow areas has been created. In addition, amphibian basins were built with a total area of more than 4,000 m² and 8 ha of alluvial forest areas have been secured or re-initiated. In the Lässer Au riparian zones with deadwood from rhizomes were designed. Deadwood in the water not only increases the biodiversity of small animals in the water, but also is of use for the fish, as they discover valuable habitats between the branches. Through the implementation of new measures in the context of the first LIFE project large contiguous water courses and alluvial forests are created or preserved. Especially species, which require different living conditions depending on the season or their development, benefit from the newly created habitats. | Removal of bank reinforcements Restoration of the connection of side arms | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||||||
| Austria Upper Mur - River widening St. Peter Au (LIFE+ (LIFE+ 08 NAT A 614) Inner-Alpine river basin management – Upper River Mur - murerleben II 2010-2015) | 47° 12' 9.70" N, 14° 34' 47.18" E | In the St. Peterer Au a side-arm was built in 2004 initially. Due to the flood in September 2005 a 30m long and 60m deep erosion scar arose downstream of the inflow building for the side-arm. In the course of the project "Murerleben I" a large part of the inner arc between the newly created side-arm and the Mur was taken into the public water property. This allowed preserving the natural structures caused by the flood instead of restoring the state before the flood. On the opposite bank, the bank protection was partially removed on 500 m. This facilitates the development of natural waters and shoreline structures also on the left bank. Two reactivated tributaries, 600 m and 200 m long, offer valuable habitats especially for young and standing water fish. On up to 5 ha alluvial forest can develop. Two alluvial basins offer a new habitat for amphibians.
In the follow-up project "muerlerben II" the measure is widened extensively. A few meters upstream a 250 m long side-arm is constructed and a tributary stream is revitalised. Downstream of the existing measure both on the left and on the right bank two side-arms with a total length of 850 m are created. In addition to promoting the dynamic development of the river bed, 4.5 ha of alluvial forest are initiated and 4,000 m² of alluvial basins are created. Thus, the alluvial management Thalheim - St. Peter / Judenburg evolves to a set of measures, which facilitates a structurally rich watercourse of 3.0 km. The entire measure covers an area of around 9.3 ha. | 1 September 2015 | Embankment renaturalization Restoration of the connection of side arms | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||||
| Austria Urban River Landscape - Urban River Landscape Graz | 47° 4' 14.57" N, 15° 26' 22.21" E | In the light of a dynamically developing city the river Mur is a significant leisure and recovery corridor in the urban area of Graz. This importance will even increase over the next decades.
Under the motto „habitat Mur - sustainable use, cautious development, intense experience and attractive design” freiland Environmental Consulting Civil Engineers Ltd. is dealing with this urban river habitat for almost 10 years now. On basis of the concept "habitat Mur" (LebMur) a planning process has been initiated in 2004, which is constantly optimized since then. Under this concept opportunities for development and measures have been identified that contribute to the protection, the enhancement and the long-term ecological management of the habitat Mur. In the subsequent preparation of the Master plans Mur - Graz south and Graz center the concept was revived, adapted to the new environment (power plant project) and developed accordingly. The detailed design and the continuous site monitoring secured the quality of the implementation of the first recreational areas resulting from this process: the promenade Graz Süd including harbour and the "Auwiesen". The current focus of the habitat development lies in the establishment of the "regional park alluvial area on the river Mur". The integrated development process aims at reducing landuse conflicts in metropolitan areas. The goal is to accomplish new qualities for this area which is characterized by high pressure on the environment. Subsequently an attractive and usable urban landscape will be developed, by taking into consideration the important role of the river. | 1 January 2004 | Structuring of shoreline Construction gravel bays | Planning workshop | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Social benefits Spatial planning Water quality Urban | |||||||||
| Austria Urban River Landscape - Urban River Landscape Master Plan Leoben | 47° 22' 35.00" N, 15° 5' 28.07" E | In the city of Leoben the river Mur, with its overgrown banks and embankments, forms the central green structure of the city. The strongly meandering watercourse divides the city into different areas and neighborhoods. The enormous leisure and recovery potential along the Mur is currently used only insufficiently and in certain areas.
Based on a strengths-weaknesses analysis the objectives and measures have been formulated in the master plan, which indicates an enhanced landscape-architectural approach to the Mur. The aim was to present and bring to life the Mur as a watercourse within the cityscape. The Mur is part of the city architecture (bridges, walls, stairs), connects (green belt and network, leisure axis), interrupts and opens (sights and views). The Mur with its bank- and river structures shall serve as a meeting place, recreation area and safe playground. Safe and contiguous walk and bike trails shall be established along the Mur. They shall interlink the urban neighborhoods and landscapes and lead on to the regional bike and walking network. Design priorities, presented in different variants, point to ways in which the opportunities and attractiveness for recreation and leisure use can be increased. | 1 January 2014 | 31 December 2014 | Social benefits Spatial planning Urban | ||||||||||
| Austria cross-border section - Monitoring sediment transport and Habitat modelling (ETZ-Project “DraMurCi” 2009-2013) | 46° 43' 16.52" N, 15° 49' 32.61" E | The sediment transport monitoring made in this project was the first monitoring of this kind in Austria and was as successful as it was expected to be.
“At the border section of the Mur River between Austria and Slovenia, systematic river training and hydroelectric power plants have led to a channel incision with considerable ecological and technical consequences. A sediment transport model predicted further incision if no countermeasures are implemented. The thin gravel layer (≈0.5 m) poses the threat of a river-bed break-through, calling for urgent action. In a Basic Water Management Concept, several types of ecologically oriented countermeasures have been proposed. Recently, one measure that combines self-initiated riverbank erosion with sediment input from a newly constructed side-arm has been implemented. To determine the success of the measure, we conducted a detailed survey along with particle tracking by telemetry. The results show the anticipated response. So far the Mur River showed the intended response to the measures with respect to self-initiated bank erosion and distribution of the inserted gravel. The introduced monitoring program proved to be suitable for the assessment of the measures.” (Abstract: 4th ECRR Conference on River Restoration Italy, Venice S. Servolo Island 16-21 June 2008 - Institute of Water agement, Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna) To identify the major impairments for the ecological status of waters and aquatic habitats at Drava and Mur, a scientific monitoring of habitats and species was carried out. Particular attention was paid to the wolf spider Arctosa cinerea, the beetle species Cicindela hybrida, and the bird species Actitis hypoleucos and Charadrius dubius. In the area of Bad Radkersburg, Drauchenbach up to the border a fish-ecological evaluation has been conducted at the river Mur. In the area of the measure Gosdorf I, an Interreg IIIa (2002-2008) project, a detailed monitoring and habitat modeling as well as an investigation of habitat types and species, visitor pressure and neophytes was done. The pre-and post-monitoring-results show a remarkable development of existing and new habitats of the studied protected resources. The dynamic river engineering projects have significantly promoted the development of all habitats concerned and a substantial improvement of habitats and animals has been documented. | 1 January 2009 | 1 January 2013 | Self-initiated bank erosion by sediment input | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||||
| Austria cross-border section - River widening Sicheldorf (ETZ-Project “DraMurCi” 2009-2013) | 46° 41' 21.77" N, 15° 56' 59.21" E | The measure serves the purpose of ecological and hydrological improvement of the river Mur over a length of about 1400 m by dismantling the left bank.
In order to promote the erosion of the left bank, initial erosion scars (bays, excavation of approximately 15,000 cubic meters) were created and four temporary islands were built from pouring the existing excavated material into the Mur River. The removal of bank protection and the therewith connected erosion will establish breaklines and a natural shoreline. Eroding banks and gravel bars will form new habitats for typical animal and plant species in and at the water. | 1 January 2009 | 31 December 2013 | Construction gravel bays Creation of islands Removal of bank reinforcements | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||||
| Austria cross-border section - River widening measure Gosdorf I (Interreg IIIa Project "Maßnahmen Unteres Murtal" 2002-2007) | 46° 43' 7.14" N, 15° 48' 46.57" E | In Gosdorf along a 1,000 m long and 150 m wide stretch, the Mur restored natural riverbed structures such as side-arms, undercut and slip-off slope banks, gravel banks, potholes and fords. Optimal conditions were created for the development of a natural river, bank and alluvial forest areas. The gravel carried in by floodwater stabilises the bed of the river Mur and thus, the ground water level. The construction of a side-arm and the tipping of the excavation material into the river Mur (in total: 150,000 m³) have speeded up the developments described above.
During the construction work threatened species already started to inhabit the new structures: The Nose Carp, a rheophile (current-loving) fish, spawned in the side-arm, Sand Martins were able to utilise an undercut bank for their nesting tunnels while Common Sand Pipers nested on the newly-formed gravel banks. In future also new structures with their typical natural colonisations will be formed again in harmony with the flow conditions of the river Mur, due to the renaturation of extreme and deficient locations. Within the next years, further 750,000 m³ of gravel may be mobilised by dynamic riverbed erosion during higher water flow of the river Mur. Thus, the gravel, which is missing in the cross-border catchment, will be compensated and thereby contribute to the stabilisation of the riverbed and the groundwater balance. At the location of the river widening an observation tower offers the chance to take a bird´s eye view of the entire restored area at a glance. Step by step, the visitor may range over the individual “storeys” of the alluvial forest. GerambRose 2010: The measure river widening Gosdorf of the project Interreg IIIa Project "Maßnahmen Unteres Murtal" 2002-2007 was awarded on 17.09.2010 with the GerambRose. The GerambRose is awarded in Styria in appreciation for services that maintain or create high-quality architecture. Neither the owner, the designer nor the performers, but their collective effort, the building, is the focus point of the price. The theme of the GerambRose 2010 was dedicated to the "public spaces". Together with the river widening Weyern (Upper Mur) and Schladming (Enns) a prize was awarded. | 1 January 2002 | 31 December 2007 | Creation of undercut banks Restoration of the connection of side arms Creation of Slips Creation of fords Creation of potholes Creation of gravel banks | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||||
| Austria cross-border section - River widening measure Gosdorf II (ETZ-Project “DraMurCi” 2009-2013) | 46° 43' 21.13" N, 15° 50' 0.96" E | The goal of this measure is an about 900 m long widening, a few meters downstream of the measure Gosdorf I, which was implemented in the first border-Mur-project (an Interreg IIIa project). The extension of dissolving the "shore corset" of the Mur and the initiation of typical river habitats shall promote the dynamic development and contribute to a fully revitalised section. At normal water levels the side-arm serves as a retreat area for small fish species in the river Mur (standing water zone). | 1 January 2009 | 31 December 2013 | habitat improvements | Channel widening Habitat creation | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||
| Austria/Slovenia Urban River Landscape - ETZ-“Skupaj“ - Joint urban and natural development at the Mur banks in Gornja Radgona and Bad Radkersburg | 46° 41' 1.58" N, 15° 59' 13.74" E | Within the program "Europäische Territoriale Zusammenarbeit" (ETZ) a bilateral austrian - slovenian design competition has been conducted in 2008 which aimed at bringing the districts of Bad Radkersburg and Gornja Radgona back together again.
Due to political circumstances Gornja Radgona and Bad Radkersburg, a fused urban organism until the First World War, are today two separate cities. In the united Europe the ETZ project Skupaj offered the chance to highlight the similarities between the cities and to push forward the long-term development of the reunited city and the surrounding region in terms of their complementary nature and different activities. The project and the implementation of the activities foster that the cities can emphasize their common roots and shared values and introduce themselves as reunited city. After the project’s completion the cities will be connected landscape-architecturally and reunited spatially via their city gates. The objective was the joint spatial and urban planning with an immediate impact on the natural and urban areas along the Mur. Residents and visitors can then get in direct contact with the river. Thus the river serves as an important development potential of the demographically vulnerable region. | 2008 | Economic aspects Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Spatial planning Urban | |||||||||||
| Austria/Slovenia cross-border cooperation - “Die Murkommission” – Bilateral River Commission | 46° 41' 11.11" N, 15° 59' 14.61" E | The Commission consists of eight members. Each Contracting State appoints four Commissioners, each of them with one substitute. Both members of the governments and of the local water management departments are represented. Thus, integration of the state guidelines as well as of the regional interests and concerns is ensured. The major share of the cooperation activities are supported by the local services, which thereby also take the main coordination load between the contracting parties. By proceeding that way the water management in the border region servers as successful example of subsidiarity and european cooperation in cross-border regions.
The Commission holds regular conferences once a year. Extraordinary meetings may be convened by the chairmen of the delegations by mutual agreement. The meetings are chaired by the Delegation of the organizing State. The negotiation languages are German and Slovenian. Decisions of the Commission require the approval of at least three members of each delegation. Decisions must not be executed if one government raises an objection. The governments of both countries are presented with the minutes of the meetings for approval. If neither of the two governments raises an objection against a decision taken by the Commission within three months, the decision shall be approved by the two governments. | Economic aspects Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydropower Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Land use management - forestry Monitoring Social benefits Spatial planning Water quality Urban | ||||||||||||
| Austria/Slovenia cross-border section - ETZ-Project “DraMurCi” 2009-2013 | 46° 43' 14.98" N, 15° 49' 3.13" E | The project aims at the integration of the water management activities in the area of the largest rivers (Drava and Mur), which are shared by two EU states (Austria and Slovenia), according to two EU Directives: Water Framework Directive (WFD Water Framework Directive) and Flood Directive (Directive Flood FD).
The project established common standards for the handling of floods and the management of sediments. This was achieved through intensive cooperation and exchange of experiences. The DRA-MUR-CI project activities covered coherent cross-border development and support measures for the protection of humans and the environment against natural disasters and for improving the living environment of people, flora and fauna. Six work-packages enforced the establishment of information-based technology for protection measures against flooding, the exchange of experience at professional level and proved the concept in pilot projects. The total value of this four year project was 3.5 million €. The project was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union. The project focused on in-depth research and development in the field of water management and cross-border cooperation, enforcing the understanding of flooding, flood risk and the control of sediments. Based on the analysis of scientific data the system of warning and informing citizens, civil protection shall be improved and bilateral warning and action plans upgraded. The regulation of rivers and flood protection measures aimed at re-evaluating the nature and the living environment of both rivers and the facilitation of integrated action in the form of pilot projects on the rivers Drava and Mur. | 1 January 2009 | 31 December 2013 | Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||||
| Austria/Slovenia cross-border section - Interreg IIIa Project "Maßnahmen Unteres Murtal" 2003-2008 | 46° 43' 14.59" N, 15° 49' 3.41" E | In accordance with the division designated for the INTERREG IIIA Project, the Lower Mur Valley habitat encompasses the Austrian border segment of the Mur River between Spielfeld and Sicheldorf (the “Grenzmur”), which forms the border to Slovenia, as well as the alluvial and cultural landscape bordering it to the north, with a total area of approx. 137 km². In western and eastern direction the area extends from Spielfeld all the way to the Austrian-Slovenian state border near Bad Radkersburg. This region encompasses the “Styrian Grenzmur with the Gamlitzbach and Gnasbach streams” European nature reserve, as well as, in part, the “Parts of the South-East Styrian hill country, including Höll and Grabenland streams” European nature reserve. During the 5-year project (2003-2008), 220,000 m³ of bed load were added along a total stretch of 1,800 m in order to prevent any further depth erosion of the riverbed of the Mur. Furthermore 32 ha of dynamic Mur and alluvial habitat were created as well as a total of 45,000 m tributary streams were reactivated and/or extended. The total value of this four year project was 3.8 million €. 50% of the project was financed by the European Union (Interreg IIIa), whereas national contributions are distributed variably between project applicant and co-financers. | 1 January 2003 | 31 December 2008 | reactivation and extending of tributary streams Bed load addition | Regeneration of alluvial forests | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||
| Avon Barriers Project | 55° 46' 2.99" N, 4° 1' 23.47" W | The Avon Barriers project is a partnership project between the Rivers & Fisheries Trust for Scotland (RAFTS), SEPA, South Lanarkshire Council and the Clyde River Foundation. It seeks to open up fish passage across two weirs on the Avon Water. The project is currently at the end of the feasibility & optioneering phase and is currently in a review period to select the best option for both weirs from those identified, to proceed to design and build.
This project has been funded through the Water Environment Fund (WEF) administered by SEPA on behalf of the Scottish Government, with contribution from South Lanarkshire Council. The project has been managed by RAFTS. By opening up fish passage across these two weirs almost 35km of salmonid spawning habitat will be accessable, improving the regeneration of the Clyde catchment as a valuable salmon fishery. For further information on the Water Environment Fund please visit: http://www.sepa.org.uk/water/water_environment_fund.aspx For further information on the project please examine the individual barrier project pages for Fernegair Weir and Millheugh Weir. | 1 January 2015 | Weir modification | Improving fish migration | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||
| Avon Barriers Project: Ferengair Weir | 55° 46' 3.70" N, 4° 1' 22.57" W | Fernegair Weir is one of two barriers on the Avon Water that are the focus of the Avon Barriers Project. This project is being undertaken in partnership between The Rivers & Fisheries Trust for Scotland, SEPA, South Lanarkshire Council and the Clyde River Foundation.
Ferniegair weir is approximately 60m wide. The crest has a lower section at the left bank (looking downstream). The majority of the crest is approximately 2.5m above the downstream bed level. The structure is skewed to the direction of flow at an angle of approximately 30 degrees. Historical maps indicate that there has been a mill on this site since at least the mid-1700s, predating the railway viaduct and the A72 bridge. It is therefore likely that there has been some form of impoundment in the river at this general site for some time. OS Mapping from an 1858 survey indicates a “dam” present at the site of the current weir, and no railway viaduct at this time (see Figure 2-3). It is estimated that the present weir was built between 1880 and 1920. No as-built drawings are available for the structure. Previous reports suggest that the construction of the weir is timber frame, which has since been encased with a concrete apron in the 1940’s. It is believed that this was built directly onto the bedrock which outcrops along much of the reach. Feasibility & optioneering for improving fish passage across this structure has just been completed and the options are being assessed with a view to moving forward to design and build. | 1 January 2015 | Weir modification | Improving fish migration | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||
| BALLYMONEY RIVERSIDE PARK RESTORATION PROJECT | 55° 4' 9.30" N, 6° 30' 26.56" W | This is an urban project, which aims to return an on-line boating lake on the Ballymoney River, to a productive salmonid stream. The impetus for the project was the ongoing cost of dredging the boating lake, which stimulated broader thinking towards a more sustainable plan for the site. Following a flood risk assessment, a scheme was agreed which entailed; the removal of a low weir, the restoration of a natural channel width, the restoration of natural substrate , the creation of in-channel features and the creation of wetland floodplain habitat which will provide flood storage.
The project will be used as a demonstration site for multi-benefit restoration in an urban environment, and as an example of multi-agency working and funding. Works included: Removal of low weir to permit natural sediment transport. | 7 April 2014 | Weir removal Addition of substrate and in channel features Alteration in channel dimensions | Creation of wetland Creation of ponds and scrapes | Diversification of in-channel features Meandering channel | management of wetland by council (new area of work) | Community Education Public amenity and perception | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Urban | Fish | Channel pattern/planform Freshwater flow regime | Channel bed morphology. | |||
| Babbs Mill reed bed | 52° 29' 19.58" N, 1° 45' 43.95" W | The project will help improve the water quality of both Babb’s Mill lake and the River Cole and should also eradicate the unpleasant smell associated with one of the waterways in the area, known locally as the ‘smelly brook’.
A new reed bed has been created (March 2013) to improve water quality in Babbs Mill lake by cleansing the urban watercourse which flows through York’s Wood. At the same time the watercourse itself was restored as it was broken out of its existing concrete channel and into a more natural course. It's hoped that the more natural and visible watercourse will help deter fly tipping and increase the reporting of pollution incidents. A shallow-water shelf was also created in Babbs Mill Lake from material excavated during the creation of the reedbed. This area will be allowed to develop into a second reed bed providing additional treatment of the watercourse. Photos of the scheme are available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/environment-agency/sets/72157632746487191/# Increase community awareness of urban catchment challenges. | Channel reprofiling | Reedbed creation | Awareness raising | Habitat and biodiversity Urban | |||||||||
| Babingley River at Hillington | 52° 48' 26.32" N, 0° 33' 42.62" E | The Babingley River rises from chalk springs above the villages of Flitcham and Hillington in North West Norfolk. The Hillington site is located close to the source and includes an impounded online lake known as the ‘Broadwater’. The aim of the project was to revert 420m of lake back to river in order to improve the water quality, remove barriers to fish and eel passage and provide additional spawning habitat for wild brown trout (Salmo trutta). Sluice boards (1.15m high) at the downstream extent of the site were removed resulting in the lowering of the water level. This concentrated the flow and enabled the river to cut a new channel that would be more sustainable in the long term. Deflectors were installed in the downstream extent of the reach (where gradient and flow velocities were less) to concentrate flow further and enable the river to continue cutting a channel into the newly exposed silt. Improvements in water quality as a result of the work created better habitat and spawning grounds and the removal of the sluice boards allowed free passage for fish to access these areas. However, lowering the water level created a barrier at the upstream weir, which had to be addressed using a pool and traverse fish easement created with rock rolls. | 2006 | 1 February 2007 | Creation of wooden deflectors Habitat diversification Cleaning of spawning gravels | Riparian planting | Adding sinuosity Channel narrowing Channel naturalisation Creation of fish passes Removal of sluice gates | Fisheries | Fish: Abundance Invertebrates: Taxonomic composition Macrophytes | ||||||
| Bakenhof Dyke reconstruction | 51° 58' 0.73" N, 5° 55' 37.43" E | Dike realignment took place utilising an area of former brickwork factory. The floodplain was widened by 200 meters and a new secondary channel created. The works also improved habitat connections, by increasing vegetation in the floodplain which will mature over time. The site is now popular for recreation, specifically for water sports, with Arnhem residents. The channel capacity has increased to allow for significant changes in flow. There has been little effect on biological quality with regard to Water Framework Directive targets, as fish and benthic invertebrates were not monitored before the works were carried out. | 2001 | 1 January 2004 | creation of secondary channel | Creation of backwaters | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||
| Ballinderry Freshwater Pearl Mussel Rescue Project | 54° 39' 27.99" N, 6° 53' 20.13" W | The Ballinderry Freshwater Pearl Mussel Rescue Project (2013-2015) aims to save the Ballinderry freshwater pearl mussel from extinction by addressing the issues in the catchment which are preventing them from naturally recruiting and to raise awareness of this globally endangered species amongst the community.
The mussels in the Ballinderry are unique in that they are genetically distinct from all the remaining populations in Northern Irish rivers and, without intervention, at their current rate of decline will be extinct by 2098. The project focuses on the upper 127km2 of the Ballinderry River catchment, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. This catchment includes the main channel of the Ballinderry from its source at Cam Lough in the Sperrin Mountains to Cookstown (located half way down the Ballinderry River) and eleven tributaries. Within the project area, the Ballinderry River is designated as a Special Area of Conservation and an Area of Special Scientific Interest. The £444,000 project has employed three dedicated staff members and delivered over £160,000 of silt remediation and river restoration works over 20 kilometres to improve the river to a standard in which freshwater pearl mussels can naturally reproduce and survive to adulthood. In order to achieve our aims we have been: 1. Identifying the pressures in the catchment which are preventing mussels from naturally recruiting and surviving and addressing these issues at the catchment-scale. 2. Establishing a sanctuary population of freshwater pearl mussel comprising regrouped dispersed adult mussels and released captive-bred juvenile and young sexually mature adult mussels, complimented by improved stock densities of host fish. 3. Improving the captive-breeding programme and determining how young a captive-bred mussel can be released to the wild. 4. Delivering a learning and outreach programme aimed at the wider public through a variety of outlets and resources. The methods used for identifying, planning and implementing silt remediation and education, outreach and communications were fully researched, evidence-based and defined as part of a six month project planning phase that saw, scientists, ecologists, conservationists, educationalist and statutory and non—statutory bodies contribute to a suite of project plans including a Conservation Plan, Education Plan, Volunteer Plan, Marketing and Communications Plan and an overarching Activity Plan. The Activity Plan provided determinate targets against which the success of the project is measured. | 1 January 2013 | 1 January 2015 | Improve the river for mussels to survive | Improving the scheme of captive-breeding of mussels | Community Education | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Monitoring Social benefits Water quality | |||||||
| Barking Creek near A13 | 51° 31' 40.97" N, 0° 4' 49.82" E | Previous site use/issues
Enhancements
| 1 August 2004 | 31 March 2006 | retreat and renewal of folld defences construction of new intertidal area | New footpaths sand martin nesting tubes | Wheelchair access | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits Urban Estuary | |||||||
| Barking Creekmouth | 51° 30' 59.87" N, 0° 5' 48.53" E | Previous site use/issues
| 31 March 2006 | Creation of backwaters | Channel realignment | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Urban Estuary | Fish | ||||||||
| Barn Elms Sports Ground | 51° 28' 20.53" N, 0° 14' 13.97" W | Create an off-line reedbed to provide riparian connectivity, refugia during high flows and marginal habitat which is currently absent. The Beverley Brook flows in a perched nature though steep shaded embankments with no in-channel processes or vegetation. | Reedbed creation Riparian planting | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Barn Elms Wetland Centre, South West London | 51° 28' 42.97" N, 0° 13' 58.14" W | Work undertaken: - Wetland habitat creation Housing development provided the opportunity to create major new wetland habitat on the site of former waterworks. The new centre is a good example of how the development and planning process can lead to habitat enhancement on a significant scale. The 43 hectare London Wetland Centre is the best urban site in Europe to watch wildlife, an international award winning visitor attraction and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). | Reedbed creation Creation of a lake Wetland habitat | Community Education Improved public access Public amenity and perception Visitor centre | Economic aspects Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Urban | ||||||||||
| Barnes Common | 51° 28' 18.69" N, 0° 14' 35.54" W | Friends of Barnes Common in partnership with LBRuT have created a new reedbed on the Beverley Brook 400m2 (20 x20) adjoining to the Beverley Brook. Wider aim of the project is to link up the reed beds in Richmond Park and the Wetland Centre. Create a new habitat for Barnes Common. Structural tree line/invertebrate productivity for foraging bats, plus bat roost potential; backwater; scalloped bays for marginal plants. Best practice management plan for commuting, foraging and roosting bats; watervoles, fisheries benefits and flood defence benefits; improvement of bankside for marginal plants and/or fringing reeds, strengthening wild life corridor along brook for birds, water voles, grass snakes, bats etc; enhance bankside marginal vegetation and provide suitable habitat for birds, invertebrates, plus potential for dispersal for the BAP species from London wetland centre e.g. water vole, grass snake; readily accessible to the public; forage area for bats. | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||||||
| Barnes Common improvements | 51° 28' 15.24" N, 0° 14' 40.90" W | To improve the riparian through with an improved mowing regime Plug planting of marginal species | 20 December 2011 | Tree management Riparian planting mowing regime | Flow deflectors Reedbed creation | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Urban | |||||||||
| Barney Beck: Abandoned Metal Mines | 54° 23' 11.31" N, 1° 58' 29.27" W | Barney Beck, in the Humber River Basin District, is located to the west of Richmond, North Yorkshire in upper Swaledale.The area was mined for lead, zinc and barium between 1700 and 1900. Cadmium occurs as a significant impurity in the lead-zinc minerals. The mineralisation occurs along vertical faults in the Carboniferous Limestone and Millstone Grit rocks at Barney Beck and adjoining areas of Swaledale in Yorkshire, and forms part of the North Pennine Orefield.
There is an extensive legacy of metal mining at Barney Beck including many shafts, adits and drainage levels with several smelters and associated ore dressing floors. There are large areas of un-vegetated spoil and bare rock exposed in deep hushes. Some spoil tips, such as at Old Gang Smelt Mill, have steep unstable slopes that are being constantly eroded at the base by Barney Beck. Barney Beck catchment (17sq.km) is entirely within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and almost all of the catchment is co-designated as SSSI, SAC and SPA with some scheduled Ancient Woodland in the valley bottom above Healaugh village. All of the mine site buildings are derelict, but there are 2 Scheduled Ancient Monuments comprising the Old Gang Smelt Mill and Surrender Smelt Mill complexes. Barras End Lead Mine is listed on the MINING WASTE DIRECTIVE INVENTORY. There are 13 adits/levels identified in the catchment, and 2 of these, Hard Level and Spence Level, were purposely constructed as drainage levels and still have permanent discharge flows, with water containing high concentrations of lead, zinc and cadmium entering Barney Beck. A number of single sampling events to investigate metal pollution of Barney Beck and to establish the Mining Waste Directive inventory were carried out by the Environment Agency and Hull University in 2010 and 2011. These studies all showed concentrations of Pb, Zn and Cd above their respective EQS values of 7.2, 50, and 0.09ug/L (Zn and Cd are hardness based), while Cu, Fe and Mn concentrations were acceptable. Based on the above findings, a catchment characterisation programme was implemented in 2012-2013 using Defra funding, provided to investigate water pollution from abandoned metal mines. This project comprised monthly water quality sampling at 9 locations with simultaneous spot flow gauging at 6 locations including the Hard Level and Spence Level discharges. The water quality results showed that the discharge from Hard Level contained the highest metal concentrations, with Pb at 130ug/L; Zn at 530ug/L and Cd at 4ug/L Metal loading was calculated from the concentration and flow data. When metal loadings were examined under different flow conditions, the contribution from the point source adit discharges were more significant during low flows, but less so in high flow conditions, when diffuse sources from spoil tips and re-suspension of contaminated sediments become more significant in the overall metal loading to Barney Beck and entering the River Swale. The Environment Agency has collaborated with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and funded a heritage survey report, to look at options for remediation and reduction of metal pollution of Barney Beck that do not adversely affect the integrity of the Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Overview of the impact of metal mining at Barney Beck: Length of watercourse affected 7km to confluence with River Swale Average flow at the Swale confluence 110L/s Average metal concentrations (ug/L): Pb = 80 Zn = 130 Cd = 1.1 Average metal loading (kg/year): Pb = 500 Zn = 700 Cd = 6 Water body WFD status in 2009: Ecology = Good Chemistry = DNRA Benefits of remediation The River Swale will be protected from major metal pollution sources Scheduled Ancient Monuments will not be damaged by any remedial actions Developing partnerships with important stakeholders (YDNPA and Coal Authority) and using our position as an influential advisor to deliver shared environmental outcomes Contribute towards achieving Good Ecological and Chemical Status under WFD | Catchment Characterisation Programme to investigate water pollution from abandoned metal mines and determine remediation options of metal pollution | Developing partnerships with stakeholders deliver shared environmental outcomes | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||||
| Barton Brook | 53° 49' 4.20" N, 2° 44' 43.27" W | ||||||||||||||
| Bastion Maria (QUERCUS) | 51° 41' 14.25" N, 5° 17' 50.59" E | The main aim of the Quercus project is preventing crime. This part of the project restores an historic feature on the river and incorporates a settling tank to contain sewerage overflows following heavy rainfall, which could previously have contaminated the river. On top of the settling tank, a small riverside open space is being created. Opposite the Bastion itself, improvement works were being carried out to the banks and shallows, to create wetland habitats and wildlife corridors, known as ecological linking zones. | 1 April 2007 | 29 May 2010 | Recreation | Economic aspects Social benefits Water quality Urban | |||||||||
| Bathgate Watercourse Restoration Project | 55° 53' 50.14" N, 3° 38' 56.33" W | This project aims to improve the morphology, biodiversity and flood risk management of the Boghead, Bog Burn and Logie Waters which are tributary of the River Avon (Falkirk) which run through Bathgate, West Lothian. The watercourses are currently categorised as Bad for morphology under RBMP and have multiple other issues including fish passage (being addressed separately) as well as flood and amenity issues. This project therefore brings together SEPA, West Lothian Council, Forth Fisheries Trust and the local community to improve the water course.
The project is currently at scoping stage to assess the works required. it is likely that the works will be delivered with a mixture of engineered and low tech solutions. Part of this work is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund as part of the Almond Avon Reconnection Programme. Now part of the RiverLife: Almond & Avon project. Two sections involve remeandering the channel and one includes instream woody debris and berms. Works have been put on hold due to land contamination, although designs are complete and we are hopeful that works will start later in the year. The RiverLife: Almond & Avon Project is a Scottish Government, SEPA, West Lothian and City of Edingburgh Councils and Heritage Lottery Funded collaborative project managed by the River Forth Fisheries Trust and includes multiple capital projects including the Bathgate Water, Easement of 7 barriers on the Almond, works on the Upper Avon and Killandean. The project is planned to continue from Summer 2016 to Summer 2020. | 1 June 2016 | Introducing large woody debris Re-meandering | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits Spatial planning Urban | ||||||||||
| Beam washlands | 51° 32' 2.67" N, 0° 10' 11.33" E | This multi-award winning partnership project built on a £4.5 million flood and coastal risk management (FCRM) scheme to improve the integrity and capacity of this flood storage washland, providing better protection to over 570 homes and businesses. The scheme provides a large, wildlife-rich, community parkland in one of east London's most deprived communities ((Map 1). This includes 12.6ha of Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitat, 150m of remeandering on the Wantz Stream, 600m of reprofiling and 300m of in-channel features on the River Beam. The project was completed in 2012; maintenance is funded and delivered by partners.
Increasing the storage capacity of the existing washlands from 433,000m3 to 458,660m3 provides a standard of protection to downstream properties for (approximately) up to a 1 in 25 year flood event. The provision and operation of the pumping stations provides an enhanced standard of protection of up to 1 in 150 years. This reduces the risk of flooding to 570 homes and 90 businesses. The flood risk regulation benefits of undertaking this project provide a gross asset value of avoided flood damage benefits worth £591,000 per year compared with £193,000 per year before the scheme was constructed. | Offline storage areas | Economic aspects Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Social benefits | |||||||||||
| Beck from the Brink | 53° 8' 10.38" N, 0° 53' 37.30" W | Installation of fencing and cattle drinks to reduce agri-diffuse pollution | 1 April 2018 | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Beddington Park | 51° 22' 24.17" N, 0° 8' 24.27" W | Objectives: Improve water flow and quality; bank naturalisation and enhanced provisions for biodiversity; increased leisure, recreational and educational opportunities. Methods: | 1 January 2008 | Bank reprofiling Planting Removal of sediment Toeboard removal | Reedbed creation | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits Water quality Urban | |||||||||
| Beddington Park Enhancements | 51° 22' 21.92" N, 0° 9' 2.89" W | Work undertaken:
| Weir modification Weir notched Bank reprofiling | Tree planting | Channel narrowing Cleaning of spawning gravels Reedbed creation | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality Urban | |||||||||
| Beek Lage Raam | 51° 42' 23.62" N, 5° 47' 25.08" E | The Raam region originally featured many small moors and bogs, connected by natural stream valleys. When the area was exploited for its peat, several waterways were dug to ensure sufficient drainage for peat extraction. The upper stretch of the Lage Raam is one of these waterways. This artificial channel was connected to the natural lower stretch of the Lage Raam. This water body is classified as a freshwater buffered ditch (M1a). The dug-out Lage Raam receives water from the Tovensche Beek and Ledeackerse Beek and discharges into the (natural) Lage Raam. | 2012 | Stroombaanmaaien | Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - forestry Peat | ||||||||||
| Beekherstel Beekloop | 51° 19' 6.17" N, 5° 23' 59.32" E | De Beekloop is voor het grootste deel gegraven door de mens en ontspringt in de bossen tussen Aalst en Hezen en uitkomt in de Kleine Dommel ter hoogte van natuurgebied Hulsterbroek. De waterloop ligt bij de overgang van het Kempisch plateau in België tot een lager gelegen gebied in Noord-Brabant, wat resulteert in een relatief groot bodemverhang. De beekloop is betrokken geweest bij vele beekherstel projecten tussen 2010 en 2015, waarbij sommige projecten geclassificeerd kunnen worden als traditioneel beekherstel (TB) en sommige projecten met de focus op Bouwen met Natuur (BmN). | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||||||
| Beekherstel Beekloop BmN | 51° 17' 58.84" N, 5° 23' 38.22" E | The Beekloop is a mostly man-made stream that originates in the woods between Aalst and Hezen and discharges into the Kleine Dommel near the Hulsterbroek natural area. The stream is located on the edge of the higher Kempens Plateau (Belgium) and a lower area in Noord-Brabant (Netherlands), which results in a relatively large bed slope. The Beekloop was part of several stream restoration projects between 2010 and 2015, some which can be classified as traditional stream restoration and some of which focused on Building with Nature. One of the main Building with Nature measures that were carried out is the introduction of dead wood in the stream. In addition, specific flora were introduced to improve the flow conditions. | 2010 | Dood hout 6 Vispassages Beschaduwing | Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality | ||||||||||
| Beekherstel Buurserbeek | 52° 8' 10.28" N, 6° 42' 34.15" E | The Buurserbeek is now a slow-flowing, strongly normalized stream. It is partially located in an agricultural area, but most of the stream flows through woods are natural areas (e.g. Buurserzand and the woods east of Haaksbergen) and/or has woody vegetation on its banks. A 4 meter wide maintenance path runs parallel to most of the stream and the entire stream runs between embankments or high grounds. Upstream of the Twenteroute, the stream carries water most of the year and in most places, the flow velocity is sufficient to support flow-loving fish. Downstream of the Twenteroute, the discharge mostly stops in summer, causing the stream to become stagnant. There is intensive maintenance in the reaches downstream of Braambrug. The Buurserbeek does not yet meet its ecological targets. The stream is too deep and has insufficient variation in structure. Nutrient levels remain to high in the Buurserbeek as well. This is mostly caused by upstream pollution in Germany.
The stream can meander freely within its embankments. The stream is shallow and wide and features both sand bars and stream pits, as well as dead wood and a local lush aquatic vegetation. Most of the stream corridor (80%) is wooded. The Buurserbeek is completely accessible to fish. Water authority Rijn en IJssel introduced tree stems into the stream to replace the stone cascades that used to be there. In another stretch of the stream, a maintenance path was removed to make the stream wider and shallower. | 2015 | Vergraven van de oever | Dood hout inbreng | Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring | Fish Invertebrates | Flow velocities Substrate conditions Width & depth variation | Nutrient concentrations Oxygen balance PH Temperature | Concentration phosphate, Chloride and Nitrogen | |||||
| Beekherstel Eefsebeek | 52° 10' 35.61" N, 6° 18' 21.42" E | The Eefse Beek water body is classified as a river under the WFD system. It is an R5 category water body: slow-flowing middle/lower reach on sand. The entire Eefse Beek is managed by water authority Rijn en IJssel. The water body is located in the province of Gelderland, municipality Lochem. It is 12,1 km long and has a catchment of 4080 hectares. The water body is composed of the Eefse Beek and its tributaries, the Molenbeek and Huurnerbeek. The water body originates in its own catchment and discharges into the river IJssel via the Twentekanaal. Water levels in the Eefse Beek are managed with three adjustable weirs. None of these weirs are passable for fish. In the Eefse Beek water body, a single water level is pursued for each managed stretch. The Eefse Beek carries water all year, with an occasional dry period in summer. There are no sewage treatment plants present in its catchment. Water authority performed several field tests with main channel mowing. The purpose of these tests was to create a validation data set with which the minimum required width of the mowed main channel could be tested. To this end, a different width was mowed in each test. | 2017 | Stroombaanmaaien | Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring | Fish Invertebrates Macrophytes | Flow velocities Substrate conditions Width & depth variation | Oxygen balance PH Temperature | |||||||
| Beekherstel Keersop | 51° 23' 52.69" N, 5° 28' 51.07" E | The Keersop has its origin in the Elzenloop, then flows past Luyksgestel, Bergeijk, Westerhoven, Dommelen and finally discharges into the Dommel near Westerhoven. The main purposes of the planned measures is to make the straightened stream more natural again and increase the flow velocity in certain stretches. A secondary purpose is the restoration of the water depleted natural areas around the Keersop and Beekloop streams. Finally, the water authority will cooperate with farmers to improve water management in the area, as part of the integral desirable ground and surface water regime (NL: Gewenste Grond- en Oppervlaktewater Regime (GGOR)). Several restoration measures were carried out over the full length of the Keersop, varying from traditional stream restoration to Building with Nature. Building with Nature measures were implemented at trajectories 147, 148, 150, 151, 160, 161, 162, 163 (Factsheet NL27_BO_3_2). | 2015 | Hout in de beek | Beschaduwing | Environmental flows and water resources Hydromorphology | Fish Macrophytes | Flow velocities Quantity & dynamics of flow Width & depth variation | Nutrient concentrations Oxygen balance PH Temperature Transparency | ||||||
| Beekherstel Lactariabeek | 51° 33' 52.48" N, 5° 54' 3.19" E | De Lactariabeek ontspringt in Limburg. Deze beek ligt in een natuurlijk beekdal. De beek is daarom getypeerd als (R4) langzaam stromende bovenloop op zand. De beek is op veel plaatsen sterk genormaliseerd en vergraven. Toch heeft de beek hier en daar nog steeds een natuurlijk verloop. Op de Brabants-Limburgse grens kruist de beek het Afwateringskanaal met een sifon. De beek loopt deels door een bosgebied, waar de beek in de zomermaanden kan droogvallen. Vervolgens stroomt hij door een gebied met overwegend landbouw. | 2014 | Dead wood deposition | Environmental flows and water resources | Channel pattern/planform Flow velocities | |||||||||
| Beekherstel Leerinkbeek | 52° 4' 51.16" N, 6° 34' 52.99" E | The Leerinkbeek water body is classified as a river under the WFD system. It is an R5 category water body: slow-flowing middle/lower reach on sand. The entire Leerinkbeek is managed by water authority Rijn en IJssel. The water body is located in the province of Gelderland, municipality Berkelland. It is 8,4 km long and has a catchment of 4051 hectares. The water body consists of a single channel. The water body originates in the Hupselse Beek, near the loam pits at Zwilbrock. The Leerinkbeek discharges into the Berkel. Water levels in the Leerinkbeek are managed with six adjustable weirs. None of these weirs are passable for fish. In the Leerinkbeek water body, a single maximum water level is pursued for each managed stretch, for which the weirs are used. In dry periods, the 44 upstream stretches of the water body run dry. There are no sewage treatment plants present in the catchment of the Leerinkbeek. Five bundles were introduced over the full width of the stream. This was mainly done as an experiment with the introduction of dead wood in streams. | Beschaduwing | Dood hout inbreng | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring | Fish Invertebrates | Flow velocities Substrate conditions Width & depth variation | Nutrient concentrations Oxygen balance PH Temperature | Concentration phosphate, Chloride and Nitrogen | ||||||
| Beekherstel Ramsbeek | 52° 4' 40.23" N, 6° 41' 26.07" E | The Ramsbeek water body is classified as a river under the WFD system. It is an R5 category water body: slow-flowing middle/lower reach on sand. The entire Ramsbeek is managed by water authority Rijn en IJssel. The water body is located in the province of Gelderland, municipality Berkelland. It is 5,2 km long and has a catchment of 2334 hectares in the Netherlands. The Ramsbeek partly originates in Germany and also receives water from the Veengoot, which originates near the clay pits and the Zwillbrocker Venn. The total catchment area of the stream is 4152 ha, of which 1818 ha in Germany. The Ramsbeek discharges into the Berkel. Water levels are managed with one adjustable wei rand six fixed weirs. In 2013, these weirs were either made passable for fish or removed. In the Ramsbeek water body, a single maximum water level is pursued for each managed stretch, because of the fixed weirs. The water level depends on upstream discharge. Water levels are variables in the stretches with adjustable weirs. These weirs were removed in the latest plan period, when the stream was re-designed. The Ramsbeek carries water all year. Upstream parts of the waterways do not run dry during dry periods. There are no sewage treatment plants present in the catchment of the Ramsbeek. Tree trunks were introduced in the stream's banks at two locations, as part of a dead wood experiment of the water authority. Since an earlier experiment in the Leerinkbeek showed that bundles of branches can get clogged easily, trunks with roots were used in this experiment. One third of the waterway was kept open. | Beschaduwing | Dood hout inbreng | Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring | Fish Invertebrates | Flow velocities Substrate conditions Width & depth variation | Oxygen balance PH Temperature | Concentration phosphate, Chloride and Nitrogen | ||||||
| Beekherstel Reusel Baarschot-Diessen | 51° 27' 28.81" N, 5° 10' 41.09" E | River restoration measures were implemented to improve ecological values in the area, so that these meet WFD criteria, and to connect the stream with the regional ecological structure of the valley. There are multiple aspects of large-scale stream restoration in this area:
- Flow velocity - Summer and winter flow dynamics - Varied vegetation banks and bed - Removing barriers for fish - Improving water quality - Climatological robustness As part of this large scale stream restoration, Building with Nature was implemented. A particular example is main channel mowing to improve channel flow. | 1 January 2014 | Stroombaanmaaien | Traditioneel Beekherstel | Versterken van het landschap cultuurhistory en recreatie | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | Fish Macrophytes | Flow velocities Width & depth variation | Nutrient concentrations Oxygen balance PH Salinity Temperature Transparency | |||||
| Beekherstel Willinkbeek | 51° 59' 7.40" N, 6° 44' 40.31" E | Stroomafwaarts van Döttekrö ontbreekt dynamiek in de Wilinkbeek omdat piekafvoer via Koppelleiding wordt afgevoerd. Veel trajecten hebben nog kunstmatig verhard talud en beekbodem als gevolg van puin en slakkenbestorting. Door deze puinbestorting weg te halen zal de beek een morfologisch afwisselende, kronkelende beek worden door bosstroken van tenminste 10 meter breed. Omdat erosie en sedimentatie vrij spel hebben, zulllen meanders, zandbanken en stroomkuilen zich vormen op telkens nieuwe plekken. De beek zal het grootste deel van het jaar afvoer hebben. Vanwege ligging in een vaak bosrijke omgeving hopen zich op rustige plekken in de beek bladeren, takken en boomstammen op. De beek is geheel optrekbaar voor vis. | 2019 | Puinbestorting verwijderd | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring | Width & depth variation | Oxygen balance PH Temperature | ||||||||
| Beekherstel Zuidelijk Afwateringskanaal | 52° 10' 46.91" N, 6° 31' 44.65" E | The Zuidelijk Afwateringskanaal water body is classified under the WFD system as M1a: buffered ditches. The entire water body is managed by water authority Rijn en IJssel. The Zuidelijk Afwateringskanaal is partly located in the province of Gelderland (municipality Berkelland) and partly in the province of Overijssel (municipality Hof van Twente). The water body is 10.7 km long and has a catchment of 4449 hectares. The Zuidelijks Afwateringskanaal is an engineered waterway. It discharges into the Twentekanaal. Water levels are managed with four adjustable weirs (one automatic) and five fixed weirs. None of these weirs are passable for fish. In this water body, a single minimal water level is pursued for each managed stretch, for which the weirs are used. The water body does not carry water all year long. In dry periods, the 24 upstream stretches of the water body run dry. The Zuidelijk Afweteringskanaal is mostly there for drainage. Water is being let into the water body from the Bolksbeek in dry periods. There are no sewage treatment plants present in this catchment. The water authority adapted its mowing regime in this stream to main channel mowing, mainly to get more experience with this vegetation removal strategy. | 2017 | Stroombaanmaaien | Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring | Fish Invertebrates | Flow velocities Substrate conditions Width & depth variation | Oxygen balance PH Temperature | Concentration phosphate, Chloride and Nitrogen | ||||||
| Beentjesgraven | 52° 35' 45.38" N, 6° 15' 54.24" E | The Beentjesgraven is a small waterway that discharges into the river IJssel. The water authority Drents Overijsselse Delta created more structural variation in this stream to improve their ecological quality and meet WFD criteria. The banks were divided into a green and a blue zone. In the blue zone, vegetation was regularly removed to ensure flow continuity. In the green zone, vegetation is removed less regularly and in a way that contributes to a varied flow structure. | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Belford Natural Flood Management Scheme, Northumberland | 55° 35' 51.54" N, 1° 49' 42.16" W | Local Levy funding (~£350,000) was allocated by the North East Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC). The Environment Agency used ~£250,000 to commission Newcastle University to monitor the catchment, conduct hydraulic modelling, design run-off attenuation features (RAFs), engage with landowners and the community, and appoint specialist contractors to deliver the interventions. The remaining funds were used to repair a damaged wall on the bridge in Belford village and to improve the drainage network in the village. (Note that only 2 landowners were willing to take part at the early stages.) Monitoring of individual RAFs has shown that they are able to have a significant impact (up to 10% reduction) on the flood peak in small to medium events, but that they were overwhelmed by larger events (by filling with floodwater during the rising limb of the hydrograph during observed storms). The RAFs have also provided multiple benefits including sediment capture and water quality improvements. | 2007 | leaky woody dams | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||||
| Bell Green Weir fish passage | 51° 25' 55.22" N, 0° 1' 48.46" W | Notch weir to improve fish passage. Delivery by internal EA operatives. This is an ornamental weir with three low-head stages. Presents a barrier to fish movement during normal river flows. | Weir modification | Improving fish migration | Fisheries | ||||||||||
| Belton Floodplain Reconnection and River Restoration | 52° 56' 11.52" N, 0° 37' 33.10" W | This project builds upon two previously successful restoration projects in partnership between the EA and National Trust (landowner) that involved channel narrowing and adding gravel riffles. Its aims were to further increase floodplain connectivity and complexity, create wetlands and to restore natural river processes. To help the river come out of bank and onto its floodplain more frequently woody material jams were created using a combination of willow and alder along with discrete areas of floodplain lowering. The floodplain complexity was improved by adding fallen wood across it along with tree planting to ensure longer term wood supply for the river. Floodplain willows were hinged both into the river and on the floodplain. Shallow scrapes were dug to create areas of standing water and imitation Beaver Dam were installed to encourage areas of deeper wetland. Frequently wetted, lowland floodplain is a very important but rare habitat type that delivers many ecosystem services benefits. Its restoration usually involves the movement of lots of spoil at high cost. This work is innovative in that it involves the use of lower cost, less intensive and more natural methods. | 9 January 2017 | Channel narrowing Bank lowering Gravell added Tree Hinging | Floodplain lowering scrape added floodplain roughening Beaver dam analogue. | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | |||||||||
| Beltringharder Koog Regulated Tidal Exchange Scheme | 54° 32' 56.43" N, 8° 53' 39.32" E | This regulated tidal exchange (RTE) was created in 1988 as in situ compensation for advancing the defence line into the Nordstrand Bay in 1987 (land-claiming 3,350ha of mudflats, sandflats and saltmarshes in the process). The 853ha RTE scheme forms part of a compensation package undertaken in the newly created polder; the RTE is generally referred to as ‘the salt water biotope’(Salzwasserbiotop). Whilst the main habitat created is a saline lagoon, approximately 380ha of intertidal habitats are also included (166ha tidal flats, 214ha saltmarsh). Furthermore, there are some 95ha of transitional habitat at the back of the site. The remainder of the 3,350ha Koog (i.e. polder) was converted into a number of terrestrial/freshwater habitats for nature conservation purposes, including reedbeds, marshes and transitional grassland. The whole polder was declared a nature reserve in 1992; and is now highly designated, forming part of the following Wadden Sea sites: Ramsar, Special Protection Area, and Special Area of Conservation. The RTE site is open to tidal influence through two culverts in the new sea dike, which are fitted with sluice gates. These are 3km apart, and have the following dimensions: 6mx4.30m at Holmer Siel and 6mx3.70m at Lüttmoorsiel (Siel = sluice). Material was borrowed from inside the site, up to a depth of 20m and used for seawall construction. Between the two sluices, a ring channel with a water depth of 2-3m was dug; the excavated material was used to create a sandy peninsula. After testing several sluice combinations for some years, the Holmer sluice was redesigned in 1994 so it could act as a year-round in and outlet sluice (like the other sluice). Both sluices are now kept open at all times (they essentially act as culverts), except during storm surges. A maximum tidal range of 0.4m is normally achieved. In winter, storm floods are simulated by damming up water over several tidal cycles. | Habitat and biodiversity Estuary Marine | Fish Invertebrates Phytoplankton | Continuity of sediment transport | ||||||||||
| Beneden Regge | 52° 28' 42.71" N, 6° 26' 28.41" E | Restoration measures in the downstream stretch of the river Regge are part of a larger restoration project for the whole river (see link above). The stream bed was raised and the river planform was made narrower and given a meandering trajectory. Dead wood was introduced and mowing was suspended to create a more varied ecosystem. The river corridor was largely converted from intensive agriculture to grassland, maintained by grazers. | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Beneden-Berkel | 52° 9' 15.66" N, 6° 17' 50.82" E | Since the Middle Ages man has been altering the Berkel. At first to make it navigable and from the 1930's onwards to reduce flooding. Over the years the Berkel has thus been modified into a straight monotonous river. Now, some of the natural characteristics of the area will be restored. This will allow many more species of plants and animals to live in and around the Berkel, and the water becomes cleaner.
The measures that will be taken are:
| 1 September 2013 | Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Water quality | |||||||||||
| Beneden-Leeuwen-Side channel | 51° 53' 18.60" N, 5° 31' 41.12" E | 1 January 1994 | Bank reprofiling | Creation of backwater Side channel created | More natural water retention | Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Water quality | Fish: Age structure Invertebrates Macrophytes | ||||||||
| Beverley Brook Flow control structures | 51° 27' 56.77" N, 0° 15' 8.12" W | Model the effects of altering the two flow control structures with a view to sending more low flows down the natural channel and taking excess flow downs the two culverts when water levels rise. The Beverley Brook natural channel only takes 20% of the flow during normal flow rates, which impacts the geomorphology, silt carrying capacity and habitat value of the brook downstream of the flow control structures. | Modelling Monitoring strategy | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Beverley Brook d/s of Rock’s Lane | 51° 28' 10.99" N, 0° 14' 46.77" W | Structural tree line/invertebrate productivity for foraging bats, plus bat roost potential; backwater; scalloped bays for marginal plants. See also the project ‘Barnes Common’, a specific reedbed creation project. Best practice management plan for commuting, foraging and roosting bats; watervoles, fisheries benefits and flood defence benefits; improvement of bankside for marginal plants and/or fringing reeds, strengthening wild life corridor along brook for birds, water voles, grass snakes, rats etc; enhance bankside marginal vegetation and provide suitable habitat for birds, invertebrates, plus potential for dispersal for the BAP species from London wetland centre e.g. water vole, grass snake; readily accessible to the public; forage area for bats. | habitat improvements | Tree planting Creation of backwaters coves and bays construction Reedbed creation | Improved public access | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Urban | |||||||||
| Beverley Park | 51° 24' 17.25" N, 0° 14' 51.99" W | Potential for realignment/restoration/enhancement works to the river and floodplain. Potential for establishment of the marginal/bankside habitat by reducing shading from excessive tree cover and regrading the banks and removing the fencing along the river. This would improve the ecological value of river and river corridor, visibility of the river and access to the river. There is also the potential for wetland creation with the park, and habitat for bats in the culvert to the north of the park. Reconnect river to it’s floodplain; improve water quality by introducing riparian vegetation and establishing currently nonexistent bankside and emergent habitats; provide access to nature and improve amenity value of the park. | 1 January 2008 | Bank reprofiling | Habitat creation Cut back of trees Creation of wetland Floodplain reconnection Restoring riparian vegetation | Channel realignment | Community Education Improved public access Public amenity and perception | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits Water quality Urban | |||||||
| Big Yellow | 51° 27' 18.27" N, 0° 20' 13.76" W | Deculverting of Whitton Brook. One aspect of the Big Yellow storage development. | 1 January 2010 | Deculverting | Economic aspects Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Bijloop | 51° 32' 34.38" N, 4° 42' 24.91" E | The Bijloop-Turfvaart stream system has been heavily modified for peat transport in the 15th century. Since then, it has been optimized for agricultural purposes. The low flow velocity, high water temperature and nutrient load cause a generally unfavourable ecological environment. The water authority has experimented with removing fewer water plants. To this end, they planted trees lining the stream. Various species were used: black alder, summer oak, hazel, rowan, blackthorn, ash and buckthorn. | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Bio-engineering and creation of side channels along the rectified section of the Scarpe River in Arras | 50° 17' 27.61" N, 2° 46' 39.13" E | In a partnership with the Artois-Picardie water agency,
CUA launched ecological-restoration works on a section of the Scarpe. The reaches most affected by anthropogenic pressures were seen as the priority, namely the entire section between Arras and SaintLaurent-Blangy. A study by a specialised consulting firm recommended restoring natural banks with a slight slope and improving the riparian vegetation. The metal sheet piles, initially installed for bank protection, were deemed unsuitable and removed. The banks were graded to a slight slope and stabilised using techniques suited to the hydraulic constraints weighing on each sector: - helophyte rolls or calcareous landfill with geotextile fabric in areas where the constraints are not severe; - mixed techniques (gabion bed and vegetated geomats) in areas subjected to greater constraints. A total of 1 750 metres of bio-engineering bank-protection techniques were installed. A number of measures were taken for the riparian vegetation, including planting of helophytes at the foot of banks, seeding of work areas with a mix of herbaceous plants, restoration of wooded areas by planting white willows and elimination of the invasive species found on site. The top of the white willows was cut to encourage the growth of buds and of the tree trunks. This pruning technique will produce cavities that birds, small mammals and insects can use. A lagoon was also created as an alluvial “annex” with two reed beds measuring 1 000 and 1 450 m² on the site of the former turn-around point for péniche barges in an effort to restore habitats for different species, notably pike. | 1 January 2009 | 1 January 2012 | Removal of metal sheet piles installation of bio-engeneering bank protection Helophytes planted Installation of geotextile Gabion bed | Planting of helophytes at the foot of banks Seeding of work areas with a mix of herbaceous plant restoration of wooded areas by planting white willows Elimination of the invasive species found on site Creation of pond | Habitat and biodiversity Water quality | ||||||||
| Bio-engineering techniques for bank protection on the Moselle River in Villey-le-Sec | 48° 39' 34.04" N, 5° 58' 36.41" E | Following the 20-year flood in 2006, 80 metres of
metal sheet piles, dating back to the work to open the Moselle to large ships, collapsed. The bank became unstable and erosion occurred at points along a 300-metre linear distance. In light of the damage, an assessment of the banks was carried out by an engineering firm in 2009. The results made clear the seriousness of the situation and the risks incurred by the notches in the banks caused by the erosion. The danger was that the eroded material could be deposited in the navigation channel and the service road damaged. The VNF technical department wanted a technical solution for both river navigation and the ecological issues in the area, namely an improvement in lateral continuity. The poor condition of the sheet piles and the available funding both contributed to the decision to proceed with the operation. The sheet piles along the work site were removed. The banks were reworked over a distance of 1,000 metres and a coconut geotextile was laid. Local plant species were then planted along the banks, including helophytes (three to four plants per linear metre), willow cuttings, etc. | 1 September 2011 | 1 December 2011 | Removal of metal sheet piles Installation of geotextile | Planting of helophytes at the foot of banks | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||
| Birkin Brook Habitat Improvements, Cheshire | 53° 20' 53.71" N, 2° 21' 14.40" W | Restore 935 metres (1.1 hectares) of degraded riparian habitat through fencing to exclude livestock | 4 January 2018 | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Blackbrook Slow the Flow, St Helens | 53° 28' 3.93" N, 2° 42' 3.44" W | Blackbrook in St Helens, Merseyside, experiences repeat flooding from a combination of main river and surface water sources. There are 18 properties at flood risk, 3 of which are businesses; a major truck A-road is also at risk. The current flood risk is high.
Blackbrook has a 5% chance of flooding in any given year and sits in a low-lying bowl at the confluence of 5 rapid response catchments whose upstream area is 21km2. The property level protection put in place has had limited success, partly due to a failure in its operation at the time of the last flood (26 December 2016). Flooding also occurred on 28–29 October 2000 and 24–26 September 2012. Capital solutions to reduce the flood risk are prohibitively expensive, as culvert enlarging would be required to reduce the flow constriction. Such considerable capital interventions do not qualify for full funding under HM Treasury rules on cost–benefitratios. Significant additional funding would therefore be required. | 2012 | leaky woody dams | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality | ||||||||||
| Blackhorse Lane Waterfront Park | 51° 35' 24.87" N, 0° 2' 25.44" W | Regeneration of an industrial estate to Water Front Park and associated de-culverting and restoration of the Dagenham Brook. Creation of a Park land for local population. Biodiversity and water quality enhancements, reduction in flood risk. Social improvements | 1 January 2008 | Deculverting | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||||
| Blackwater River Habitat Enhancements & Fish Passage | 51° 22' 32.59" N, 0° 57' 3.58" W | To improve habitat, fish passage, spawning and recruitment opportunities, native fish stocks and implement Water Framework Directive improvements to achieve Good Ecological Status within the catchment. Also, to decrease any risk of the property flooding, improve the ecology, repair the damage from historic dredging and land use of the grounds and create sympathetic use of the pasture land. - Introduction of naturally occurring LWD to encourage flow diversity and increase channel sinuosity | 12 November 2014 | Introducing large woody debris Adding sinuosity Improvement of natural flows | Habitat enhancement Improving fish migration | Decreased flood risk | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Water quality | ||||||||
| Blake Avenue, Mayes Brook | 51° 31' 55.86" N, 0° 6' 1.16" E | To enhance the current flood storage area for nature conservation, including target BAP species such as water vole. This can be achieved by reinstating natural earth banks and the creation of a marginal aquatic zone. To create BAP habitats such as reedbeds and standing water in the form of wetlands and backwater creation. To allow and improve public access to the brook and help encourage environmental awareness and social involvement with local wildlife. Blake Avenue is a side-spill flood alleviation area situated on the right bank of Mayes Brook 3139m², located 500m upstream of County Gardens flood alleviation area. The channel within this section is straight with a reinforced right bank incorporating a sluice, which is located in the middle for drainage following flood events. The earth-bunded flood storage area comprises well maintained grassland, which is cut 4-6 times a year during the growing season. The area is inundated 3-4 times a year and requires dredging every 5-10years. The site is EA-owned and lies directly adjacent to residential properties. | Bank reprofiling | Reedbed creation | UK BAP habitat creation/restoration | Community Education Improved public access | Flood risk management | ||||||||
| Blauwe Kamer | 51° 56' 57.64" N, 5° 36' 28.20" E | The Blauwe Kamer (Blue Room, named after a farm that stood in the area) was one of the first projects, in 1992, in line with the ideas of Plan Ooievaar (http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plan_Ooievaar, Dutch), which can be seen as a predecessor for the Room for the River program.
The first measure that was taken was to take away part of the summer quay, restoring the natural dynamics of the floodplain, thereby bringing back the natural river landscape. The low-lying area now becomes inundated even with a slight increase of the water level. This, together with the introduction of large herbivores, konik horses and galloway cattle, has led to the emergence of a more diverse landscape. In 2002 the Grebbeberg, the south side of the Utrecht Hill Ridge is connected to the Blauwe Kamer. As part of the National Ecological Network is the Blauwe Kamer part of a project where the Utrecht Ridge, the Veluwe and the river banks of the Meuse and Waal get connected with each other. For this purpose a number of barriers such as the N225 provincial road still need to be resolved. | Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||||
| Bleinheim Palace Project | 51° 52' 39.49" N, 1° 29' 42.45" W | Due to their loss of spawning and nursery sites, rheophilic fish populations (especially barbel, chub and dace) the river Evenlode faced significant recruitment problems. These problems originate in the widening and dredging of the channel leaving it over-sized, with few features to provide habitat or refuge for juvenile fish. With local angling club membership dwindling, the project aimed to increase fish populations in the river through the introduction of a more diverse flow and the allowance of more frequent flooding. | 1 September 2005 | Planting Creation of pools and riffles Introduction of spawning gravels | Creation of backwaters | Channel narrowing | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality | ||||||||
| Bockhampton Enhancement | 50° 42' 41.75" N, 2° 23' 58.60" W | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||||||||
| Bocking Blackwater River Restoration | 51° 53' 8.66" N, 0° 33' 37.43" E | Currently, the River Blackwater (Pant, upstream) is classed under the Water framework Directive as heavily modified with poor potential. It is this assessment that drives this restoration project. This project is funded by the Environment Agencies Catchment Restoration fund and is part of the Essex Healthy headwaters scheme. Physical earthworks are due to commence in Summer 2015.
The site is an urban location and is designated as a local nature reserve. It is locally well loved, being popular with walkers, runners and cyclists. A majority of it is close mown grassland, however,there are significant wilder zones in places which are more typical of a Local Nature reserve. The main aspect of this project is to enhance the river banks by reducing erosion, poaching and silt inputs, the second is to improve riparian habitat and floristic diversity, as an added benefit there should also be an improvement in water quality produced by filtration of the newly established root network. The river banks will be restored using a mixture of bio engineering schemes including Coir rolls, willow spiling and bank re-profiling combined with Coir pallets. The Coir pallets and roles will be seeded with a combination of native species including flag iris, purple loosestrife and watermint among others. The current condition of the riverbank is floristically poor with either a monoculture of reeds, nettles or the invasive species Himalayan balsam. Whilst the project is not specifically targeted to deal with invasive species it is hoped that there will be some benefit derived from introducing increased floristic diversity and extra competition. The final major element of the project is to protect and enhance a deeply eroded section of riverbank. As this is a steep and heavily degraded slope the use of coir rolls and pallets would not be appropriate. Therefore the design solution decided on was to use willow spilling and use the spoil created from the bank reprofiling works to backfill behind the spiling. The idea is then that overtime the willow roots would bind the bank together preventing erosion and offer shading reducing river temperatures in the river over the summer months. There is some potential to enhance a wetland area, known locally as the spreads by creating a series of ponds and redirecting an existing drain. This will allow any water to be filtered and settled before entering the river. The ponds overtime will develop into fine habitat and support a number of specialist species. All the above should add up to the an overall improvement of the local Riverine habitat and an improvement in the general water quality and hydro morphological condition of the river. Increase awareness of flood issues. | 1 August 2012 | Soft engineering solutions Bank improvement Channel reprofiling Bank reprofiling | Erosion protection Creation of backwaters Creation of wetland Creation of pond | Awareness raising Citizen participation in the restoration project | Habitat and biodiversity Water quality Urban | ||||||||
| Bocq river (Walphy - LIFE project) | 50° 19' 21.02" N, 5° 0' 30.92" E | In the context of fulfilling the Water Framework Directive requirements, the LIFE+ project Walphy allowed experimental restoration projects to be undertaken on two medium-size catchments of the Meuse basin in Wallonia (Belgium) between 2009 and 2014: the Bocq catchment and the Eau Blanche Catchment. This five-year long project was funded by the European Union and the Service Public de Wallonie (SPW). It involved three institutions: the SPW was in charge of the experimental restoration projects while the Universities of Liège and Namur were responsible for evaluating the success of the restoration projects.
The Bocq is a medium-size gravel-bed river which has been strongly impacted by numerous barriers, impeding the free movement of fish and bedload (an average of one weir every 1.8 km). In addition, some river reaches have been straightened over the last few centuries, which has led to significant loss of habitat. A multi-scale assessment of hydromorphological conditions of the Bocq catchment has led to a large-scale restoration project implemented mainly in the lower and middle course of the Bocq River itself. 22 barriers (mainly old weirs of an average height of 1.35 m) have been removed or modified in order to reconnect the Bocq with the Meuse and to improve access to areas of spawning grounds. To date, only two barriers remain in the middle Bocq. In addition, 3.6 km of modified reaches were improved through a wide range of rehabilitation techniques such as designing sinuous channels, re-instating spawning grounds, improving fish shelters, improving culvert bed, etc. | 1 January 2009 | 31 December 2013 | Barrier removal | Creation of fish spawn nursing places Improvement culvert bed | Adding sinuosity | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring | |||||||
| Boldersbeek | 52° 0' 6.69" N, 6° 46' 33.76" E | The Boldersbeek is a small tributary of the Groenlose Slinge. In 1999, two retention basins were created in this stream's catchment. The stream flows through one of these basins and next to the other basin. | Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Bonesgate Phase 2 | 51° 22' 7.96" N, 0° 16' 35.42" W | Realignment and reprofiling of river bank to create a meander; creation of a fishing pond; habitat management to improve visibility and access along the river; improve the footpaths along the river. To improve the local area; to improve and restore the river and riverbanks to enhance the natural state of the stream and encourage indigenous flora and fauna to develop; to provide access and amenity value as well and improve views of the river. It is part of Surry Green Arc improvements. Phase 1 on the adjacent stretch of the Bonesgate was chosen as an exemplary project for the Green Arc. | 1 January 2008 | Bank reprofiling | Creation of pond | Creation of meanders | Aesthetics Improved public access | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | |||||||
| Boosting slivso | 55° 10' 0.00" N, 9° 29' 0.00" E | 1 January 1999 | Creation of dike Introduction of gravel | Creation of wetland Creation and flooding of lake | Land use management - agriculture Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Water quality | Fish: Abundance Fish: Species composition Invertebrates Macrophytes | Nutrient concentrations | ||||||||
| Borrowash fish pass | 52° 54' 6.21" N, 1° 23' 58.48" W | Borrowash fish pass is the largest in the Midlands region to date. It is located at Borrowash on the River Derwent, a major tributary of the River Trent in Derbyshire. In total it took twelve months to complete the 2.7m wide three stage Larinier design at a total cost of £650,000.
The overall aim was to increase fish passage, by enabling access to habitats both up and downstream of the weir. This project is part of a wider range of fish passage improvements planned for the East Midlands region, as restrictions to free fish passage are now seen as the main factor limiting fish stocks within the Trent catchment. There are currently nine proposed sites including Church Wilne and Whatstandwell gauging weirs. Partners involved include the Environment Agency, the Trent Rivers Trust and Derby County Council, as well as local angling clubs and the local community. The long term aim of this catchment scale project is to improve the river’s status under the Water Framework Directive. The Borrowash pass is the first artificial barrier on the River Derwent, and therefore of strategic importance to improve longitudinal connectivity for fish, sediment, invertebrates and nutrients within the catchment. In 2010 salmon were seen on the Derwent for the first time in 200 years, however the pass will also benefit other species specifically brown trout, chub, dace, minnows, eels and lamprey . Boosting fish stocks will also improve angling opportunities in the local area. The River Restoration Centre would like to thank the Environment Agency for providing the information and photographs for this case study. | 2 January 2012 | 21 September 2012 | Larinier fish pass | Fisheries | |||||||||
| Boston Manor | 51° 29' 20.60" N, 0° 19' 10.31" W | Potential for river floodplain restoration/wetland creation. Watercourse which enters the Grand Union Canal, passing through Boston Manor Park. | Creation of wetland | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Boulder Pool and Plough Lane | 51° 25' 44.10" N, 0° 11' 17.78" W | Creation of more natural banks and profile; introduction of backwaters to increase habitat; footbridge across river to increase access; bat boxes and brown roof. Building of new substation between Coppermill Close and Riverside Road. | 1 January 2008 | Bank reprofiling | Creation of backwater | Improved public access | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||
| Bourne End Recreation Ground River Enhancement Project | 51° 34' 31.53" N, 0° 42' 20.83" W | The purpose of the Project was to enhance river habitat along a 150m stretch of the R. Wye that borders Bourne End Recreation Ground in Buckinghamshire. Through a combination of tree management work and the installation of Woody Habitat structures, the scheme narrowed the previously over-wide channel and increased heterogeneity of flow and habitat. The scheme was designed to directly contribute to the R. Wye achieving Good Ecological Status under the Water Framework Directive. This project was one of three habitat enhancement Projects completed on the river in 2016 supported by the Catchment Partnership Action Fund. The Project was managed by the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project (CCSP) working in partnership with the Chiltern Rangers CIC, Environment Agency, Wooburn Green & Bourne End Parish Council under the banner of Revive the Wye a local community initiative. The work as carried out using a combination of specialist contractors (tree work) and volunteers. The project was funded by the CCSP, the Catchment Partnership Action Fund and the Chiltern Rangers CIC. | 4 May 2015 | 24 February 2016 | Creation of pools Fish habitat restoration Introducing large woody debris Habitat restoration | Habitat creation Tree management | Channel narrowing Re-meandering | Community involvement | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits Urban | ||||||
| Boven-Dommel | 51° 17' 11.16" N, 5° 26' 19.89" E | The Dutch Upper Dommel is a stretch of the river Dommel from the Belgian border to the city of Eindhoven. The river flows through two nature reserves and several urban and agricultural areas. Large scale stream restarion was not possible because of pollution in this part of the stream. As a small scale measure to improve biodiversity, tree stubs and trunks were introduced on the banks. In additon, extra trees were planted to provide more shade. | Habitat and biodiversity Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Bow Brook Floodplain Restoration | 52° 7' 25.23" N, 2° 6' 30.12" W | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Water quality | |||||||||||||
| Bow Brook Living Landscape | 52° 12' 38.37" N, 2° 5' 7.23" W | Through the Bow Brook Living Landscape project we are developing a coherent network linked by corridors that can provide benefits for people as well as for biodiversity.
The catchment is largely rural and is intensively farmed and drained. This combined with erosion from cattle and unfenced banks are loading pollutants into the brook. Since the 1960s the town at the headwaters of the brook and many of the villages have increased dramatically in size raising pressures from sewage outfalls. Farmer meetings have been essential in drawing together the community on topics that are not only of interest to the Wildlife Trust but also those actually working on the land. The EA approached WWT to work with them in 2011 to help to improve WFD status in Worcestershire. The Bow Brook is classed as Poor for Phosphate and Moderate for fish. The EA provided funding and support throughout the project. The capital works on the Bow Brook are split into two categories: firstly to reduce diffuse pollution and second to increase wildlife habitat, particularly for fish. Around 14,725m2 of open water wetland has been created, working on approximately 20% of the main channels length. Rural diffuse pollution projects across 8 sites include cattle drinkers; fencing key sections and rural sustainable drainage pools. We have reverted arable fields into wild flower meadows reducing nutrient inputs in the catchment and directly alongside the brook’s banks, channelling the surrounding arable field’s drainage into the pools. Fish habitat projects are spread across 6 locations including hazel faggot woody debris as deflectors to flush silts from the gravel; reprofiling sections of the dredged banks, to increase bank diversity to the over deepened channel; and the creation of additional braids of channel with deeper resting pools, shallow fringes and online pools. | Introducing large woody debris Soft erosion solutions Bank reprofiling Cattle drinkers | Creation of wetland Fencing Tree planting Pollarding Control of invasive species | Arable reversion to wildflower meadow Soil Health Plan | Flylife course Landowners advised | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||
| Bowston Weir Removal | 54° 21' 51.71" N, 2° 46' 31.47" W | Bowston weir is the first weir to be removed on the River Kent Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation (SSSI/SAC). Bowston weir removal forms part of the Cumbria River Restoration Strategy (CRRS) which aims to restore the three Cumbrian SSSI/SAC rivers to their natural form and function and help them achieve Favourable Condition. Additional benefits include improved migration, biodiversity net gain, improved navigation and a reduced flood risk to local residents. | 16 June 2016 | 30 September 2020 | removal of dams Rock ramp construction | Channel naturalisation | Engagement with a wide range of stakeholders | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits | Channel pattern/planform Continuity for organisms Continuity of sediment transport Quantity & dynamics of flow | Bat Survey Bathymetric Survey Flood risk management general assessment of habitat quality and diversity (repeat photography) | |||||
| Bowthorpe Meadow, River Yare | 52° 37' 32.51" N, 1° 13' 6.40" E | To restore connection between the flood plain and a flood plain pond | 1 April 2018 | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Brackenhurst Natural Flood Management | 53° 3' 52.89" N, 0° 58' 4.46" W | This project is a PhD research project being conducted at Nottingham Trent University by Josh Wells, supervised by Dr Jillian Labadz (Nottingham Trent University) and advised by Andy Disney (Environment Agency) and Professor Colin Thorne (University of Nottingham). It was developed on Nottingham Trent University's Brackenhurst Campus following a summer 2013 extreme flood event in the catchment, which affected the nearby market town of Southwell, immediately downstream (Map 1). A total of 107.6mm of rain fell within a 2-hour period and resulted in the flooding of up to 300 homes.
The aim is to aims assess the extent to which Natural Flood Management (NFM) can help to reduce future fluvial flood occurrence in Southwell. A NFM scheme was developed for the Potwell Dyke catchment (Southwell, Nottinghamshire) as part of the PhD project. In summer 2016, 10 large woody debris dams were installed within the streams. In autumn 2016, a river restoration programme was implemented with the excavation of original meandering stream morphology along a reach plus the provision of some additional online storage capacity and the construction of 5 earth bunds in field corners. These interventions are designed to store and slow water while promoting ecological gains. A network of hydrological monitoring was installed to enable pre and post intervention stage (water level) and rainfall data to be compared. Around a year's worth of pre-intervention stage data have been collected at most locations, with one site being monitored for 2.5 years. The catchment for the Potwell Dyke is around 6km2. The NFM interventions by Nottingham Trent University are in 2 subcatchments: Springfield Dumble and Parklane Close Dumble. To date, an estimated 3,000m3 of storage has been created within these subcatchments. There is an intention to roll out further NFM measures on multiple land holdings within the Potwell Dyke catchment. Work is being carried out by Trent Rivers Trust to liaise with local landowners, with funding obtained from the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. | 2016 | establishment of woodland | Runoff pathway management | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Land use management - forestry Monitoring | |||||||||
| Braid Burn at Inch Park | 55° 55' 46.46" N, 3° 9' 13.24" W | The artificial burn corridor had little character, with very poor habitat possessing low diversity in species. The restoration project was implemented to improve the environment on the burn corridor and reduce the risk of flooding (to a 1 in 200 year event). During a 2010 flood event the project proved to successfully limit flood waters to designated flood areas.
The works comprised a two stage flood defence scheme with the first stage being a low bund to withhold a 1 in 20 year event. The second stage works involved the construction of clay embankments and sheet pile and concrete walls clad in stone recovered from the park’s boundary wall creating 190,000m³ of flood reservoir storage. Environmental improvements included lowering artificially raised banks and the concrete channel was replaced with sinuous meanders to restore the watercourse. Wetland areas were created to provide habitat variety. | 1 January 2009 | 1 August 2012 | Embankment creation | Floodplain reconnection | Adding sinuosity | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||
| Brent Lodge Park Improvement | 51° 31' 18.07" N, 0° 21' 8.93" W | Aiming to encourage the River Brent back along the original channel route through Brent Lodge Park.
Aim of scheme: Neale Hider: 07/01/2009 “The Brent Lodge Park river restoration is more like an improvement after our consultation with Jacobs. We cannot reinstate the double meander (original course) as originally planned due to the contaminated waste that it had been back filled with. Instead we have outlined a different course for the meander to run (and break the river away from its current straight path) while retaining the old channel as a backwater/flood relief channel.” | 1 January 2008 | Deculverting Removing of concrete structures | Reedbed creation | Creation of backwater | Aesthetics | Economic aspects Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||
| Brent River Improvement Project- Brent Lodge Park to Ruislip Road Eastruislip | 51° 31' 26.82" N, 0° 20' 54.36" W | Creation of functional backwater, reedbed enhancement, morphological improvements- brash berms and deflectors in channel | 4 January 2018 | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Brent River Park Phase II | 51° 33' 12.56" N, 0° 15' 59.42" W | To remove the existing concrete river channel and create new meanders in the middle area of the River Park; remove some existing paths and provide new; provide new street furniture and a gazebo. Phases 2 will include similar civil engineering and landscaping works as Phase 1 to continue the themes and help achieve the objectives. It will also emphasise on community participation. | 1 January 2010 | Removing of concrete structures | Creation of meanders | Improved public access | Economic aspects Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||
| Brightside Weir Fish Pass | 53° 24' 24.42" N, 1° 25' 9.56" W | The HLF funded 'Living Heritage of the River Don' project saw fish pass solutions created on five unadopted weirs in Sheffield, aiming to return Salmon to the River Don for the first time in over 200 years. | Creation of fish passes | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Urban | |||||||||||
| Bringing Back the Bulbourne | 51° 44' 38.07" N, 0° 29' 9.53" W | The River Bulbourne is a chalk stream that has been severely impacted by historic alterations, over-abstraction and its interaction with the Grand Union Canal. The one kilometre section is owned by the Box Moor Trust and is common land open to the public.
Prior to this project, the River Bulbourne was straight, over-wide and silty. Due to high banks and old dredging bunds, the river was disconnected from its floodplain and had little marginal habitat. Excessive grazing pressure resulted in bank erosion and little riparian vegetation. A large weir prevented fish passage and also caused an impoundment upstream further degrading the habitat. The chalk stream characteristics had been almost completely lost. What should have been a beautiful gravelly stream meandering through rich, biodiverse floodplain, was actually a silty homogeneous channel with little habitat to provide home to wildlife. | 1 June 2013 | Re-grading Bed raising | Scrapes Floodplain reconnection | Channel narrowing Introducing large woody debris | Citizen participation in the restoration project | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Monitoring Social benefits Water quality | |||||||
| Bristol Frome Diffuse Pollution Project | 51° 34' 46.61" N, 2° 26' 59.64" W | The Bristol Frome Diffuse Pollution Project is a project led by Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) from June 2015 – March 2016, as part of the Bristol Avon Catchment Partnership. The project has been conducted in partnership with the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) South West and the farmers and landowners along the Ladden Brook and Bradley Brook which form the headwaters of the Bristol Frome. It has been driven by Water Framework Directive classifications that have shown a need to identify issues and take actions to contribute towards a reduction in the levels of sediment and nutrients entering the Bristol Frome and its tributaries.
Reports commissioned by the Environment Agency suggested that a focus on agricultural practices within the streams of the upper Bristol Frome catchment should be carried out as a priority and pre-requisite to further improvement works. Therefore, the Bristol Frome Diffuse Pollution Project chose to focus on two agriculture dominated brooks, The Ladden and Bradley Brooks in order to achieve the overall aim of reducing nutrient and sediment inputs from diffuse agricultural sources. Baseline and wet weather monitoring, farmer engagement and advisory visits, walkover surveys and past Environment Agency data was used to assess areas for capital improvements to be made that would have the greatest impact for the timescale and funding available. These were decided upon as fencing to reduce bank erosion and an in-ditch wetland to separate clean water from dirty yard run-off that was previously entering the brook. | Agricultural/Farming improvements improvement of structure of agricultural land | Farm advice and plans | interacting with farmers | Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Water quality | |||||||||
| Broadwater Brook | 50° 49' 32.02" N, 0° 21' 3.73" W | This urban chalk stream project has realigned the course of the Broadwater Brook, removing it from underground pipes and setting a new route through agricultural fields. Previously degraded from pollution entering from industrial areas and the main road network we have installed sediment traps at the upstream extent and have ensured vegetation establishment in the channel to further filter pollutants. Allowing for low flows (as a ephemeral stream) the stream is narrow with marginal shelves to provide wetland habitat whilst being flooded during heavy rainfall. The surrounding land has been transformed from arable maize fields into 6.9ha of wildflower meadow with 2.2km of new hedgerow and 500 trees forming a shaw woodland. Additional habitat in the form of three ponds, a re-wilding zone and scrapes have been formed along the riparian zone. The project tackled land contamination from neighbouring landfill along with accumulations of arsenic from previous land use. A mains sewer was realigned and mitigation for a chemical effluent pipe and mains power cable were also needed to complete the project which also had to content with a 1:3000 gradient and artificially raised ground through the centre of the site. The project has been co-designed and delivered with the local community with numerous activities and events inspiring and raising awareness of chalk streams and the impact of urban living which has inspired behavioural change. Over 1000 members of the local community have been involved in the project whether through volunteering on practical tasks, attending educational events or being involved in one of the citizen science monitoring programmes. The site is now open to the public for the first time along a newly created Sompting Brooks River Trail which includes interpretation and artworks depicting the areas historical association with water. | 1 January 2017 | 31 December 2021 | Channel realignment | Channel realignment Conservation measures and environmental improvement Creation of multi stage channel Habitat creation | Channel realignment Creation of new channel Habitat creation Habitat restoration Improvement of channel morphology | Agricultural business changed its way of working Arable reversion to wildflower meadow Clean-up days Diffuse pollution mitigation Easier management Ensuring biodiversity Monitoring strategy | Active involvement of local interests groups and land owners Agreement with the owners Awareness raising Awareness raising by a sign Citizen participation in the restoration project Community Education Community Events Community Litter-picking work Community based management Community consultation Community education (talks and workshops Community involvement Creation of a path alongside the river Decreased flood risk Engagement with a wide range of stakeholders Engagement with schools Improved public access Information panels for people | Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Social benefits Water quality Urban | Fish: Species composition Invertebrates: Taxonomic composition | Continuity of sediment transport | Nutrient concentrations Oxygen balance | Bat Survey Birds Concentration phosphate, Chloride and Nitrogen Macroinvertebrates (IBMWP) | |
| Broadway Fields/ Seagers Distillary | 51° 28' 22.65" N, 0° 1' 20.17" W | The overall objective would be to restore the river channel throughout the park for the 85m length. Due to constraints set by DLR, this may mean leaving one river wall in place and up to half of the bed, however solutions will be available to soften both banks and generate a natural low flow channel. This is likely to be partially funded by the Seager Distillery section 106 agreement, however further funding will be required to complete the whole section of river. This site was cleared and developed into a public park, leaving an 8m boundary to the river for future river restoration works. The channel has a uniform concrete bed and banks and is semi-tidal. It is very shallow during low flow/low tide and could cause a barrier to fish migration. It is devoid of habitat. Start date governed by planning agreement (S106 Seager) | Bank reprofiling Removing of concrete structures | Economic aspects Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Broom Road Recreation Ground | 51° 25' 19.66" N, 0° 18' 25.79" W | Aim of scheme: - enhancement of tidal defences - conservation enhancements - recreation provision Work undertaken: - cleaning up of existing foreshore - creation of new shingle beach - attachment of horizontal and vertical timbers to promote algal growth - reed planting in Bullhead dock - reducing size of jetty increasing direct light to the foreshore The site is adjacent to the River Thames in Rotherhithe. Bellamys Wharf and Bullhead Dock were a sand and gravel unloading facility with a high jetty. The initial proposal was to infill both docks, however only a small encroachment was allowed to enable the rebuilding of a new river wall at the other dock. Concept ideas being scoped 2009-2010 but constraints include funding and public perception | 1 January 2009 | Bank reprofiling Removing of sheet piling | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Building with Nature | 51° 14' 5.53" N, 6° 8' 42.43" E | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - forestry Monitoring Peat | |||||||||||||
| Buiten Ooij | 51° 51' 32.40" N, 5° 53' 42.00" E | 1 January 2008 | Water release into floodplain in winter Closing of sluice in summer Future floodplain lowering | Creation of side channel | more natural reservoir releases | Economic aspects Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Water quality | Fish: Abundance Fish: Species composition Invertebrates Macrophytes | Continuity of sediment transport | |||||||
| Bullhead Dock and Bellamy’s Wharf - Rotherhithe | 51° 30' 6.55" N, 0° 3' 12.56" W | Aim of scheme: - enhancement of tidal defences - conservation enhancements - recreation provision Work undertaken: - cleaning up of existing foreshore - creation of new shingle beach - attachment of horizontal and vertical timbers to promote algal growth - reed planting in Bullhead dock - reducing size of jetty increasing direct light to the foreshore The site is adjacent to the River Thames in Rotherhithe. Bellamys Wharf and Bullhead Dock were a sand and gravel unloading facility with a high jetty. The initial proposal was to infill both docks, however only a small encroachment was allowed to enable the rebuilding of a new river wall at the other dock. | Introducing large woody debris | Reedbed creation | New shingle beach | Economic aspects Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||
| Bures Mill fish by-pass | 51° 58' 1.59" N, 0° 46' 51.97" E | The Bures Mill fish by-pass was installed to allow fish passage upstream of the Bures Mill automatic gate on the River Stour downstream of Lamarsh | Fish by-pass channel | Fisheries | |||||||||||
| Burn of Balmaleedy Restoration, Marykirk | 56° 46' 50.60" N, 2° 30' 28.16" W | This is a summary of a project undertaken by Aberdeenshire Council to restore a section of the Burn of Balmaleedy, upstream of the village of Marykirk. The restoration aims to restore the natural fluvial morphology of the section of the burn to reduce sediment mobilisation and transport, bringing benefits for flood management in the local area.
The Burn of Balmaleedy is a small tributary of the River North Esk. The burn flows roughly 3km southwest from its source into Marykirk, where it passes through two culverts under the A937. It then flows a further 1km along a low gradient section to the south to join the main river. From anecdotal evidence, a 300m section of the watercourse was previously straightened in the mid-late 1990’s. The canalised section of the burn exhibited a steep gradient, accelerating flows through the reach, resulting in channel incision (down to a depth of 3m) and bank erosion. This led to an increased amount of sedimentation occurring downstream in Marykirk, particularly around the A937 culverts and in the low gradient section of the watercourse. As a result, the conveyance of the channel has been greatly reduced, increasing flood risk in Marykirk and to the A937. The project aims are: • To restore the natural fluvial morphology of a previously straightened 300m section of the Burn of Balmaleedy
• To reduce the mobilisation and downstream transportation of sediment
• To reduce flood risk in and around Marykirk
The Burn of Balmaleedy Restoration Project has been undertaken by Aberdeenshire Council. SEPA's Water Environment Fund has also contributed to the problem by providing some of the funding. We welcome any comments. For any further information regarding this project please contact: Gavin Bissett - Flooding and Coast Protection, Aberdeenshire Council, Carlton House, Stonehaven AB39 2QP (01569 768475) | 1 March 2010 | 30 September 2019 | Step-pool section at d/s end of restored reach | Re-meandering | Flood risk management | ||||||||
| Burn of Mosset, Forres | 57° 35' 43.20" N, 3° 35' 30.93" W | The Burn of Mosset is a small gravel bed stream draining an area of 49km2. A Tributary of the River Findhorn, it flows north through the town of Forres before entering Findhorn bay. The town of Forres has a long history of flooding from the burn, with six flood events causing serious damage to property or disruption in the last fifty years.
The new Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS) took two years to complete. It included the construction of an earth-filled embankment dam designed to allow for discharges up to 8.5 m3/s to flow through Forres, with excess floodwater temporarily stored behind the dam. In addition to this, the upstream storage area has been designed to create an extensive natural sediment accretion zone (for sand, gravel and large wood). This will reduce the risk of sediment or other debris blocking the dam control structure. The scheme also aimed to create a mosaic of river and floodplain habitats, by working with natural processes to develop a multi-thread (anabranched) system. This was achieved by breaching the existing embanked channel which ran around a field boundary at two points, allowing flow to spill out across the open field, before re-joining the original channel just upstream of the dam. Tress were planted across the site to create a wet woodland habitat. This project is part of the UK River Restoration Center's manual of river restoration techniques (update due to be published in late 2013). | 1 January 2008 | 31 December 2008 | Create breaches in the bank | Floodplain reconnection Riparian planting | Channel naturalisation | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||
| Burton Weir (Upper) Fish Pass Project | 52° 48' 22.64" N, 1° 37' 22.31" W | Many fish species such as the salmon, sea trout and eel have to migrate hundreds of miles from the sea to the headwaters of rivers such as the Trent to spawn. Other coarse fish such as the barbel, chub, roach and perch do not migrate from the sea but they do need to be able to swim up and downstream to reach different parts of the river that will provide suitable habitat so that they can complete their lifecycle.
Weirs, such as this one, can prevent them from migrating to upstream and into the many tributaries of the Trent system. They create barriers that divide up a river into isolated sections. As a result, wildlife, water, silts and gravels are no longer able to move freely through the river corridor which in turn means that it no longer functions effectively as a healthy river ecosystem. Burton Bridge weir falls within the ‘River Trent from Anker/Mease confluence to River Dove’ water body. It is classified as having poor ecological potential. This poor potential is due to diatoms being assessed as being at poor quality, with fish and invertebrates at moderate quality. By improving fish passage along the River Trent, we will help the river to move towards good ecological potential. | 1 July 2015 | 1 March 2015 | Weir removal/modification for easement of fish passage | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||
| Bury Lodge Wetlands | 51° 37' 56.14" N, 0° 4' 30.65" W | As part of the Thames21 project "the Salmons Brook Healthy River Challenge", it is proposed to create a flood storage area incorporating a wetland nature reserve, possibly involving the re-alignment of Salmons Brook. The site is on council owned land, and occupies a former depot. Works include the construction of wetlands and a swale treating runoff from the A10 before it enters the Salmons Brook, designed by the London Borough of Enfield's watercourses team. The site could accommodate up to 5,000m3 of flood waters, benefitting properties downstream. The use of reeds and other aquatic plant species would serve to improve water quality in Salmons Brook by filtering out sediments and absorbing nutrients. Thus at the same time providing an area of educational interest and recreation by sensitively landscaping the area into an ecologically interesting site with habitat creation. Allowing use by a neighbouring school and as a safe linkage between two neighbouring communities as part of the creation of a green transport link along Salmons Brook from Little Bury Street right through to Edmonton Green. The key benefits include: • Reduction in flood risk to properties in Edmonton Green area downstream • Enhanced wildlife habitat in the park and along the river corridor • Creation of a new resource for the local community • Improved water quality to Salmons Brook • Provision footpath/cycleway along river would improve green transport links across the borough | 6 August 2012 | Creation of wetland | Improved public access Recreation | Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Social benefits Water quality Urban | |||||||||
| Butter Hill Phase 2 | 51° 22' 16.38" N, 0° 9' 35.03" W | This Project is part of a larger scheme with the overall aim of establishing a population of brown trout in the Carshalton arm of the River Wandle for the first time in over 80 years. For more background on this larger scheme, please refer to the parent project "River Wandle Restoration Project".
The weir at Millpond Place was notched to restore natural flow to the upstream channel. The over-wide and straightened channel was narrowed and a new bank line created with the help of volunteers by using chestnut faggot bundles pinned into place with chestnut stakes. Silt from the channel was then moved behind the faggot bundles to create a new bank. Brash and topsoil were added to stabilise this new bank and 1000 native aquatic plants and three planted coir rolls were installed to further stabilise it with the help of volunteers. Seventy tonnes of gravel were added to the newly modified channel and carefully distributed to create riffles, pools and bars giving rise to a variety of new habitat areas for fish, invertebrates and plants. Further habitat works were carried out in channel with volunteers, adding Large Woody Debris flow deflectors to diversify the flow. Two “Dragon’s Tooth” berms were created by installing logs and brash bundles. Almost 100 volunteers were involved over several weekends. | 31 October 2010 | Weir notched Bank reprofiling Introduction of gravel Introducing large woody debris Planting of native species | Large scale planting of native species | Channel narrowing | Community Events Community consultation | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Urban | |||||||
| Buulder Aa | 51° 17' 30.17" N, 5° 35' 5.97" E | The Buulder Aa is connected to the Grote Aa, Bosloop and Strijpe Aa, all of which are small lowland streams on a sandy substrate. Dead wood packages were introduced at several locations in the stream. This tends to increase variation in streamflow and substrate, which often promotes biodiversity. | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||||||
| Buzzards Mouth Creek | 51° 31' 10.99" N, 0° 6' 13.97" E | High density housing development 350 acres with measures to conserve and enhance biodiversity in green spaces – 40% of site – including along watercourse corridors. Through Barking Riverside Development. | Economic aspects Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||||
| CASE STUDY OF QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN SHROPSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST AREA | 52° 37' 3.87" N, 2° 43' 13.73" W | Installation of a Biofilterto treat pesticide waste & roofing to reduce pesticide run off so protecting the CoundBrook tributary of the River Severn
A Farmer Advice Visit (Natural England provided specialist review of the farm set up) recommended their current pesticide handling area could be improved in order to reduce the risk of pesticide runoff With the help of STEPS (Severn Trent Environmental Protection Scheme) funding and advice the farm constructed a roof to cover their pesticide washdown and handling area and enhanced their pesticide handling areas to reduce potential pesticide runoff They also constructed a biofilter to filter the pesticide washings through organic material breaking down pesticides therefore removing them from farm runoff. The roofing and biofilter cost nearly £11,000 in total of which the STEPS grant covered 45% of the cost with the farmer contributing the rest | Land use management - agriculture Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Cain weir removal | 52° 46' 2.00" N, 3° 16' 1.36" W | Working with Stadco Llanfyllin under the River Friendly Severn project, we have identified possible habitat works on their site. The partial weir removal was part of a project which included bird boxes, bat boxes and some work to improve the maintenance of a SUDS. | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Camargue’s former saltworks | 43° 25' 2.33" N, 4° 37' 55.88" E | The former saltworks of the Camargue are located in the southeast of the Rhône delta, in the Camargue Regional Natural Park and the UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Reserve. This site represents a vast coastal area of over 6,500 ha in the municipalities of Arles and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Developed for salt production in the 1960’s, the site was modified and managed with a human dominated water cycle during 50 years.
In 2011, the site was purchased by the Conservatoire du Littoral. At that time, the main objectives for the site moved from salt production to wetland conservation. A restoration process through adaptive management was quickly put into place by the Conservatoire du Littoral (owner), the Regional Natural Park of the Camargue (coordinating manager), the Tour du Valat Research Institute and the Society for Nature Conservation (co-managers). Through these efforts, the site is becoming a highly dynamic and functional coastal wetland that reconnects the surrounding aquatic ecosystems within the Camargue Natural Regional Park. This site hosts important biodiversity and acts as a buffer against sea floods. While one of the main ambitions of the restoration project is to enhance biodiversity, the significant expansion of new halophytic vegetation can also set up a natural protective defense to reduce wave energy, height and speed induced by sea surge in the coastal lagoons, thus decreasing flood effects inland. Furthermore, coastal vegetation can help increase sediment and organic matter trapping, reducing flood risks. But most importantly, the site provides space set aside to mitigate responses to sea-level rise. This corresponds to recent scientific research recommending that “accommodation space” should be expanded by using “natural and nature-based features”. | 1 January 2008 | Reconnection between the sea and the lagoons artificial bird nesting islands. installation of water sluices | wetland management | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||
| Cardiff Rivers Group | 51° 31' 9.30" N, 3° 15' 15.59" W | Cardiff Rivers Group (CRG) was formed as a result of Keep Wales Tidy
organised events around the River Taff as part of the Tidy Towns initiative. A small number (6) volunteers formed the group to primarily tackle the build up of rubbish and litter in and around the Taff running from the Cardiff boundary down to Cardiff Bay. This was chosen initially because of the amount of rubbish that needed removing but also because it is such an important river and amenity running through the centre of the capital city of Wales, with the Taff Trail running alongside it and includes Bute Park. What should be an icon was in danger of being an eyesore. Following the success of our group and increasing numbers of volunteers – we carry out projects at least every 3 weeks on watercourses in Cardiff and surrounding areas. The events are individually risk-assessed and since 2009, we have undertaken over 120 events. We have a fully formed committee which is totally independent with limited financially self-sufficiency. We have a strong partnership with Cardiff parks Services, and it is a true partnership. They often identify a site for us in desperate need of attention where they don’t have the resources to cover. We tackle it and then Parks collect the bags and whatever we drag out of the water for disposal. They supply bags and other bits and pieces for us, as well as saving scrap metal which we collect and sell. As well as Cardiff parks we have a number of partners, some of whom support us, and some we support. Examples include KWT, Welsh Government, BT, Arriva, Associated British Ports and Waitrose who have provided us with some funding. Others have given funding and assistance in kind such as European Metal Recycling, Pontcanna Allotment Society, Porthkerry Park in Barry to name a few. Our core clean-up events are organised every 3 weeks. The weather and time of year dictates where we go and the scope of the activity. We generally target an area that has water –perhaps along the River Taff, Rhymney or Ely, or a park with a pond or lake such as Hendre Lake in St Mellons, or streams that flow throughout Cardiff such as at the back of the sorting office in Llanishen. The activities we do then are tailored to meet volunteer’s abilities and appetite. Many people will litter pick the areas, others will don a pair of waders and get into the water removing trolleys, motor bikes, road barriers etc. We also now undertake regular habitat management in Forest Farm and Grangemoor Park, such as reed clearing in the ponds, Himalayan Balsam pulling, and building dead hedges. | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Water quality Urban | ||||||||||||
| Carnon River: Abandoned Metal Mines | 50° 14' 23.41" N, 5° 8' 25.73" W | The Carnon River catchment is located in a region of Cornwall historically renowned for tin and copper mining activities. It flows through an area described in the 19th century as ‘the richest square mile anywhere on earth’ and is now part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site http://www.cornish-mining.org.uk/areas-places-activities/gwennap-kennall-vale-and-perran-foundry). Mining in the catchment started with simple tin streaming to exploit the alluvial tin deposits along the river. By the early 18th century, the area became one of the most heavily mined, with deep workings across the region exploring the rich mineral lodes for tin, copper, arsenic, silver and lead. Some of the workings associated with Wheal Jane and Mount Wellington mines were extended underneath the river itself at a very shallow depth – just a few metres below the surface.
The entire length of the river is impacted by historic mining, as are both major tributaries, with numerous individual sources. The headwaters around Chacewater contain several historic mining and processing sites, notably Wheal Daniel. Further downstream at Twelveheads, the St Day Stream joins, carrying drainage from the Wheal Maid mine and tailings dam as well as other mineworkings in the Poldice Valley. Below Twelveheads, the County Adit discharges into the Carnon. This is not associated with one particular mine, rather it drains a huge heavily mined area to the west of the river. Construction of the Great County Adit started in 1748, and it is made up of a network of tunnels nearly 40 miles in length, draining over 100 individual mines. Recent data suggest County Adit contributes 70-80% of downstream loadings of cadmium, nickel, copper and zinc, and effectively 100% of arsenic and iron. The average annual loads from the adit are: Cd 20 kg; Ni 570 kg; As 1,500 kg; Cu 1,600 kg; Zn 13,700 kg; Fe 80,000 kg. Further downstream, the biggest tributary, the Hicks Mill Stream, enters the main Carnon. This drains a very heavily mined area on the outskirts of Redruth and contributes 20-25% of loadings of cadmium, copper and zinc. Also here at Bissoe is the Wheal Jane mine site and tailings dam. Wheal Jane was the last operating mine in the area, but when it finally closed in 1991, the dewatering pumps were removed and the workings flooded. In January 1992 a massive uncontrolled release of highly acidic minewater occurred through the Nangiles adit portal. This became one of the most notorious pollution incidents in South West history with a large area of the Fal Estuary stained bright orange by the resultant plume. Although the effect was determined to be short-term, options for long term treatment of the Wheal Jane minewaters needed to be explored. Passive treatment was trialled but ultimately found to be inadequate and since 2000, a full scale treatment plant has operated at the mine site, discharging treated minewater into the Carnon via the Clemmows Stream. This system is managed by the Coal Authority on behalf of Defra at a cost of £1.5m per year. The whole river length from headwaters to tidal limit fails the environmental quality standards (EQS) for cadmium, nickel, arsenic, copper, zinc and iron, and so fails to achieve good status for the South West River Basin Management Plan. Typical annual average magnitude of failure in the Carnon at the compliance monitoring site at Bissoe are: • Cd = 22x EQS • Ni = 4x EQS • Cu = 153x EQS • Zn = 103x EQS • Fe = 2x EQS Invertebrate surveys here exhibit ‘poor’ or ‘bad’ status. The river is effectively dead in terms of ecology. Remediation Treatment and management of the Wheal Jane minewaters will continue under the Coal Authority. We're working with the Coal Authority to explore the feasibility of treating some of the County Adit discharge in the existing Wheal Jane system, as well as other options for improving water quality in the Carnon in the medium to long term. It is possible that because of the extent, number and nature of other sources within the catchment, further measures may be deemed technically and/or financially unfeasible. | 1 July 2013 | Remediation Treatment | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||||
| Castle Acre Rehabilitation Project | 52° 41' 59.91" N, 0° 41' 24.59" E | Work was considerable, affecting about 65% of the channel within a stretch of c300m. Work was undertaken to create greater diversity of habitat by modifying both the long and cross-sections (formation of pools and fast ‘run’ habitat); narrow the channel to improve self-cleansing of the bed and thus reduce sand and silt deposition as well as ‘weed’ growth in the future; improve the landscape quality of the area by replacing the unsightly deflectors with ‘living’ features that would do a more effective job than the deflectors were attempting to do. This section of river has more gradient than the other two sites, and this tended to recede on passing downstream. In habitat terms it primarily suffers badly from historic widening, and attempts to narrow it with deflectors have been generally ineffectual due to the inability of marginal plants to encroach and become firmly established – some deflectors have, however, established some habitat diversity. The key to being able to carry out the works as desired was the presence of large patches of sedge (Carex acutiformis) and reed (Phalaris arundinacea). In several places the river was narrowed by over 4m simply by transferring large ‘sods’ of sedges; these imports were placed within the inside the existing bank, and will now form the new bank. In the upstream straight section to the first bend, three pools and upstream deflectors were created. As the bed of the newly created two downstream pools of this sequence (photos 2-5) had flinty-gravel present, this was sprinkled on the bed of the narrowed channel upstream to accentuate the improved speed of flow into the pools, and improve the habitat variability within the reach. Material dug from pools to form the upstream shoulders that narrowed the channel were blinded by sedge/reed from the adjacent field. These features were enlarged by further sedge/reed sods. | Creation of pools and riffles | Channel narrowing | Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Castle Irwell Urban Wetland | 53° 30' 29.43" N, 2° 16' 10.91" W | There is a well recorded history of flooding in Salford from the River Irwell, with the most severe events occurring in 1866 and 1946 and more recently in 2008 & 2015. Therefore there was a need to improve the standard of flood protection from a 1 in 75 to a 1 in 100 year standard. The only remaining area of greenspace to accommodate such a scheme was on the Castle Irwell site.
To undertake this innovative project the Environment Agency worked in partnership with Salford Council and University of Salford, to design and construct a new flood storage basin to better protect 1,900 homes and businesses, but also create a multifunctional recreational space including new urban wetland in heart of Salford. The site is set on a large meander loop of the River Irwell in an urban area of Lower Kersal just 2.8km from Manchester city centre. As a former recreation site, it was an oasis of green in a largely urban environment, but had limited wildlife value. Appraisal and design work started in January 2013 with construction beginning in 2015. The flood basin and wetland will be fully operational by June 2017 at a cost of approximately £9 million. Working with local community, the University of Salford, Salford City Council, the Environment Agency identified an opportunity to work together to use land owned by University and Council to create a new flood basin to help reduce flood risk to people and property just downstream, but also create a new urban wildlife asset in the heart of city, interlinking with neighbouring River Irwell local wildlife site and Kersal Dale Local Nature Reserve on opposite bank. Once the overall joint agreement for construction of new flood basin and wetland was agreed with all parties, and initial meetings with local community groups to seek their views, the Agency brought in the expertise of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust to help develop detailed designs and maintenance plan for new 5.5Ha urban wetland Community involvement - Community consultation, Community Events, River open days; River Walks; Bioblitz event; Education events, School Tours. | 13 August 2014 | 10 July 2017 | Introducing large woody debris Floodplain reconnection Floodplain creation Buffer strips Habitat creation | Habitat management | Community Events Community consultation River open days School Tours | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Urban | |||||||
| Catford Greyhound Stadium | 51° 26' 50.72" N, 0° 1' 29.03" W | A buffer strip of between 5 and 8 metres is to be created with native planting to create wildflower margin. Deflectors and gravels are to be placed in the river to improve in channel processes and encourage the development of marginal vegetation. Timber latticing is to be placed along the river wall to encourage the growth of vegetation and provide habitat for invertebrates and foraging habitat for birds and bats. To enhance the river as part of the redevelopment of the site and comply with current policy and legislation to improve the environment as part of the planning process. This is also in line with long term aims to improve the River Ravensbourne which is currently channelised and heavily engineered. | 1 January 2008 | Deflectors Introduction of gravel | Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Chambers Wharf | 51° 30' 2.79" N, 0° 3' 56.49" W | Situated just to the east of Tower Bridge on the south bank of the River Thames, Chambers Wharf was for many years one of the capital’s major cold stores. Having fallen into disuse, the site, owned by international property development company St Martins, now has planning permission for 587 new homes; 180 of these homes will be affordable and there will be some retail units at ground level, fronting Chambers Street. Demolition of the former cold stores has been completed and the new scheme is scheduled to be finished in 2013. | 1 January 2008 | 31 December 2013 | Bank improvement | removal of jetty | Brownfield land regeneration SUDS green roofs nesting boxes roosting posts | Riverside walkway | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Spatial planning Urban Estuary | ||||||
| Channel Sea | 51° 40' 28.93" N, 0° 0' 46.14" W | Natural habitat and reedbed – to prioritise SPP invasive and corrosion. Enhancing access to nature for local communities. Reasons for enhancements: Access and biodiversity | 1 January 2008 | Reedbed creation | Improved public access | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||
| Charlton St Peter A 8 | 51° 18' 21.85" N, 1° 49' 42.27" W | This reach is located at Charlton St Peter and is 1945m in length. The reach is designated SSSI but not SAC. There is good marginal habitat along both banks due to electric fencing being used to protect the banks from livestock. The upstream end of the channel is deeply incised with low floodplain connectivity as a result; the upstream end of the reach may have been dredged in the past. Ranunculus fluitantis is prevalent when the channel opens up and is not densely shaded. There is a private fishery nearby managed by the Rushall Estate. There is evidence that the channel downstream of Charlton St Peter has been dredged. This has resulted in the formation of some high levees adjacent to the channel, which cut off the river from the floodplain and over-shades it in places. | 1 January 2009 | Bed raising Weir modification Weir removal | Remeandering Modifying bank protection Lowering of embankments Riparian planting | Channel narrowing Enhancing flow diversity Fencing Introducing large woody debris Re-instatement of old course altering flow splits | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||
| Chase Nature Reserve | 51° 33' 30.77" N, 0° 10' 23.23" E | Creation of a back water and enhance the river bank by creating wet margins. Fencing of new features to protect from heavy horse grazing. Contaminated silt issues in pond / backwater. The field survey suggests that the reserve supports a population of water voles. | 1 January 2008 | Fencing | Creation of backwater | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||
| Chelmer Valley Local Nature Reserve | 51° 44' 41.26" N, 0° 28' 26.23" E | Restoration of the River Chelmer upstream of Chelmsford City Centre by re-profiling the banks to increase in-channel morphological diversity, create additional marginal aquatic habitats, improve floodplain connectivity and create additional backwater habitats. The River Chelmer has historically been heavily modified to improve flood protection and land drainage. This has led to a uniform wide, straight, deep channel upstream of Chelmsford City Centre. This in tern has resulted in reduced plant diversity, and there has recently been deterioration in fish status. | Creation of berms | Lowering of embankments Floodplain reconnection Riparian habitat restoration | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits Water quality | ||||||||||
| Cheriton Stream Restoration Project | 51° 3' 49.03" N, 1° 10' 23.67" W | Lower bank to create soft margins, create pool and run features, install woody flow deflectors and import flint cobbles for white clawed crayfish | 1 April 2018 | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Chertsey meads | 51° 23' 15.69" N, 0° 29' 6.78" W | Bank re-profiling, beach creation and gravel recharge as part of bank repair and navigation maintenance works. Littoral habitat enhancement of lowland regulated river. Neglected area of the river Thames | 1 January 2010 | Bank reprofiling Introduction of gravel | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||||
| Chigwell Brook | 51° 37' 12.52" N, 0° 4' 26.67" E | Culvert removal. The Chigwell Brook along this section is a relatively natural woodland brook. The stretch includes three long culverts, however it is unclear why culverting was put in place at all. The proposal is simply to remove the line of three culverts, the elongated headwalls and the concrete revetment upstream and downstream of each structure. The brook is shaded by the mature trees growing within the valley. There is little marginal vegetation, but this can be expected (RCTshredder communities). The bed is primarily exposed gravels. FRM should be improved; the cross-sectional flow capacity is likely to be improved as the culverts are fairly low and narrow. Debris was apparent at the mouth of one culvert at the time of survey. Ongoing maintenance should be lowered by the proposal as the risk of significant obstruction from debris at the mouth of the culverts will be removed. | 1 January 2008 | Deculverting Toe protection Bank reprofiling | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Chinbrook Meadows Wetlands | 51° 25' 36.24" N, 0° 1' 36.91" E | The River Ravensbourne is a tributary of the River Thames, flowing for 17km from its spring in Keston, London Borough of Bromley, to its confluence with the Thames at Deptford. The area around the Ravensbourne is mainly urban and residential. However, it does flow through some greenspaces, including Chinbrook Meadows on the Bromley/ Lewisham boarder where the wetland is located.
The site was previously a lightly used recreational field on the edge of a series of fields that make up Chinbrook Meadows. Anecdotally, the field was mainly used by dog walkers but was not as well used as other sections of the wider park. Grove Park Ditch runs from the northwest to the southeast, parallel to the south east railway line, where it joins the River Quaggy, a tributary of the River Ravensbourne. The ditch had become blocked and foul smelling, so the Friends of Chinbrook Meadows reported the problem to the London Borough of Lewisham, who manage the site. Alongside Thames21 a plan for a series of wetland scrapes was developed to treat the water from the ditch before it enters the River Quaggy. The main outcome of the project is to improve water quality of the River Quaggy through increased removal of pollutants from surface water through the processes that will occur within the constructed wetland (sediment trapping, nutrient removal and chemical detoxification). Additionally, this project will involve the local community and learnings from this wetland project can be shared across the Ravensbourne Catchment Partnership. This will boost awareness of challenges to rivers and how nature-based solutions can tackle these. The aims of the project are fourfold: 1. Improve water quality of the River Quaggy and reduce foul smells on site
2. Improve biodiversity and amenity value of the land
3. Natural flood management
4. Community Engagement
| 2016 | Partial diversion of river | Wetland habitat | Planting wildflower mixes Riparian tree planting plug planting | Community Events Community Litter-picking work Community consultation Volunteer work parties using the local community. | Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Social benefits Water quality Urban | |||||||
| Ching Brook at Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium | 51° 36' 9.95" N, 0° 0' 47.08" W | The restoration of this section will be a significant step in restoring this relatively short brook to a more natural state on its way to its confluence with the River Lee. The brook has been culverted since the development of the stadium in the 1930s. The area has suffered localised flooding from the stream which has an upstream catchment mostly consisting of parkland and Epping Forest. | 1 January 2008 | Deculverting | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||||
| Chowder Ness Managed Realignment Scheme | 53° 41' 28.75" N, 0° 28' 53.44" W | Associated British Ports (ABP) constructed a new Roll-on Roll-off terminal at Immingham Outer Harbour (opened in July 2006), which resulted in the direct loss of 22ha of intertidal mudflat area and potentially up to 5ha of indirect losses in a proposed Special Protection Area (pSPA) and a proposed Special Area of Conservation (pSAC). In consultation with regulatory bodies and local nature conservation interest groups, the two managed realignment schemes at Chowder Ness and Welwick were identified as contributing to a compensation package for the impacts of the above development. The initial objective of Chowder Ness was to create 10.5ha of mud and 0.8ha of saltmarsh to support a variety of invertebrate and bird species.
Chowder Ness was undertaken for the same purpose as another realignment on the Humber, Welwick, which is presented as a separate case study. Both schemes were designed and implemented by the same organisations (Associated British Ports (ABP) and ABPmer), and to very similar timescales and principles. To inform the final design of these sites, numerical modelling was undertaken based on LiDAR elevation data. This was to ensure the correct balance of habitats would be achieved. As mudflat creation was the main objective of the schemes, and as the sites were largely too high for this to occur, the land was re-profiled to increase the extent of lower areas where mudflat could develop (i.e. below Mean High Water Neap (MHWN)). These works included the creation of a gentle slope from the fronting, existing, mudflats to the rear of the sites to assist drainage. At the 15ha Chowder Ness site, new flood defences were created at the rear of the site to a minimum height of 6.7m above Ordnance Datum Newlyn (ODN). Material for these defences was obtained from within the site from a combination of reprofiling and creation of temporary borrow pits (these were later infilled with material obtained from the seawall removal). The existing seawall was removed over a length of 570m (some 200m remain), to a level of around 1.6 to 2mODN. This removal, rather than the creation of solitary breaches, was chosen for a number of reasons: it improves connectivity with the wider estuary; it more closely recreates the type of environments that existed prior to the land claim; it enables the whole cross sectional area of the estuary including the realignment site, to respond to estuary wide changes; and it increases energy levels within the site, thereby improving the likelihood that mudflat habitat will be maintained (as mudflat creation was the main objective of the site). As Chowder Ness was considered relatively small-scale in relation to the estuary as a whole any predicted changes to the hydrodynamics and sediment dynamics were expected be extremely localised and relatively small in magnitude (ABPmer, 2004). The old defence was removed in a series of stages: (1) removing the rear of the embankment, (2) the concrete wave return, the bitumen and rock face, and (3) the overall lowering of the embankment (to levels around 1.6 to 2mODN). | Habitat and biodiversity | Invertebrates | |||||||||||
| Civic Way, Yeading Brook | 51° 33' 19.80" N, 0° 23' 21.43" W | Bank reprofiling on Yeading Brook East arm. Historic project, prior to LRAP | Bank reprofiling | Hydromorphology | |||||||||||
| Clayton Vale | 53° 29' 30.04" N, 2° 10' 36.62" W | Manchester City Council identified that the Clayton Vale portion of the study area (east of Bank Bridge Road) was occupied by a historical landfill site, which was used for the disposal of ash cinders from the Stuart Street Power Station and as a municipal landfill. Consultants Atkins are in the process of undertaking ground investigations to determine leachate, groundwater and soil contamination including waste characterisation testing to determine the status of these materials and to allow an effective remediation strategy to be developed for the any river channel/corridor restoration works and to prevent the creation of new pollutant linkages or the exacerbation of existing ones, in upstream demonstration area. It will be a huge achievement if we can restore this most heavily degraded section of waterbody, but the aspiration is to create a safe riverine environment for all, reconnect and integrate the river corridor back with the adjoining greenspace and public parks, and restore the river so that it is capable of supporting diverse aquatic fauna once more. | Weir removal | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits Urban | |||||||||||
| Clitherow's Island, Brentford eel pass | 51° 29' 30.02" N, 0° 19' 21.92" W | Facilitate the passage of elvers around Clitherow's Island, Brentford. A Canal and River Trust asset. A desire to improve the River Brent in all aspects, but particularly for fish health and connectivity. | 1 January 2012 | Creation of fish passes | Fisheries | ||||||||||
| Clugston Burn (CASS) | 54° 53' 16.71" N, 4° 34' 6.00" W | During late 2005 as part of the CASS EU LIFE Project, the Clugston Burn was cleared of various debris dams which were blocking adult salmon form entering the burn to spawn. | 1 July 2005 | 31 December 2005 | Removal of debris | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||
| Colfes School | 51° 26' 40.69" N, 0° 1' 49.48" E | Break river out of concrete channel, re-profile creating natural banks. Replace straightened course of the river with natural meanders. Allow more natural fluvial geomorphological processes to occur and increase habitat. Improved flood alleviation to downstream areas. Integrate with school sports facilities and buildings to provide educational facility for school that could be shared with others. Provide riverside walk to link existing river restorations in Chinbrook Meadows and Sutcliffe Park. Potential for extending the current GREEN CHAIN WALK through Chinbrook Meadows northwards into Greenwich and award winning Sutcliffe Park, alongside a naturalised urban river. Provide natural amenity and green pedestrian walk within urban environment. The Quaggy at this point lies within a straight concrete channel, inside a 6 metre strip enclosed by high fences. The fenced off strip runs through school and private playing fields. As a result the river is extremely degraded with poor aesthetic appeal, is devoid of geomorphological features of interest and has low ecological value. From the upper (southern) end it is possible to walk through largely green space to Chinbrook Meadows and a section of the Green Chain walk where the river was restored in 2002. From the lower (northern) end it is a short distance to Sutcliffe Park where the river was recently restored as part of a flood alleviation scheme. Enhancement would connect these two restored sections for wildlife and people, as well as providing new habitat and a direct educational facility within adjacent school playing fields. Landowner details: 1. South section: Greenwich council – meadow. Approached and receptive. (Councillor Brian Woodcraft. Ward: Middle Park and Sutcliffe.) 2. Middle section and Left bank: Colfes school – playing fields and fenced off rough ground adjacent to river. Approached in 2005 – not receptive at that time 3. Middle and north section and right bank: Old Brockleians rugby club – playing fields and rough ground adjacent to the river. Approached and receptive. (Ron Tennant, previous president) 4. North section left bank: Possibly or previously Civil Service. Playing fields. Key themes (Other): 1.) BAP. It will contribute towards the ‘Creating a Better Place’ objective to make proportionate progress towards BAP targets for wetland-related species and habitats’ 2.) The works would also fall within the Agency’s duties as set out in the Environment Act 1995 to promote the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty and amenity of inland and coastal waters and of land associated with such waters. 3) Green Chain Walks – Would create the possibility of extending the green chain walks with a new riverside walk linking the boroughs of Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich. Requires the agreement and cooperation of four landowners, including Colfes school. Of these one, Colfes school, was not receptive three years ago when approached in 2005. Sensitivity regarding playing fields, although these do not go right to the edge of the current river course. | 1 January 2008 | Bank reprofiling Removing of concrete structures | Creation of meanders | Aesthetics Community Education Improved public access | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||
| Colliers Row | 51° 35' 36.69" N, 0° 9' 14.39" E | Small deflectors placed within the channel, which could help to encourage the creation of some pool riffle sequences within the channel. There is potential to re-profile some sections of the river bank along recreation ground, which would create shelves for aquatic planting. By re-profiling the banks it would be possible to reconnect the river to its floodplain. This stretch of the Rom possesses natural banks and bed, though in the past it seems to have been straightened, demonstrated by a uniform channel throughout. The river is overly straight where it runs between Carter Avenue and Turpin drive, but is beginning to restore itself in places. The natural gravel bed is evident. Where the river enters the recreation ground it is also straight lacking much geomorphological diversity, the banks are overly steep and uniform. | 1 January 2010 | Bank reprofiling Deflectors | Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||||
| Colne Brook | 51° 30' 55.67" N, 0° 29' 27.80" W | Willow pollarding; minor habitat improvements. Sympathetic landowner. Example of how enhancements could be carried out through rest of the catchment with limited investment. Implement management summary. | 1 January 2008 | Tree management | Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||||
| Colne Water Restoration Project | 53° 51' 12.01" N, 2° 9' 26.78" W | Colne Water Restoration is a partnership project that will use CRF funds to improve watercourses in an area of the Ribble Catchment that is intensely farmed and urbanised. Some river channels have been heavily modified during the Industrial Revolution.
Diffuse pollution, a lack of riparian habitat, unnatural flow regimes attributable to upland drainage and obstructions to fish passage are causing certain watercourses in the Colne Water Catchment to fail to meet the required standards under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Fish populations, particularly salmonids, have been found to be greatly diminished. To ensure that the failing waterbodies achieve Good Ecological Status under the WFD, the Ribble Rivers Trust aims to improve the habitat and connectivity in order to generate sustainable fish populations. The creation of riparian buffer zones will reduce diffuse pollution from farmland and roads, and some upland drainage grips are to be blocked to encourage a sustainable return to natural flow regimes. Community Involvement - Practical volunteering activities like river clean-ups, wildlife surveys and tree planting, and awareness raising through walkover surveys and appraisal tours, Public consultation, survey work. | 1 July 2012 | 1 March 2015 | Tree planting Bank stabilisation | Removing barriers to water organisms migration in the river | Awareness raising | Economic aspects Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits Water quality | |||||||
| Columbia Wharf | 51° 38' 37.22" N, 0° 1' 50.91" W | Area has been identified as one which can be developed as a New Nature Reserve, by Enfield BC who have produced an action plan to enhance land include a ditch and pond as well as the bankside habitat. This will include control of Floating Pennywort and other invasives as well as enhancing the morphological features of the bank. Area is currently grazed by a couple of horse and contains little ecological value - area is boarded by the backloops of the river Lea which are reported to support a population of water voles. | Creation of pond | Economic aspects Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | |||||||||||
| Community Wetlands | 52° 33' 52.05" N, 1° 41' 17.65" W | To create a new and exciting area of wetland (LBAP habitat) approximately 6 hectares in size, incorporating restoration of wet grassland, reedbed creation, extension of Hall pond, a ditch network, artificial sand martin bank and a number of scrapes which will act as a magnet for both wildlife and people.
Create an informal outdoor education area incorporating a dipping platform and raised viewing platform with steps that can be used as an outdoor classroom and a ramp access. Incorporate three interpretation panels and two benches The wetland will provide space and storage for flood water during extreme events and will aid flooding by slowing the flow and drainage back into the river. The reconnection of this area to the floodplain will help to enhance the wetland mosaic ensuring that wetland specialist plants thrive working towards restoration of the current low quality MG4 meadow. | 2005 | Creation of wetland Scrapes Floodplain spillways Floodplain reconnection water meadow creation | Reedbed creation | Community Education Viewing platform | Habitat and biodiversity Water quality | ||||||||
| Compton Island and Meanders | 51° 3' 40.27" N, 1° 30' 53.54" W | Increase velocities to promote and encourage SSSI chalk stream flora through the construction of 2 in-channel islands | 1 April 2018 | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Coniston Cold weir removal | 53° 59' 27.85" N, 2° 8' 16.41" W | Remove barrier to fish movement. Improve sediment transfer | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||||
| Coniston Copper Mines | 54° 24' 10.44" N, 3° 4' 53.73" W | Monitoring | |||||||||||||
| Connswater Community Greenway | 54° 35' 54.47" N, 5° 53' 27.25" W | The CCG is a 9km linear park through East Belfast following the course of the Connswater, Knock and Loop Rivers, revitalising the polluted Connswater Rivers system. Physical and environment improvements are two elements of a much more ambitious project as the CCG is really about people, opportunities, health and quality of life. CCG aims to reconnect the communities of East Belfast and bring the area’s rivers back to life as focal points and community assets by creating vibrant, attractive, sage and accessible parkland for leisure, recreation, events and activities.
The CCG has created a vibrant, attractive, and safe parkland for leisure and recreation, improving the lives of 40,000 residents, encouraging healthier and more active communities through; • 16km of continuous cycle and walkway • 7 new and 5 refurbished bridge connections • 2 new play parks and MUGA pitches • Increased tourism and investment from a new civic square featuring 7 Narnia themed sculptures • 1,105 new native trees, 17,434m2 native wildflower, 1,751m2 of bulbs and 7,267 new shrubs • £11m of added flood protection to 1,700 local properties • Meetings with homeowners, businesses and private land owners, public stakeholder forums and programmes and activities with schools, youth groups, community groups and visitors. | Economic aspects Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Social benefits Spatial planning Water quality Urban | ||||||||||||
| Conservation strategies for forest and wild river in Gesaeuse: the Johnsbach Beck restoration | 47° 34' 37.01" N, 14° 35' 20.30" E | The River Johnsbach, a tributary to the River Enns, was heavily regulated and deprived of biological and hydromorphological diversity. Of particular concern was the inability of fishes to overcome the high concrete structures and the spawning habitat shortage all along the river corridor.
Part of the LIFE+ multi-site project for the restoration of the River Enns and its surrounding ecosystems was delivered in the Johnsbach Brook. The works targeted a stretch of several kilometres, were bank reinforcement structures were take-off and the mouth of the river was ecologically enhanced (i.e. gravel banks, etc.). Restoration outcomes are positive overall. In particular, fish are now able to migrate and greater habitat diversity significantly supports in-site species populations (i.e. Common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)). However there is still a technical problem related with the adjustment of the river slope and the high steps imposed by old sills. There is a deficit of dynamic gravel resulting from the long-lasting excavation in the Johnsbach valle. Overtime, changing erosion processes as well as variable flooding will continually modify the site while the river network is regaining its natural functionality. The River Restoration Centre would like to thank Daniel Kreiner from the Gesäuse National Park for providing the information and photographs for this case study. | 1 February 2005 | 1 August 2011 | Creation of gravel banks Removal of bank reinforcements | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Social benefits | |||||||||
| Conservation strategies for forest and wild river in Gesaeuse: the River Enns restoration | 47° 34' 20.63" N, 14° 20' 12.45" E | The natural habitats in and beside the River Enns as well as the Johnsbach brook improved significantly with the implementation of this LIFE+ funded project, delivered by the National Park in the River Enns and its surrounding ecosystems. Restoration actions took place in multiple sites to re-establish an ecologically functioning wetland along the water courses and tributaries, with focus in connectivity (transversal and longitudinal) and landscape diversity.
Works in the rivers Enns and Palten included the creation of a new estuary in their confluence. Bank reinforcement structures along 500 m of the River Enns were replaced by typical riverine structures (i.e. gravel banks, bank erosion areas, piles of deadwood) which are developing. A new large pond for amphibians was completely cut-off from both rivers to prevent the immigration of fishes. Common frogs (“Rana temporaria”) and European toads (“Bufo bufo”) breed here. Another target was the re-naturalisation of the floodplain forest for enhancing longitudinal connectivity of the river Enns. 306 ha of spruce dominated forests are now a natural mixed forest. Restoration of the River Enns and its surrounding ecosystems are also in line with a long-term strategy to protect special habitats and endangered species (i.e. Black woodpecker (“Dryocopus martius”), Eurasian pygmy owl (“Glaucidium passerinum) and the Rosalia longicorn (Rosalia alpina). With focus on mountain pastures and species (i.e. black grouse (Tetrao tetrix), yellow bellied toad (“Bombina variegate”), etc.), the regulation of grazing intensity and access to drinking water in within the project area were also a priority. A monitoring programme was established for the assessment of restoration outcomes. Increasing public awareness and dissemination of results are supported by public activities. For instance, specially trained wardens are to guide visitors and provide information on restoration outcomes in terms of habitats and landscape diversity and services. In addition, a thematic trail with interactive information facilities is in place. The River Restoration Centre would like to thank Daniel Kreiner from the Gesäuse National Park for providing the information and photographs for this case study. Work included educating the community on environmental protection and promoting environmentally-friendly behaviour. | 1 August 2005 | 1 February 2011 | Creation of gravel banks Bank improvement Creation of pools and riffles Bank stabilisation Bank protection | Creation of pond Develop riparian forest | Creation of a new estuary | Monitoring strategy | Community Education | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - forestry Monitoring | |||||
| Contournement d’un plan d’eau de loisirs sur le Gratteloup au niveau de la commune de La Ville-aux-Clercs | 47° 55' 8.05" N, 1° 5' 12.33" E | Les travaux consistent à créer un bras de contournement
permettant de séparer le lit du Gratteloup de l’étang communal. Ce bras est réalisé en rive gauche de l’étang, en pied de coteau. Il rejoint le cours initial du Gratteloup à l’aval immédiat du plan d’eau. Le lit de la rivière de contournement est rechargé en substrat de taille 50-80 mm et une ripisylve constituée d’espèces autochtones est réimplantée en rive gauche. Pour isoler le plan d’eau tout en permettant son remplissage, des réservations sont réalisées sur les berges du bras de contournement en amont du plan d’eau. Elles permettent l’installation éventuelle d’un seuil mobile pour alimenter par surverse le plan d’eau. Ce seuil permettra une alimentation uniquement en période de hautes eaux. Par ailleurs, les eaux pluviales de La Ville-aux-Clercs collectées par le réseau séparatif sont dirigées dans le plan d’eau, préservant ainsi le Gratteloup de pollutions accidentelles. À l’aval du plan d’eau, une vanne à crémaillère permet l’abaissement de sa surface si nécessaire ; on peut ainsi éviter, par exemple, une vidange par dévers pouvant entraîner une brèche dans la berge séparant la rivière du plan d’eau. | 1 January 1998 | 31 December 1998 | Creation of a bypass Creation of banks Installation of a mobile threshold Installation of a valve rack | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Water quality | |||||||||
| Corfe River | 50° 39' 4.09" N, 2° 2' 59.46" W | Improve the Corfe River WFD classification failure of poor for macrophytes and phytobenthos combined and moderate due to elevated phosphate levels, high flows and high shading. Establish a vision for naturally functioning river | 1 April 2018 | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Cornmill Gardens (QUERCUS) | 51° 27' 47.52" N, 0° 0' 48.90" W | Site background
Before the regeneration of this site, this section of the Ravensbourne flowed through an area known as the Sundermead Estate. The river had been constrained within a narrow concrete channel as part of an historic flood defence scheme. This, together with high steel railings and overgrown vegetation had resulted in a neglected river possessing little ecological or local community interest. The river restoration scheme formed part of the 'Urban Renaissance in Lewisham' programme which aimed to create a new public open space within the Town Centre. Objective To remove the river from it’s concrete banks and create an attractive public open space. Design Following the preparation of design proposals and a full public consultation, a masterplan was developed for the whole site. The concrete walls of the river were removed and replaced with more natural re-graded banks interspersed with steps and wooden platforms to improve river bank access. A puddle –clay liner was constructed to help restore flows. Gravels were introduced into the bed of the river. These were sized to ensure that they could move in the channel with respect to the flow conditions, thus creating natural habitat features for wildlife. Marginal areas were planted with native species such as Rush (Juncus effusus) and Yellow flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus) whilst a wildflower mix was sown along the banks. An overflow storage area which retains water during high flows was designed into the scheme by lowering an open space alongside the river. Subsequent Performance Flood management within the channel should have been improved through a combination of making space for water by reprofiling the bank and creating additional storage on the floodplain. The area demonstrates how river restoration can be an integral part of a regeneration programme the helps to create a more attractive, diverse and accessible public open space with a natural river able to support a range of wildlife; mallards and moorhens have already been cited. | 31 December 2007 | Removal of concrete banks and bed Bank reprofiling | Buffer strips | Improvement of channel morphology | Social benefits Spatial planning | ||||||||
| County Gardens, Mayes Brook | 51° 31' 47.28" N, 0° 5' 39.90" E | Proposals should aim to enhance the area for nature conservation whilst increasing flood storage capacity. Such measures could include the reinstatement of a natural right bank and the incorporation of backwaters and other wetland habitats. The potential for contaminated arising are unknown, however there is scope for the re-use of materials in bund creation. The site identified is a side-spill flood alleviation area situated on the right bank 2400m². The channel is largely linear and has been modified in the past with a reinforced artificial bank and sluice situated centrally on the right bank. The earth-bunded flood storage area comprises well maintained grassland, which is cut 4-6 times a year during the growing season. The area is inundated 3-4 times a year and requires dredging every 5-10years | Creation of wetland | Creation of backwater | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Coutershaw FIP Project | 50° 57' 50.39" N, 0° 37' 13.66" W | To increase natural recruitment of fish in the River Rother catchment by cleaning gravels, reducing sedimentation by putting flow deflectors in the river, creating more diverse flows in the river, providing more suitable areas for anglers to fish etc | 4 January 2018 | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Craigton Riparian and NFM Orchard Planting | 56° 13' 7.23" N, 3° 57' 11.97" W | Craigton Farm sits inside a large meander of the Allan Water between the villages of Ashfield and Kinbuck. The Allan Water has two large areas downstream of Craigton classified as Potentially Vulnerable Areas to flooding, which include the townships of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan. During flood events, out of channel flow passes across the Craigton Farm fields where little rugosity exists to attenuate the flood water.
Click the link to see video footage of flood water flowing back into the Allan Water at the downstream side of the meander encompassing Craigton Farm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk-AUS_9r60 Objectives of the project were: to reduce the speed of the out of channel flow across the farm fields; restore and increase natural riparian habitat that will benefit terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity; increase the opportunity for woody debris interaction in the river system that will benefit fisheries and habitat diversity; create an area of enhanced natural beauty for local communities to enjoy; provide an opportunity for local people to be able to learn, manage and harvest a locally sustainable food resource through the Craigton Community Orchard Group; and an opportunity to engage with local residents about Natural Flood Management by obtaining local volunteers to carry out the tree planting. Work carried out: 420 riparian tree species including downy birch, goat willow, osier, hawthorn, rowan and hazel were planted on the banks of the Allan Water at Craigton Farm inline with breaches in the embankment at the upstream end of the meander, and where flood water flows back into the river at the downstream end. 300 trees were planted on the upstream side of the site and the remaining 120 trees were planted on the downstream side. Trees were planted by volunteers with emphasis given to plant trees at random spacing and in dense clumps inline with out of channel flow pathways. The width of the tree planting is around 5m for the majority of the two sections, however there is a fenced area on the upstream side of the meander that has been planted up to 30m width at points, bringing the planted area to around 0.5ha. In addition, willow cuttings/whips 6-9inches long were collected from local willows and planted in parts of the river bank that would have a lot of flow interaction such as at the water's edge, eroded bank faces or inline with out of channel flow pathways to increase rugosity without risking more valuable tree species. 23 orchard trees were planted in an old disused horse field in the flood pathway on the upstream side of the farm. The orchard was designed so that no distinct channels or rows existed facing the direction of flow flood water would come from. This resulted in a ping-pong table planting design that is aimed to dissipate energy from flood water passing through the orchard. Mound planting was used to elevate the root ball of the orchard trees above the ground level to help protect the roots from being submerged for long periods in flood water, and therefore affecting the orchard trees survival. Orchard trees were planted 10m apart to allow room for growth, and ease of access, maintenance and harvest in the future. In addition, 105 wild harvest shrub species were planted in a similar ping-pong table style design, behind the orchard trees. The wild harvest trees create another obstacle for flowing flood water to pass through dissipating more energy. The field that comprises the orchard and wild harvest trees covers 1ha. Challenges included managing volunteers in a fun manner whilst also ensuring they plant trees correctly, and continual maintenance and care of trees over the long term.
| 1 August 2013 | 8 March 2014 | Creation of wet woodland orchard | Volunteer engagement | Economic aspects Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||
| Crane Meadows Meander Connections | 51° 28' 26.93" N, 0° 24' 51.32" W | London Wildlife Trust have undertaken meander reconnection works at Crane Meadows Nature Reserve in Cranford, Hounslow.
The meanders were cut off from the river over 100 years ago when the river was subject to heavy modifications. The London Borough of Hounslow and the Environment Agency had previously reconnected three meanders at the site. LWT's input now brings this total to five. In addition to the meander connections a backwater area was created to improve the river's resilience to pollution events and to enhance habitat for juvenile coarse fish. Aims of this Project 1. To increase morphological and flow diversity in the river channel leading to better quality habitat for macrophytes and benthic invertebrates and improved habitats for fish. 2. To decrease flow conveyance and increase water storage capacity, contributing to the rivers hydrological response time being reduced during periods of high flows. 3. To provide new back water areas for aquatic organisms to shelter from the main flow of the river during times of disturbance, including pollution events. 4. To increase public awareness and appreciation of the issues affecting the Crane Catchment and the techniques used to solve them via a volunteer engagement programme. A gravel riffle will be placed just downstream of the meander inflow to ensure all water flows through the meander when river levels are low. The bund blocking the inflow of water to the meander will be removed. | Riffle creation | Removal of channel blockages | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits Urban | ||||||||||
| Crane Park | 51° 26' 35.94" N, 0° 22' 39.05" W | Water vole Capital Works (Survey and physical works); reedbed creation; tree work and coppicing; toe-board removal. BAP habitat creation and improvement in river marginal vegetation for water voles, birds, invertebrates and fish. | 1 January 2008 | Reedbed creation Tree management | UK BAP habitat creation/restoration | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||
| Cranford Park Phase 2 | 51° 29' 42.31" N, 0° 24' 44.96" W | Putting deflectors in the channel and treeworks. | 1 January 2010 | Deflectors | Tree management | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||
| Cray River Enhancement | 51° 27' 14.52" N, 0° 11' 44.38" E | Improvements to bankside habitat via opening up areas of dense scrub and coppicing trees. | 1 January 2009 | Tree management | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||||
| Creamery Weir fish barrier easement | 54° 52' 23.38" N, 4° 4' 4.97" W | This project aimed to overcome a barrier to migratory fish to allow access to over 10km of habitat. A feasibility and options report led to the selection of removal as a preferred option. Design of the removal option took place in Winter 2015/2016, and the removal process began in August 2016 (completing within one month).
There were significant volumes of sediment that had accumulated behind the weir so the project had a strong element of hydromorphological restoration, as well as enabling fish passage. Any large stone located within the sediment was reused to create rock steps in the new channel, with the remainder being disposed of in line with waste regulations. These also acted as bed checks to guard against upstream incision, although in reality plentiful bedrock outcrops also served this purpose. A disused sluice gate downstream of the weir site was also removed to ensure effective fish passage. Finally, the left bank of the river channel is relatively steep and a public road is situated at the top of it. In order to stabilise this bank and guard against erosion, mixed seed-impregnated erosion protection matting has been installed. | 1 September 2014 | Weir removal | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||||
| Creation of a Constructed Farm Wetland | 52° 37' 9.67" N, 2° 43' 17.76" W | Creation of a Constructed Farm Wetland to improve farm runoff protection of the CoundBrook tributary of the River Severn
A large mixed arable and sheep farm in the Shrewsbury area recognised they could reduce the risk of runoff occurring from their farm and associated yard area which also included septic tanks and soak aways With the help of STEPS (Severn Trent Environmental Protection Scheme) funding and advice they constructed a large wetland (reed bed feeding into a pool) designed to capture and slow down any runoff, potential spillage or overflow from the farm areas and to provide tertiary treatment prior to entering any downstream watercourses The wetland and reedbed cost £15,000 in total of which the STEPS grant covered 33% of the cost with the farmer contributing the rest Pleased with the results of this work and the financial and advisory help provided through the STEPS scheme, this farmer has gone on to successfully apply for further STEPS funded improvements. | Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Creation of flood channels and restoration of exchanges between the flood plain and the low-flow channel on the Vezouze | 48° 35' 12.42" N, 6° 29' 12.43" E | The work consisted of widening the river’s middle
water channel in some places. For this, a protective levee has been levelled on the left bank. Two flood channels, measuring one metre on average over 6 hectares, have been dug, involving the removal of 60,000 m3 of material. Within these flood channels, wetland environments such as ponds and side channels have been created. Trees have been planted on the banks as well as helophytes in flood channels. In addition to these actions on the environment, work on the rainwater system has also been undertaken: check valves and pumping stations have been set up. The Vezouze maintenance syndicate manages the removal of blockage and debris as required. | 1 May 2007 | 31 August 2007 | Construction of flood channels Removal of material Pond creation Side channel creation setting up of check valves & pumping stations | Tree planting Planting of helophytes at the foot of banks | Channel widening | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Social benefits Urban | |||||||
| Crosthwaite Deculverting | 54° 18' 50.25" N, 2° 51' 13.84" W | Restore habitat by opening up culvert section | 1 April 2018 | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Création d’un bras de contournement de plusieurs étangs sur le Fliez et restauration du marais de Contes | 50° 34' 23.80" N, 2° 19' 28.08" E | Les travaux comprennent l’aménagement du nouveau lit mineur du Fliez et la restauration des habitats du marais et des trois étangs.
- suppression des buses qui assuraient une connexion hydraulique et piscicole directe entre le Fliez et les étangs; - création d’un nouveau lit mineur contournant les étangs sur 1 400 m ; compte tenu de la faible puissance spécifique du cours d’eau, une certaine sinuosité est donnée au nouveau tronçon; - recharge granulométrique d’environ 0,3 m d’épaisseur sur 720 m linéaires pour créer des zones propices à la reproduction de la truite fario.
Les matériaux issus de leur création sont reutilises pour créer une zone d’autoépuration naturelle dans la partie aval du premier étang.
hélophytes, indispensables à la reproduction du brochet et d’autres espèces. Le deuxième étang est curé pour réduire son envasement. Un sentier pédagogique est aménagé pour améliorer l’accès au site et faciliter les activités de loisir. | 1 November 2013 | 31 December 2015 | Removal of nozzles which provided a connection hydraulics and fish farming directly between Fliez and ponds Creation of a bypass Riverbed restoration Bank modification | Adding sinuosity | An educational trail is set up to improve access to the site and facilitate leisure activities | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Land use management - forestry Social benefits Water quality | |||||||
| Cuckolds Haven Nature Area | 51° 31' 44.86" N, 0° 4' 34.14" E | Previous site use/issues
| 1 October 2004 | 31 March 2006 | Riparian planting | Interpretation boards Viewing platform Wheelchair access | Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Urban | ||||||||
| Cuddington Park | 51° 22' 1.88" N, 0° 14' 24.80" W | Asset management planning identifying environmental enhancements. | 1 January 2008 | Habitat and biodiversity Spatial planning | |||||||||||
| Cudworth dyke restoration project | 53° 36' 11.80" N, 1° 25' 23.83" W | Sandybridge dyke is a small stream in the upper segment of Cudworth dyke, near Royston in South Yorkshire where we're trialling an innovative project to see whether habitat restoration can improve river water quality.
The stream runs between Rabbit Ings nature reserve, which was previously a colliery spoil heap, and a closed municipal land fill site and on through an industrial estate to reach it confluence with the River Dearne. As a result of its historical neighbours, the dyke is mostly man made, and in poor condition. Yorkshire Water are undertaking research at this site, looking at natural ways to improve the quality of the water body. Due to its history and poor state, Cudworth Dyke makes the perfect case study for this research.
Following this research several practical habitat restoration actions were suggested. We will be trailing these in the upper section of the stream called Sandybridge dyke. The Restoration of Sandybridge Dyke Existing research published by the Journal of Applied Ecology suggests that restoration of rivers will deliver benefits to water quality. However due to the long term nature of the data sets required this has only rarely been demonstrated. The restoration of Sandybridge Dyke will provide much needed data on whether river restoration can improve water quality. With the kind permission and help of the landowners, The Land Trust and Barnsley Council, and with the support of Groundwork Dearne Valley who manage Rabbit Ings, we will be carrying out this restoration work from February 2014. This will involve creating a new double meander in the dyke, altering a weir and digging out a dried reed bed, to bring faster flows and more oxygen to the waters. The new river route has been designed to take key detours, so that we don't damage the existing water vole population or the favourite roosting trees of key owl species who take up residence in the winter. We are investiating how to best tend this type of work to reach key specialist contractors and partners to provide us with high quility outputs and the lowest cost. We have two year post monioring of key water quality metrics chemistry, macroinvertebrates, macrophytes and fish and aim to publish our findings good or bad to share this important test of river restoration to improve water quality.
Environmental Science in Action.
For two years before and two after our habitat restoration work on Sandybridge dyke, we have been and will continue to undertake detailed monitoring to be able to assess the impact of habitat restoration on water quality. The data will contribute key evidence to support river restoration as a means to improve our post-industrial Yorkshire streams. | 10 January 2011 | Creation of meanders | Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Social benefits Water quality Urban | Fish: Species composition Invertebrates Macrophytes | Oxygen balance Specific non-synthetic pollutants | ||||||||
| Cumbria Angler Engagement | 54° 26' 40.26" N, 3° 27' 41.74" W | ||||||||||||||
| Cumbria River Restoration Program - Whitbeck restoration project - West Cumbria | 54° 36' 52.30" N, 3° 16' 47.61" W | This project was part of the Cumbria River Restoration Strategy which aims to develop demonstration sites of best practice river restoration.
The purpose of these projects is to make rivers more natural so they do not require costly maintenance (now the responsibility of the landowner) and improve the habitat for aquatic species. West Cumbria Rivers Trust is delivering these projects on behalf of the Environment Agency and Natural England and the aim is to complete a limited number of these projects so they can be used as demonstration sites for farmers and landowners. To-date, one major project has been completed on Whit Beck (near Lorton). Whit Beck is an actively eroding stream which drains off the Lorton Fells. It joined the River Cocker approximately three quarters of a kilometre upstream the Low Lorton village. The River Cocker then joins the River Derwent at Cockermouth. The River Derwent is of national and European significance and is classified as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This project was undertaken on Whit Beck, a fast flowing spate tributary of the River Cocker (River Derwent SSSI) in the English Lake District. A 350m section of heavily modified raised river channel was successfully diverted to natural self-sustainable diverse 1200m long watercourse. This meant natural river processes and features were restored, the length of stream was increased, habitats were created for fish spawning, the channel was reconnected to the floodplain, and riparian trees provided wildlife corridors. The work on the River Derwent and its tributaries (streams) forms part of the North West River Basin Management Plan, which aims to improve the health of all rivers and water bodies in the North West of England to meet standards set out in the European Water Framework Directive (WFD). This project, jointly funded by Natural England and the Environment Agency, will help contribute to meeting these standards by improving both water quality and enabling the river / stream to function more naturally. | 1 March 2014 | 1 September 2014 | River channel diversion Floodplain reconnection Habitat creation | Tree planting | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Land use management - forestry Monitoring Social benefits | ||||||||
| Cumbria River Restoration Strategy | 54° 34' 38.04" N, 2° 47' 50.94" W | The Cumbria River Restoration Strategy was developed to help deliver the joint Natural England and Environment Agency obligation to improve the quality and function of the Eden, Derwent and Kent SSSI/SAC catchments. This partnership functions by working with the River Trusts (Eden, West Cumbria and South Cumbria respectively) who plan and deliver these projects in their respective catchments. Most of the rivers within these catchments are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). These are recognised as being the best examples of this type of river throughout Europe for the river habitat and the species they support. Because of their importance for conservation, they are designated as Protected Areas under WFD. WFD requires ‘Measures’ to be put in place to deliver ‘favourable condition’ for each Protected Area. Favourable condition includes restoring near natural processes to the river which includes flow and sediment transport. | 3 March 2014 | Working in collaboration with the River Trusts who plan and deliver these projects | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||||
| Dagenham Brook de-silting | 51° 34' 36.36" N, 0° 2' 25.84" W | Reduce flood risk improve channel conveyancing, improve health and safety for light water course maintenance. Reduce flood risk and channel capacity, remove dangerous deep pockets of heavily contaminated silts. WFD driven.
A 1.5km long ditch, which historically had been over dredged and subsequently not been maintained for years due to difficult access and inconsistent deep silt, required an over haul. It was anticipated that there was 4,400t of silt to be removed, half of which was expected to be hazardous Land and Water Services could see flaws in the historic silt test results and therefore undertook additional sampling and detailed testing which enabled the silt to be reclassified as 100% non-hazardous. Furthermore rather than dredging down to the previously over dredged hard bed level, Land & Water designed a solution which reduced the volume of silt to be removed, and therefore the cost of the works, but provided the Environment Agency with a firm and level bed for future access and maintenance (*1) | 1 January 2009 | Removal of sediment | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Dagenham Washlands Phase 2 | 51° 31' 49.30" N, 0° 9' 55.58" E | Realignment of the Wantz through the floodplain in the open space away from the existing flood embankment and creation of more natural banks and profile along the River Beam where space allows. Introduction of meanders and backwaters will increase habitat and add interest to the park for the local community. Some wetlands have recently been created in the area as part of the Washland FAS project. More detail on size: 58ha & 12ha of new BAP, 150m re-meandering (Wantz), 600m reprofiling and 300m in channel features (Beam). The Wantz Stream has been straightened and runs towards the edge of the space rather than being the visual focal point. Realignment would provide opportunities for wetland creation. The wetlands created as part of the washlands FAS scheme will help to inform the creation of any new habitats. This project complements a £4.5 million capital scheme to make space for water and reduce the risk of flooding to 570 homes, 90 businesses (including the Ford Dagenham plant) major infrastructure (including Barking power station) and strategic development sites. The project was developed in partnership with Barking & Dagenham Council and the Land Restoration Trust (LRT), and provides BAP habitat within 53 hectares of regenerated open space. The local community were consulted on the design and investment came from the European Regional Development Fund, Thames Gateway Parkland Fund and the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme (LFTCS). The opportunity to make space accessible to existing and future communities was identified.
Key issues
| 1 January 2008 | Bank reprofiling | Creation of wetland | Creation of backwater Creation of meanders | UK BAP habitat creation/restoration | Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | |||||||
| Darent Valley Path | 51° 26' 5.55" N, 0° 13' 29.03" E | To re-distribute the existing bed material to create meanders, pool - riffle sequences, gravel bars and islands. The aim is to acheive a chalk river with a variety of habitats within a low-flow, self cleansing, sinuous channel. Improve fish spawning habitat. The river in this location is generally flat, wide and shallow and under normal discharge it cannot sustain energised flow. Additionally, the channel is extremely heavily shaded in parts, preventing aquatic plant growth. There is very little in-channel natural habitat variation and the river has no ability to re-habilitate itself and re-establish chalk stream habitat. Funding - Environment Agency Working in partnership with Dartford Borough Council who are upgrading the footpath alongside the river. | 1 January 2011 | Bank reprofiling | Creation of meanders | Economic aspects Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||
| Darley Abbey Fish Pass Project | 52° 56' 38.71" N, 1° 28' 21.04" W | The project aims to provide free upstream and downstream passage for all species of fish at Darley Abbey weir including eel. This will contribute significantly to the waterbody target of Achieving good ecological potential by 2027. Community involvement - Interpretation panel, launch event, heritage walks, archaeological assessment of medieval timbers excavated, community meetings re archaeology. | 1 July 2012 | 1 March 2015 | Creation of fish passes | Community Events Community consultation Heritage walks Interpretation boards | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||
| Day Brook Rain Gardens | 52° 59' 31.17" N, 1° 8' 43.60" W | This pilot retrofit SuDS project was a result of collaboration between the Environment Agency, Nottingham City Council, Groundwork Greater Nottingham and Severn Trent Water. The construction phase was completed in May 2013.
The scheme was designed to achieve the following objectives; •Document and evaluate the design and construction of a series of rain gardens within an existing highway setting. •Maximise surface water interception, attenuation and infiltration. •Test the effectiveness of rain gardens in managing surface water from the public highway. •Encourage participation from local residents in the design and future management of the rain gardens. •Evaluate the effectiveness of the scheme as an engagement tool around the sources of urban diffuse pollution and flood risk. •Highlight the role that retrofit SuDS can play in improving the quality and reducing the volume of surface water flowing to urban watercourses. Increase community awareness of urban catchment challenges. | Sustainable urban drainage ponds (SUDs) | Awareness raising | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Social benefits Urban | ||||||||||
| Day Brook Restoration - Gedling | 52° 59' 38.90" N, 1° 8' 15.42" W | This project restored natural features to a section of the Day Brook as it flows through a small park on the outskirts of Nottingham city.
The brook was moved from the existing heavily modified and shaded channel into a more natural course. Brook length has been increased with the introduction of meanders along with shallower, soft banks and variation in flow and bed conditions. We aim to improve water quality through the planting of marginal vegetation and the creation of a reed bed at the outfall of a surface water sewer. With the material produced from the channel excavations, a shallow bund has been constructed to retain flood waters within the park in order to help reduce flooding of downstream properties. In an effort to raise awareness of the watercourse and to create a more attractive park environment, 2 new bridges now take an existing path over the new brook channel. This part of the brook is one of the few sections not within a culvert as it flows through Gedling Borough. Downstream the brook mostly flows within a heavily modified channel and the entire length is subject to pollution from diffuse, urban sources. This project is a sister project to the Day Brook rain gardens - http://restorerivers.eu/wiki/index.php?title=Case_study%3ADay_Brook_Rain_Gardens Restoration work commenced in February 2014 and was completed in May 2014. Photos of the works are available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/environment-agency/sets/72157644692138259/?view=sq. Increase community awareness of urban catchment challenges. | Channel reprofiling Recovery of channel morphology | Floodplain reconnection | Channel naturalisation Re-meandering | Awareness raising | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Urban | ||||||||
| Ddu Restoration Project | 52° 57' 36.89" N, 4° 8' 28.76" W | This river was badly damaged by dredging / drainage operations in 1995-6. Investigation work led to the discovery of a previously unknown population of Margaritifera margaritifera - the population was badly damaged by this work.
Work to restore some sections of the Afon Ddu has been carried out by legacy Environment Agency Wales and Countryside Council for Wales and partner organisation Snowdonia National Park Authority since 2005. The bulk of this work concentrated on fencing out the river to reduce livestock access, but a short section of the most damaged section was restored in 2006. The river was designated as a pearl mussel Site of Special Scientific Interest in 2010/11. Since the formation of Natural Resources Wales, further work has been carried out with the aim of restoring in channel geomorphology, through the replacement of boulders and gravel seeding with an objective of improving the habitat for salmonids and Margaritifera margaritifera. The small catchment size means that close co-operation with landowners is likely to be more effective than in larger, dispersed, catchments in terms of achieving water quality objectives. Approx. £90,000 has been spent on fencing and habitat works on this river since 2005 by the partner organisations. This river is an UK Biodiversity Plan Priority River for Margaritifera margaritifera, along with two other Welsh rivers. | 1 June 2005 | Boulder restoration Addition of substrate and in channel features | Fencing of riparian zone | Creation of fish passes | Deculverting | Agricultural business changed its way of working | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Monitoring | ||||||
| De Doorbraak | 52° 18' 48.01" N, 6° 37' 5.22" E | De Doorbraak is a newly created stream near Almelo. Its creations has several purposes. In terms of water quantity, the stream helps create more space for inundation, so that there is less of a need to discharge water out of the area. This is supposed to help retain more water in the region in wet periods and prevent drought in dry periods. De Doorbraak is also part of a plan to improve the water quality of the Regge basin. It contributes to a separation of urban and rural waters, so that less polluted water ends up in the Regge. To achieve this goal, an underpass is created in the Twentekanaal, so that its more polluted water does not mix with the cleaner Doorbraak water. Finally, this stream provides and ecological link between Twente in the northeast and the hills of the Sallandse Heuvelrug in the southwest. The topsoil of this stream valley was removed over a length of 13 km and a width of 50 m. This created a large area that the stream can inundate. Abandoned meanders and pools were conncted to the main stream. Vegetation removal is managed by grazers, with additonal mowing, if necessary. | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality | ||||||||||||
| De-culverting Moselle Brook at Lordship Recreation Ground | 51° 35' 40.76" N, 0° 5' 11.85" W | Culverted section of Moselle Brook through Lordship Recreation Ground was daylighted. New meandering channel dug with 30 degree banks planted with native species (mostly). New channel planted with flowering rush, sedge and flag. Appearance of new channel looked excellent, however due to the number of misconnections upstream the channel was full of sewage fungus and the water had a strong smell of raw sewage. | Culvert replacement/repair Bank reprofiling | Riparian planting Sustainable urban drainage ponds (SUDs) | Deculverting | Improved public access Information panels for people Riverside walkway | Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | Invertebrates | River Habitat Survey | ||||||
| Debenham Flood Storage Options - flood modelling and economic assessment | 52° 13' 30.36" N, 1° 11' 30.30" E | Debenham (Map 1) has suffered from historic flooding, most notably in 1912, 1936, 1937, 1944, 1947, 1956, 1968 and 1993. Managing flood risk in the village town is complex because 3 tributaries of the River Deben meet in the village and the costs of many traditional flood management measures are prohibitive. This case study uses hydraulic modelling to assess the effect of 10 Natural Flood Management (NFM) features on flood risk in Debenham and establishes their effect on property damages for a range of return periods. Modelling has shown that installing 10 NFM features providing 34,250m3 of storage across 3 subcatchments (~34km2) that drain in to Debenham would reduce the annual average damages to properties and farmland by 31%. The proposed NFM measures would also reduce the total numbers of properties at risk of flooding across all return periods. For the 1 in 10 and 1 in 20 year flood events, installing NFM features reduces the risk of flooding for 24 properties. Total damages to properties across all return periods would be reduced. For example, for the 1 in 75 year flood event installing NFM features would reduce total property damages by £421,400. | Runoff pathway management | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Water quality | |||||||||||
| Defra Strategic Environmental Partnership Project (DSEPP) 2011 | 51° 59' 45.14" N, 3° 13' 56.37" W | There were two parts to this project:
The second: A review of current policy tools and funding mechanisms available to address water pollution from agriculture in England WUF was delighted to have been asked to join the West Country Rivers Trust, The Severn Rivers Trust and The Rivers Trust (formerly the Association of Rivers Trusts) in assisting Alex Inman, the consultant involved in preparing the information and report for the second section. Caroline Sherrott, then WUF's Catchment Officer, carried out the assessment and report for our contribution to the first. These reports are lengthy and can be downloaded by clicking on the links below http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/projects/DSEPP-Component-B-Final-Report-07-11-11.pdf http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/projects/WUF-Strategic-Evidence-Partnership-Project.pdf | 2011 | Joining of River Trusts | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Water quality | ||||||||||
| Delivering Multiple Benefits for Water on Foston Brook | 52° 56' 20.99" N, 1° 44' 18.42" W | Funded through the Dove Catchment Partnership, this project is delivering multiple benefits by working with farmers in one particular water body, Foston Brook and its tributaries which include Cubley and Bentley Brooks:
Farm advice and capital works such as fencing and drinking areas to reduce Phosphate Monitoring for metaldehyde for the water company One fencing project is also designed to reduce the risk of the brook eroding to an A road and has the support of the Local Authority Highways team.Careful mapping and analysis of the issues led to targeted actions. | 30 June 2015 | Fenced off riverbank | Hardened crossing points drinking bays | Farm advice and plans | Land use management - agriculture Water quality | ||||||||
| Derbyshire Habitat Improvements | 52° 54' 2.45" N, 1° 23' 6.25" W | Improve habitat, bank repair work and prevent erosion by installation of coir rolls and marginal woody debris | 1 April 2018 | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Deurningerbeek | 52° 18' 43.23" N, 6° 48' 29.15" E | The Deurningerbeek is a tribuatary of the Oude Bornsche Beek, which is in turn a tribuatary of the Linderbeek. This stream is already a site for traditional stream restoration. The bed was realigned to a meandering trajectory. In addition, the water authority wants to experiment with a thirty year suspension of maintenance. | Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Devon Beaver Project and River Otter Beaver Trail | 50° 43' 13.54" N, 3° 47' 13.39" W | The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) is a native species to Britain. After an absence of around 400 years, it is has returned to being wild in the British landscape at 2 core locations in Scotland and as a free living population on the River Otter in Devon (Map 1). Devon Wildlife Trust has also been running a beaver project in a securely fenced, private site in western Devon since 2011. The site provides an ideal location to carry out detailed scientific studies into the impacts of beavers on hydrology and water quality. This work complements the catchment-scale data being secured through the monitoring strategy applied to the free-living beavers that form part of the River Otter Beaver Trial in east Devon. This covers the entire 250km² of the Otter catchment containing 594km of watercourse. More information on both the Devon Beaver Project and the River Otter Beaver Trial can be found on the Devon Wildlife Trust's website (http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/our-projects).
Since their introduction into the enclosed site, the beavers have:
• constructed 13 dams holding up to one million litres of additional water within ponds on the site
• influenced an area of 1.8ha equating to 56 litres of surface water storage per m² of land (during storm events, peak flows have been 30% lower on average leaving the site than entering)
• delayed the lag time between peak flow into the site and peak flow leaving the site (on average, one hour over a distance of 183m)
• reduced peak flow even in saturated conditions and for the largest monitored flood events (due to the hydraulic roughness of the dams and felled trees, and the leaky nature of the dams)
• resulted in significant and constant base flow from the site (even in periods of drought) through water storage and gentle release effect | 2011 | leaky woody dams | Economic aspects Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Land use management - forestry Monitoring Social benefits Water quality | ||||||||||
| Diffusing the Issue in Rural Ribble - River Loud | 53° 51' 1.81" N, 2° 37' 20.28" W | Diffusing the Issue is a partnership project that will use CRF funds to improve watercourses in areas of the Ribble Catchment that are intensely farmed. Diffuse pollution, poor habitat and obstructions to fish passage are causing certain watercourses in these areas to fail to meet the required standards under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Work has already been undertaken by the Environment Agency and the Ribble Rivers Trust to address the reasons for failure. In order to ensure that the priority waterbodies achieve Good Ecological Status under the WFD, the creation of riparian buffer zones, farm infrastructure improvements and the reconnection of habitat are necessary. Through targeted farm visits, the Ribble Rivers Trust will seek to identify ways in which diffuse pollution can be reduced, in a way that is sustainable and beneficial to farmers and landowners, as well as the environment. | Tree planting | Improving fish migration | Economic aspects Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Water quality | ||||||||||
| Diffusing the Issue in rural Ribble | 53° 54' 39.38" N, 2° 21' 45.15" W | Diffusing the Issue is a partnership project that will use CRF funds to improve watercourses in areas of the Ribble Catchment that are intensely farmed. Diffuse pollution, poor habitat and obstructions to fish passage are causing certain watercourses in these areas to fail to meet the required standards under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). | 1 July 2012 | 1 March 2015 | Bank reprofiling Reduce diffuse pollution | Barrier removal Small scale easement installation Tree plantation Creation of fish passes Fish habitat restoration | Farm infrastructure interventions UK BAP habitat creation/restoration | Fencing Non/agricultural business changed its way of working | Community involvement | Economic aspects Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Social benefits Water quality | |||||
| Diffusing the Issue in rural Ribble - Easington | 53° 57' 19.08" N, 2° 24' 23.30" W | Diffusing the Issue is a partnership project that will use CRF funds to improve watercourses in areas of the Ribble Catchment that are intensely farmed. Diffuse pollution, poor habitat and obstructions to fish passage are causing certain watercourses in these areas to fail to meet the required standards under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). | 1 July 2012 | 1 March 2015 | Bank reprofiling Reduce diffuse pollution Weir removal/modification for easement of fish passage | Tree planting Fencing | Farm infrastructure interventions UK BAP habitat creation/restoration | Agricultural business changed its way of working | Community involvement | Economic aspects Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Social benefits Water quality | |||||
| Diffusing the Issue in rural Ribble - Skirden Beck | 53° 58' 59.78" N, 2° 20' 8.49" W | Diffusing the Issue is a partnership project that will use CRF funds to improve watercourses in areas of the Ribble Catchment that are intensely farmed. Diffuse pollution, poor habitat and obstructions to fish passage are causing certain watercourses in these areas to fail to meet the required standards under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). | 1 July 2012 | 1 March 2015 | Bank reprofiling Weir removal/modification for easement of fish passage | Tree planting Fencing | Farm infrastructure interventions UK BAP habitat creation/restoration | Agricultural business changed its way of working | Community involvement | Economic aspects Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Social benefits Water quality | |||||
| Diffusing the Issue in rural Ribble - Stock Beck | 53° 56' 1.46" N, 2° 11' 31.00" W | Diffusing the Issue is a partnership project that will use CRF funds to improve watercourses in areas of the Ribble Catchment that are intensely farmed. Diffuse pollution, poor habitat and obstructions to fish passage are causing certain watercourses in these areas to fail to meet the required standards under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). | 1 July 2012 | 1 March 2015 | Bank reprofiling | Tree planting Fencing | Farm infrastructure interventions UK BAP habitat creation/restoration | Agricultural business changed its way of working | Community involvement | Economic aspects Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Social benefits Water quality | |||||
| Diffusing the Issue in rural Ribble - Swanside | 53° 54' 21.11" N, 2° 15' 55.23" W | Diffusing the Issue is a partnership project that will use CRF funds to improve watercourses in areas of the Ribble Catchment that are intensely farmed. Diffuse pollution, poor habitat and obstructions to fish passage are causing certain watercourses in these areas to fail to meet the required standards under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). | 1 July 2012 | 1 March 2015 | Bank reprofiling Reduce diffuse pollution | Barrier removal Small scale easement installation Tree plantation Creation of fish passes Fish habitat restoration | Farm infrastructure interventions UK BAP habitat creation/restoration | Fencing Non/agricultural business changed its way of working | Community involvement | Economic aspects Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Social benefits Water quality | |||||
| Dinkel Noord | 52° 24' 47.56" N, 6° 59' 1.40" E | The Dinkel is a semi-natural river in the east of Twente. The water authority is optimising its flow for WFD and Natura 2000 purposes. To do this, the river was restructured in such a way that a great variation in substrate could exist without much maintenance. These substrates would inclde small riverside beaches, steep banks, carrs (broekbos), and abandoned meanders. Part of the design was completed in 2019, but the larger project is still ongoing. | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Diversion of the River Nith | 55° 22' 42.47" N, 4° 18' 11.36" W | PHASE 1: 2000 - Temporary diversion of the Nith to the north west of its current floodplain to allow for coal extraction by Scottish Coal.
The Nith is an important salmon and trout fishery, however overgrazing, agriculture and past open-cast mining along the reach have affected invertebrate populations and fish spawning grounds. The primary restoration criteria for the 2000 restoration were: - design which would convey a 1 in 50 year flood. - channel which would not dry up during low flow. - design mimicing pre-diversion channel - ie. similar meander loops, pool-riffle-run sequences and channel profiles. - design which would create opportunities for enhancement of biodiversity (over and above pre-diversion conditions). Work commenced in April 2000 and was completed during September of the same year.
| Introduction of gravel Habitat diversification Bank stabilisation Bank protection | Containment bund to prevent flooding | Addition of boulders to bed Fish habitat restoration | Economic aspects Habitat and biodiversity | Invertebrates Macrophytes | Channel bed morphology. Substrate particle size/composition. | |||||||
| Dommeldal: cross-border habitat restoration in the Dommel Valley | 51° 9' 43.64" N, 5° 33' 52.47" E | In the 1950s, the river Dommel was straightened, the water levels became lower and changes in land use practices led to increased input of nutrients, afforestation with exotic tree species and abandonment of extensive uses. Habitats and species decreased in variety in consequence.
The ‘Dommeldal’ project aimed to establish an ecological corridor between the heath habitats of the Hoge Kempen and the heath habitats in North Brabant by restoring habitats along the valley, supporting species migration along the river. The project resulted in the restoration of valuable habitats from Peer in Flanders up to Valkenswaard in the Netherlands. Typical Campine nature, such as land dunes, heathlands, ponds, irrigated grasslands (‘vloeiweiden’), orchid-rich hayfields and alluvial forests, were restored, and new opportunities were created for threatened species, such as the European nightjar, the natterjack toad ( Epidalea calamita) and the alcon blue butterfly (Phengaris alcon). As part of the project, many lots were swapped with local farmers to stop soil degradation and area loss. A total of 130 000 m3 nutrient-rich soil was removed and land topography was restored. A dozen ponds were created along with the easing of smooth transitions towards drier sandy land. Around 25ha of uniform softwood stands at Hageven-De Plateaux were removed to restore heath habitats. Hiking paths were reconstructed and new visitor guides were created to ensure local involvement. Also much information has been disseminated in the area, by means of information panels and exhibitions. Local farmers and volunteers associated with the beneficiary will be involved in the management of the area after the LIFE project. | |||||||||||||
| Dorset CPAF Projects | 50° 45' 18.17" N, 2° 28' 29.23" W | The Dorset Wildlife Trust CPAF projects delivered results through a series of specific projects, tailor-made for issues found on the ground across Dorset in a variety of locations.
Projects on the Stour linked to the receptor coastal water bodies as well as supporting refuges for coarse fish populations. Projects on the Corfe showed proactive work and how small scale land management projects can benefit the water course. Projects on the Frome were linked to existing restoration plans and will engage with farmers of the future. Frome (lower) - This project enhanced the wildlife value of the floodplain and slowed the flow of water with simple water control structures. Complementary works to increase light to ordinary watercourses through tree management and in channel enhancements to benefit fish interest were also undertaken. The project improved the floodplains link to the river during times of high flow and increased nutrient loading capacity. The Corfe River - In 2014, FWAG SW undertook a scoping study of the waterbody to identify problems, restoration habitat opportunities (both in-channel and on adjacent riparian habitat) and potential land management change opportunities. From this, some simple and quick-win restoration projects were identified to help reduce bank erosion, create marginal habitat, and increase light to the watercourse. Pasture pumps and drinking troughs have been installed, Drinking bays fenced off, River margins fenced and Trees crowned to let light in and promote marginal vegetation growth. Bourne Stream - Only Rain Down The Drain; A solution was needed to help Bournemouth town centre businesses (specifically food outlets to tackle the issues of surface water contamination leading to negative impacts on bathing water quality. The project focussed on improving understanding of what can and cannot be poured down surface water drains, the negative impact pollutants put into the drain can have on bathing water quality directly and the wider social and economic impacts to the area if poor bathing water quality is recorded at Bournemouth beaches. Businesses were motivated to change behaviour around surface water drains so that only rain goes down the drain. Tarrant: The project is trialling techniques to successfully establish wetland plant/meadow communities in high nutrient conditions. The project will develop a bespoke species rich floodplain grassland/meadow seed mix and sow in a floodplain with the seed bank, soil fertility, site hydrology and ecology monitored over a 5yr period. Stour: The project excavated and cleared a partially blocked ditch of dense vegetation and trees to produce a new shallow channel with a gentle gradient down to the river edge; a perfect habitat for maturing coarse fish fry. The objectives across all the sub-projects are: • Restore 1400m of river habitats • Restore 700m of ditch habitat • Undertake works to reconnect/re-wet 5ha of floodplain habitat, helping with flood alleviation • Reduce tree cover and excessive shading along 250m stretch of river • Reduce silt entering waterbody and habitat enhancement at 8 sites covering in total 340m • Contact 200 food business and provide information to reduce the amount of chemicals that go down surface drainage gullies. • Reduce the amount of urban diffuse pollution entering 80% of the gullies that enter the Bourne Stream • Restore river corridor habitat and buffering by allowing the conditions needed to reinstate a natural green cover and increasing wetland plant diversity in and adjacent to 500m of watercourse • Sow 1.5ha floodplain sward with native floodplain meadow mix • Provide 6 case studies and demonstration sites of enhancement works locally to engage other landowners within the catchments and act as a catalyst for future improvement work. | Buffer strips Floodplain reconnection | Cut back of trees | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Monitoring Social benefits Water quality | ||||||||||
| Dove Weir removal | 53° 2' 0.13" N, 1° 45' 39.48" W | The Leek and District Fly Fishing Association (LDFFA) undertook work to remove an artificial weir in an attempt to restore a more natural flow to the river. The river was also 're-wilded' to introduce woody debris and other material to enhance fish habitats. Warning signs provided to stop public removing debris or rebuilding weirs. | 1 July 2010 | Vegetation cut back Weir removal | Cut back of trees Introducing large woody debris | Adding sinuosity | Information for the public | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Monitoring Spatial planning | Fish: Abundance Fish: Species composition | Substrate conditions | |||||
| Dovers Corner | 51° 31' 14.19" N, 0° 11' 13.31" E | Riverbank enhancements and naturalisation. The bank is currently degraded, base and in poor condition. Some sections are also toe-boarded and over-shaded. The section could be improved to increase habitat diversity and the quality of the river corridor. This is of particular relevance to support future populations of water voles along the river. | Bank reprofiling | Improved public access | Economic aspects Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||||
| Downham Playing Fields | 51° 25' 24.06" N, 0° 0' 4.63" E | Spring Brook regarded incorporating slight meanders in the river channel, removal of toe boards and the formation of wetland habitats through significant channel re-profiling. It is also proposed to introduce new bridge crossings and to refurbish existing crossing facilities. | Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Urban | ||||||||||||
| Downton Millennium Gardens- Hampshire Avon | 50° 59' 3.00" N, 1° 45' 32.51" W | Channel restoration of a blocked and heavily silt laden channel on the Hampshire Avon | 1 April 2018 | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Drayton | 52° 30' 55.05" N, 0° 47' 13.34" W | The scheme was implemented by the Environment Agency with the co-operation and agreement of the adjacent landowners (Matthew and Melanie Robinson and Alister Brooke-Clarke) and in-kind support from the Welland Rivers Trust and the Wild Trout Trust.
Summary of Techniques: Faggot, woody debris and coir roll flow deflectors; channel pinching using faggots, woody debris and coir rolls; introduction of gravels to augment and create riffles; bank toe protection using rock and coir; new cattle drinkers; riverside fencing; selected tree works including crown-lifting and pollarding; new tree and shrub planting; artificial otter holt construction. Background During the 1970s the River Welland was significantly modified. The natural river morphology was altered to improve land drainage and flood water discharge. The river was deepened; many meanders, pools, riffles and glides were removed; and the river was constricted within high, straight banks. High winter flood flows and poor land management practices now cause significant bank erosion and sedimentation. Prior to modification a high proportion of these nutrient-rich sediments would have been deposited on the floodplain, providing rich grazing pasture, but, as a result of the flood defence works, a large proportion of these sediments now remain in the channel, degrading habitats including fish spawning gravels. | 1 December 2011 | Deflectors Bank stabilisation Cattle drinkers Introduction of gravel | Tree planting Tree management | Channel narrowing | Fencing | Habitat and biodiversity | Fish Invertebrates | Substrate conditions | |||||
| Dumbreck Marsh & Garrel Burn Restoration | 55° 58' 24.21" N, 4° 4' 16.63" W | Dumbreck Marsh is a ‘brownfield’ wetland area which developed naturally on post-industrial land in the mid/late 20th Century. The area was once heavily used for colliery activities and mineral railways. After the decline of the colliery industries the land was left fallow and gradually accommodated wetland habitats and associated species – eventually including the endangered lapwing? – it also became a valued area for greenspace, public access, and wildlife for the local Kilsyth community and was designated as a Local Nature Reserve by North Lanarkshire Council in…19…. Recently the marsh has suffered drying out and loss of wildlife, with access routes becoming eroded and therefore limiting public access.
Historical mapping shows the Garrel Burn was straightened into an entrenched channel over 250 years during either 17th or 18th century creating simplified channel lacking in morphological diversity and subsequently habitat complexity while also disconnecting it from its floodplain at Dumbreck. Continually dredging of the channel and embankment construction resulted in greater levels of incision and floodplain disconnection. Further to this, two weirs located within the river at Kilsyth prevented access to over 1.5 km of quality upstream habitat to migrating fish (eel, trout, salmon, lamprey). By restoring around 600m of the burn to a more natural lowland meandering planform, with a wider and shallower channel displaying gravel bars and pool features, the river will be able to accommodate a greater variety of wildlife and provide more attractive fish habitat. The channel also now allows the Garrel Burn to naturally flood into the wetland zone to help recharge the marsh with water. Two weirs have had “pre-weir” fish ladders built below them to allow migrating fish to, once again, reach the upstream habitat available to them in Kilsyth. Public access has been substantially improved with new pathways and resurfacing of existing popular routes. Three new attractive footbridges also enhance the experience of the riverside for the public. The paths at Dumbreck contain a variety of options for public enjoyment including short circular walks, and connectivity with other networks including the John Muir Way. Further community and visitor engagement and improved interpretation of the sites industrial and natural heritage is an ongoing part of the strategy for the Council. The Dumbreck Marsh where enhancements have taken place covers an area of around 70 hectares. The length of Garrel Burn enhanced by the work is 1 km. Around 600 m of a new meandering channel has been created through Dumbreck Marsh. The whole length of the river (1km) has had INNS (Japanese knotweed and Himalayan Balsam) eradicated, with existing banks re-profiled and seeded. Fish (salmon, trout, eel and lamprey) have access to the improved river (1km), and also with new fish ladders built on the two weirs at the upstream end of the works, fish now have access to 1.5km of river habitat within Kilsyth.
| 1 April 2016 | re-meandering lowland shallow channel form pool/riffle sequences | Floodplain reconnection with Dumbreck Marsh LNR | Re-meandering | Community council access forum engagement plus education days with local school children via Clyde River Foundation rotary club | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits Urban | |||||||
| Dunruchan Farm Peatland Restoration Project | 56° 18' 21.83" N, 3° 57' 40.28" W | The Allan Water catchment has 3 Potentially Vulnerable Areas to flood risk as determined in the National Flood Risk Assessment 2009. The scoping study for this project used hydrological modelling that identified the Knaik subcatchment as contributing on average 23% of the flood peak which occurs in the most downstream PVA in the catchment. Hillsides with fast flow pathways due to hill grips is one reason the Knaik subcatchment has such an impact on the Allan Water flood peak. The project identified an area of the Knaik subcatchment where extensive hill grips were present and work was possible. By using measures such as peat dams and wooden sediment traps, fast water conveyance was attenuated and the blanket bog habitat was restored.
The Dunruchan Farm Peatland Restoration Project restored 48.2ha of extensively drained upland blanket bog at just under 300m altitude by using approximately 790 peat dams, 10.4km (10,365m) ditch and gully reprofiling, 6 wooden sediment traps, one 10m bund, 30m worth of in-ditch bunds and 7 plastic dams. Research opportunities to look into the impact of the project on downstream flood risk and wider ecosystem benefits are currently being investigated. The Knaik subcatchment covers 39km² while the restored area is 0.482km² (1.2%), and so the effect may only be local. If the project's impact is considered as part of a wider network of NFM measures in the Allan Water catchment, however, the cumulative impact may be more significant. | 2015 | Surface drainage systems improved | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Water quality | ||||||||||
| Dunston Beck Restoration | 53° 9' 11.91" N, 0° 23' 59.15" W | Dunston beck is a small pilot project that the Lincolnshire Rivers Trust (LRT) has recently completed on a short section of the Dunston Beck downstream of Dunston village. Dunston Beck has been historically straightened, deepened and widened for the purposes of land drainage and flood protection, these activities have removed many of the natural features. The work involved improving the river habitat by creating berms with brushwood, creating pools by installing log deflectors and managing trees.
In 2014, the Wild Trout Trust (WTT) carried out an advisory visit for Dunston Parish Council and a report was produced identifying a number of opportunities for Dunston Beck. Since the report was produced the LRT & the WTT have collaborated with local land owners, Dunston Parish Council and the Environment Agency (EA) to work together and deliver remedial habitat improvement works with the help of local volunteers. Since the initial habitat improvement works were carried out in 2014, local people have begun their own monitoring of the becks and a small fishing club has been established. The LRT has worked with Dunston primary school, providing equipment to enable pupils to sample and investigate the invertebrate life within Dunston Beck. The LRT, WTT and the EA attended the medieval festival, which was a fun engagement event to be a part of in Dunston Village. The success of this project has inspired the LRT to develop this project further and bid for funding to improve other sections of Dunston Beck and other limestone becks found in Lincolnshire. Further habitat improvement works are being carried out on Dunston Beck in 2016 & 2017 with the help of the Tesco’s Bags of Help Funding. This important work will help to improve the aesthetic value of the stream for local people and protect the wild trout populations that live here. | 16 November 2014 | 29 March 2017 | faggot berms Creation of wooden deflectors | Community involvement Engagement with schools | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits | ||||||||
| Durand Close | 51° 22' 45.02" N, 0° 9' 51.37" W | 1 January 2008 | Bank reprofiling | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | |||||||||||
| Dysart Park, Grantham Habitat Improvement | 52° 54' 10.45" N, 0° 37' 44.31" W | The Upper Witham is the ground water fed headwaters of the Witham supporting important species including Native Crayfish and Brown Trout. Historic changes to the river for milling and land drainage have however degraded habitat especially in urban areas such as Grantham.
The project aimed to restore habitat in an over widened, shaded section of river running alongside a public park in the town. This was done by hinging trees to form berms which helped to narrow the channel and provide lighter. As well as benefiting the habitat, this made the river more visible to near-by residents and park users. This work reduced the need for EA maintenance of the trees in this section of river. | 9 January 2020 | Day lighting and addition of woody material to form narrowing berms | Volunteer work parties using the local community. | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||
| Démantèlement de l’ouvrage du Pont Fourneau sur la Selle | 50° 6' 14.19" N, 3° 32' 39.25" E | Le système de vannage et les jambages de l’ouvrage
du Pont Fourneau ont été démantelés. Le radier du seuil, encore en bon état, a été conservé afin d’éviter toute érosion régressive et ce en raison de la présence d’infrastructures routières et d’habitations à proximité. En amont du seuil, des banquettes en géotextile et végétalisées ont été réalisées sur 100 mètres linéaires. Cet aménagement a pour but de rétrécir le lit mineur, de freiner les crues et d’assurer une lame d’eau suffisante en période d’étiage sévère pour la remontée piscicole. De même, un mini-seuil noyé a été édifié en aval et à proximité immédiate du seuil démantelé pour que les poissons puissent remonter correctement le cours d’eau au niveau du radier de l’ouvrage résiduel. Dans le but d’accroître la diversification des écoulements et le nombre d’habitats piscicoles, des recharges granulométriques et des caches piscicoles ont été réalisées en amont et en aval de l’ancien seuil du Pont Fourneau. | 1 September 2010 | 28 February 2011 | Barrier removal Creation of mini-treshold Installation of fish caches Installation of geotextile Planting | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||||
| Démantèlement de neuf ouvrages sur le cours de l’Aa | 50° 37' 36.94" N, 2° 6' 49.71" E | Les travaux ont consisté à démanteler les vantelleries
de huit ouvrages déjà ouverts répartis sur le cours de l’Aa. Les radiers de fond et les fi xations en berges ont volontairement été conservés afi n de freiner les vitesses d’écoulement et également d’éviter l’érosion régressive en maintenant un point dur. Un 9e ouvrage (Moulin Snick) n’a pas pu faire l’objet d’un effacement en raison du risque potentiel d’érosion régressive. Le seuil résiduel de 0,9 mètre étant infranchissable, les vannes de l’ouvrage ont été démantelées et une passe à poissons a été aménagée en 2008. Cet aménagement concilie les gains environnementaux et les aspects patrimoniaux du site, la roue à aubes de l’ouvrage ayant été conservée et demeurant opérationnelle. | 1 July 2009 | 30 September 2009 | Dismantling of the gates that block the water current Creation of fish pass | Bottom racks and banks were kept in order to prevent erosion One gate was kept in the river to prevent erosion | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits | ||||||||
| Dérivation et recréation du lit mineur du ruisseau de Bel Orient au droit de quatre plans d’eau à Gueltas | 48° 5' 41.48" N, 2° 47' 46.94" W | Les travaux sont réalisés selon les étapes suivantes:
• installation d’un ouvrage de répartition et de moines pour réserver le débit d’étiage vers le cours d’eau • création d’un lit de contournement des plans d’eau de 1 800 m côté ouest/nord-ouest (linéaire à créer d’environ 900 m auxquels s’ajoutent 900 m d’anciens fossés de drainage ou reliques de la construction des plans d’eau). Le tracé est établi à partir du profil en long, en créant des méandres utilisant les irrégularités de terrain et respectant les plus gros arbres. Le lit est surcreusé afin d’assurer un écoulement suffisant tout en sécurisant la berge rive gauche, avec des largeurs variant de 0,5 à 1,1 m. Il est ensuite étanchéifié en rive gauche, à l’aide des terres argileuses décaissées. Les fossés drainants sont comblés à l’aide de matériaux argileux. Enfin, le lit du cours d’eau est raccordé aux buses et aux ouvrages de répartition. Les berges sont également protégées contre l’érosion en amont et en aval de chaque ouvrage. Une recharge en granulats ponctuelle est effectuée pour établir des zones de reproduction de la truite • vidange des trois étangs aval réalisée sur trois années de 2009 à 2011 • réhabilitation du linéaire existant (fossé), au droit de deux étangs, aval et amont, par aménagement de risbermes minérales pour accentuer la sinuosité et par recharges granulométriques sur plusieurs tronçons pour stabiliser le lit et renforcer la rugosité sur certains • enfin, trois seuils devenus infranchissables, suite à une forte érosion régressive, sont supprimés et réaménagés. | 1 September 2009 | 31 December 2011 | Installation of a distribution structure and monks Creation of a bypass Filling of drainage ditches rehabilitation of ponds Three tresholds are removed or redevelopped Removal of ponds Bank protection | Meandering channel | The level of the water bodies is lowered during two months in summer and are completely drained every three to five years. | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture | |||||||
| EDF Weir removal | 51° 27' 40.50" N, 0° 11' 38.93" W | Notching of weir and /or attachment of brushes for eel migration. Tidal Creek of the wandle has a number of structures causing a barrier to fish passage and holding back water causing a decline in diversity. This will create an easy to do project and make the river more accessible. | 1 January 2010 | Weir removal | Fisheries | ||||||||||
| ERCIP - European River Corridor Improvement Plans | 51° 27' 16.35" N, 0° 1' 8.60" W | Economic aspects Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydropower Land use management - forestry Social benefits Spatial planning Water quality | |||||||||||||
| East Devon Diffuse Pollution Project | 50° 46' 35.60" N, 3° 19' 22.10" W | The East Devon Rural Diffuse Pollution Project was a one-year initiative aimed at reducing the diffuse pollution arising from rural land use, in particular the growing of maize, in the East Devon river catchments of Clyst, Axe and Otter.
The primary driver for the Catchment Based Approach is the need for the UK to meet its water quality obligations under the Water Framework Directive. This is an approach to avoid detrimental damage to our drinking and bathing water supplies, by stopping pollutants entering watercourses. This project supports farmers who are based upstream of key water supplies, providing them with advice to manage their farms and businesses with clean water, and avoid negative environmental impacts. The project aims to identify and address potential sources of pollution on farmland, in order to protect water quality and wildlife habitats. The project is helping farmers reduce the amount of pesticides and fertiliser they use on their fields, constructing riverside fences, better drainage to prevent run-off into adjacent streams, soil management strategies, and habitat enhancement. Initial visits by contractors to the farms in the catchment focused on analysing soil maps and discussing the farmers' plan for field management following harvest season. | 19 August 2015 | 1 August 2016 | Restored species-rich wet grasslands | Land use management - agriculture Water quality | |||||||||
| East Mascalls Fish Pass | 51° 0' 42.85" N, 0° 3' 18.17" W | This project has seen the pre-fabrication, in HDPE plastic, of a larinier style fish pass which has been installed at one of the thirteen highlighted priority sites for fish passage improvements on the River Ouse in Sussex. Having attempted a "traditional" in-channel construction of the pass in 2012 and 2013 a new approach was needed to overcome constraints on the temporary works detail, the time it would take to install and the general methodology. Using expertise from Sussex, Suffolk and Holland the pass was designed and delivered so it could be bolted together on site before being lifted into place and bolted down in a day. This approach eliminated the previous constraints and enabled a cost effective solution to be implemented with minimum disruption to the local angling club. | Creation of fish passes | Fisheries | |||||||||||
| East Tullos Burn Environment Improvements Project | 57° 8' 1.19" N, 2° 3' 54.32" W | Economic aspects Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Social benefits Water quality Urban | |||||||||||||
| Eastridge Estate restoration project | 51° 25' 59.06" N, 1° 32' 51.71" W | The River Kennet was the subject overviews by the Environment Agency and Natural England. These overviews revealed that the Kennet was in an unfavourable condition with respect to its SSSI designation. Problems included barriers to fish migration, of which there were 3 major and 1 minor. Barriers usually refer to weirs which completely block any way for fish and eels to get to their spawning grounds. Weirs can also prevent the conveyance of sediments throughout a reach. The water meadows surrounding the channel were also classified as being in 'poor' condition.
| 1 October 2013 | Creation of fish passes Introduction of gravel | lowering river bank | Channel narrowing Introducing large woody debris | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||
| Eau Blanche River (Walphy - LIFE project) | 50° 5' 21.42" N, 4° 32' 14.20" E | In the context of fulfilling the Water Framework Directive requirements, the LIFE+ project Walphy allowed experimental restoration projects to be undertaken on two medium-size catchments of the Meuse basin in Wallonia (Belgium) between 2009 and 2014: the Bocq catchment and the Eau Blanche Catchment. This five-year long project was funded by the European Union and the Service Public de Wallonie (SPW). It involved three institutions: the SPW was in charge of the experimental restoration projects while the Universities of Liège and Namur were responsible for evaluating the success of the restoration projects.
The Eau Blanche is a medium-size gravel-bed river. Its downstream reach (13 km) is characterized by a low gradient (1-2 ‰), a low energy (specific stream power at the bankfull stage: 20 W/m²) and a wide floodplain (around 600 m). Its channel have been straightened and embanked over the last few centuries (sinuosity index decreased from 1.6 to 1.1), which has led to significant loss of habitat. A multi-scale assessment of hydromorphological conditions of the Eau Blanche catchment has led to several restoration projects on a total length 6 km. They consist of measures of different ambitions such as reconnecting remnant meander, meandering river channel and habitat diversification. In addition, we undertook locally to improve fish shelters and spawning areas. | 1 January 2009 | 31 December 2014 | Creation of fish spawn nursing places | Habitat diversification | Creation of meanders Reconnection of cutoff meander | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring | |||||||
| Ecclesbourne Farm project | 52° 59' 34.39" N, 1° 30' 21.07" W | Environment Agency Officers have worked with local farmers to provide advice and deliver improvement works to address phosphate / sediment issues predominantly in the River Ecclesbourne catchment. The Ecclesbourne Restoration Catchment Partnership developed from one of the ten Defra WFD pilots in 2011. A number of schemes were identified to tackle diffuse pollution (phosphate) issues. Severn Trent Water is addressing phosphate input from sewage treatment works and this project addresses other ‘Reasons for failure’ from agriculture. | 1 April 2014 | 31 March 2015 | Installing riverside fencing pasture pumps trackway improvements | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Water quality | |||||||||
| Eddleston water | 55° 40' 53.00" N, 3° 12' 6.57" W | This is a summary of a partnership project led by Tweed Forum which aims to restore the Eddleston Water for the benefit of the local community and wildlife. A series of practical works are now taking place throughout the catchment as part of an overall plan to restore the river and valley, the effects of which are being closely monitored.
The Eddleston Water is a small tributary of the River Tweed, flowing 20 km north to south before reaching the main river in the town of Peebles. Over time, the course of the river has been extensively altered and long sections were straightened in the early 19th century. Other changes in land management, both in the river valley and on the surrounding hill slopes, have also altered how the land drains. Together, these changes have resulted in an increased risk of flooding to Eddleston and Peebles, as rainfall and flood waters travel ever more quickly and directly from the hill slopes and along the river channels towards these communities. At the same time, these changes have also damaged the river environment itself, leading to the loss of over a quarter of the river’s original length, and habitat loss for plants and animals, including salmon and trout, as well as rare and protected species such as otters and lampreys. Project aims: The three main aims are to: • investigate the possibility of reducing the risk of flooding to the communities of Eddleston and Peebles by restoring some of the original natural features of the catchment • improve the river habitat for wildlife and fisheries; • work with landowners and communities in the Eddleston valley to maximise the benefits they would gain from such work, while maintaining the profitability of local farms. Who is involved? The project is a partnership initiative led by the Tweed Forum, with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the Scottish Government and University of Dundee. Other key partners include British Geological Survey, Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Forestry Commission, National Farmers Union (Scotland) the Tweed Foundation, Forest carbon and the Woodland Trust. The Forum works closely with landowners and the local community so that everyone can contribute ideas and follow the project’s progress. Project results so far: A restoration strategy has been developed which will both restore natural habitats and help reduce the risk of flooding to Eddleston and Peebles. It focuses on three main areas of the catchment including the upper valley and hill slopes (which are the main sources of flood water running off in to the river); the valley bottom or floodplain; and the channels and habitats of the river itself. Working with land managers we have been able to introduce subtle changes to current land management practices in order to slow water flow off the hills in the first place, and reconnect the river with its floodplain. So far we have: - Fenced off and planted 35ha of woodland (over 50,000 trees) , largely on less productive farmland in the headwaters which help slow down overland flow. - Installed a series of ‘high-flow restrictors’, which act to temporarily hold back flood waters. - Restored the natural meandering form of the river at Cringletie and Lake Wood. This has increased river length, reduced the slope and speed of the water flow and provided more space for flood waters, as well as creating new habitats and improving the landscape. We have a number of similar schemes in the pipeline that will be rolled out in the next few years. Monitoring the effects of these measures is an important part of this project. A network of rain gauges, groundwater and river level gauges have been installed throughout the valley to collect data on how the changes affect river flows and flood frequencies. Other monitoring programmes will reveal what changes occur to the river’s habitats and wildlife. Detailed monitoring and modelling of the groundwater has also been undertaken at a site close to Eddleston village. Spreading the word about River Restoration and Natural Flood Management. The project will continue to work with local schools and other educational institutes by hosting field trips and study tours to show what can be achieved on the ground to reduce the effects of flooding. Full details of the project are available at http://www.tweedforum.org/projects/current-projects/Eddleston The project wishes to thank the farmers and landowners in the Eddleston Water catchment for their help and enthusiasm in taking this initiative forward. We would welcome your comments and ideas. Please contact: • Luke Comins – Tweed Forum, South Court, Drygrange Steading, Melrose, Roxburghshire, TD6 9DJ (Tel: 01896 849723) • Professor Chris Spray – UNESCO Centre for Water, Law, Policy and Science, University of Dundee, DD1 4HN (Tel; 01382 388362)
| 2009 | 1 May 2013 | Introducing large woody debris Embankment renaturalization | Connection to wider floodplain Floodplain creation | Meandering channel | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Monitoring Social benefits Water quality | |||||||
| Eden Crayfish Restoration Project | 54° 36' 24.80" N, 2° 36' 16.53" W | This project will improve the habitat and water quality of rivers within the Eden catchment in Cumbria. The River Eden is of international importance for its wildlife and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). It supports many significant species including white-clawed crayfish, salmon, trout, eel, bullhead, lamprey, otter, water vole, invertebrates of river shingle and water crowfoot. The Eden is the best remaining stronghold of the endangered white-clawed crayfish, which is threatened and declining across the UK and Western Europe.
The Eden catchment comprises 98 water bodies. Under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) classification 59% of these fail to achieve Good Ecological Status and none of them are in “high” condition. Problems within the Eden are due to agriculture, sewage, septic tanks, urbanisation, invasive species and poor quality habitats along and within rivers. The project will restore more natural features in and around rivers and reduce the impact of diffuse pollution arising from agriculture. It aims to protect and expand populations of white-clawed crayfish as well as those of other valued river species. This will be achieved by installing riverside fencing (20 km), planting riverside trees (6,000), producing 20 farm assessments in areas of crayfish populations, carrying out improvement work on 20 farms to reduce diffuse pollution and carrying out in-stream habitat improvements at 5 locations. Community Involvement - There will be a greater understanding and stewardship of the river environment amongst farmers and other land owners, volunteers and the general public. | 20 July 2012 | Planting Installing riverside fencing | Agricultural/Farming improvements Best practice for river habitat restoration | Economic aspects Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Monitoring Social benefits Water quality | |||||||||
| Eden crayfish eDNA project | 54° 49' 8.31" N, 2° 41' 27.32" W | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality | |||||||||||||
| Edgeware Brook, Honeypot Lane | 51° 36' 11.41" N, 0° 17' 43.01" W | Potential for deculverting on back of development. Concept stage. | Deculverting | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Eel Pass over tilting weir at Ravensbury Park | 51° 23' 52.10" N, 0° 11' 3.91" W | 1 January 2012 | Weir modification | Fisheries | |||||||||||
| Effacement du seuil de Carayon sur le Thoré | 43° 29' 24.37" N, 2° 22' 35.68" E | Le seuil de Carayon a été entièrement supprimé. Le canal
d’amenée de l’ancienne usine a été partiellement détruit dans le but de protéger la berge en rive droite. Le syndicat a procédé à l’achat de parcelles (5 500 m² environ) en rive droite pour le réhabiliter en champ d’expansion de crue. Les arches du pont situé en aval du seuil ont été dégagées et les berges retalutées afin de faciliter le passage des écoulements en cas de crue. Des enrochements ont été mis en place pour la protection des riverains contre les inondations en rive gauche en amont et en aval du seuil détruit (sur 130 m de linéaire). Par ailleurs, des mesures ont été mises en place pour limiter l’impact des travaux sur les communautés biologiques : réalisation d’une pêche électrique de sauvegarde ; travail à sec par la mise en place d’un batardeau pour détourner temporairement le débit du cours d’eau. | 1 July 2011 | 30 November 2011 | Removal of treshold Removal of supply canal to protect the banks Arches have been cleared Placement of stone walls dry work by setting up a cofferdam to temporarily deflect flow of the watercourse | Realization of an electric fishing of backup | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydropower Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Urban | ||||||||
| Effacement du seuil de Chelles Basse sur le Miodet | 45° 40' 32.03" N, 3° 28' 58.20" E | Avant de procéder à l’effacement du seuil,
l’équipe technique du CRE a réalisé un entretien de la ripisylve en coupant tous les arbres pouvant gêner l’accès au seuil ou menaçant de tomber suite à l’effacement de la retenue. Un chenal de dérivation a ensuite été mis en place afin de pouvoir travailler à sec. Une partie du sable abondamment présent dans la retenue a été régalée sur les berges. Enfin, le seuil de pierre a été totalement supprimé jusqu’au niveau de ses fondations, les blocs le constituant ont été en partie mis en dépôt sur les berges ou utilisés pour diversifier les écoulements dans le lit mineur du cours d’eau. | 1 June 2010 | 31 July 2010 | Abundant sand was being put on the banks Barrier removal Blocks were used to diversify the flow | Cutting trees that could be a potential danger Setting up of a diversion channel | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydropower Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture | ||||||||
| Effacement du seuil du Moulin d’Hatrize sur l’Orne | 49° 11' 37.04" N, 5° 54' 30.09" E | Le déversoir a été totalement supprimé laissant place à
un seuil de fond ennoyé qui a notamment pour objectif d’assurer une alimentation minimale dans l’ancien bief et prévenir d’éventuels risques d’incision. Ce dernier a fait l’objet d’un réaménagement complet dans le but d’une valorisation paysagère et sociale : aménagement d’un ouvrage de contrôle des débits, destruction d’une grande partie de la digue, resserrement du lit mineur et implantation de banquettes végétalisées. Les vestiges du moulin ont été conservés. Sur l’île centrale ainsi que sur le secteur amont du déversoir, les berges ont été retalutées et des plantations installées. Enfi n, sur le secteur de Labry (commune située 5 km en amont d’Hatrize), une action de restauration d’annexe hydraulique (ancien méandre) a été réalisée pour compenser la baisse du niveau d’eau et la perte de zones humides attenantes. | 1 March 2011 | 31 October 2011 | Removal of spillway Destruction of large part of the dike Implantation of vegetated banquettes Bank stabilisation Planting | Creation of meanders Development of a flow control structure tightening of the minor bed | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Social benefits | ||||||||
| Effacement du seuil du moulin du Bourg sur le Vicoin | 47° 59' 10.47" N, 0° 47' 0.73" W | Le seuil du moulin du Bourg – seuil à clapets en assez
mauvais état – mesure 1,4 m de hauteur et est infranchissable pour toute espèce piscicole. En mai 2011, les clapets de l’ouvrage ont été abaissés partiellement – hauteur de chute résiduelle de 70 cm – afin de prévoir les interventions à réaliser suite à l’abaissement de la ligne d’eau. La totalité de l’ouvrage a été effacée en juin 2011 (radier central, clapets et déversoir). Le bief du moulin a été curé et les côtes abaissées afin de conserver une hauteur d’eau minimale dans le bief. Une rampe en enrochements a été construite à la place de l’ancien radier de l’ouvrage. Celle-ci sert de répartiteur des débits entre la rivière et le bief. Ainsi, lorsque le débit est inférieur ou égal au débit réservé, l’intégralité des écoulements transite par le chenal principal. En rive gauche, les berges ont été retalutées et ensemencées avec différentes essences hydrophiles (aulnes, graminées) dans le but de les protéger et améliorer l’aspect visuel du site. Un mini-seuil constitué de gros blocs tassés a été mis en place en amont de l’ancien ouvrage, en guise de mesure complémentaire destinée à stabiliser les berges dans la courbe du lit, masquer légèrement les berges dénudées suite à l’abaissement de la ligne d’eau et noyer les piles du pont situé juste en amont. Des ajustements techniques, réalisés en automne 2012, ont été nécessaires afin de modifier la rampe, dont la pente avait été jugée trop importante et les tirants d’eau trop faibles pour assurer la continuité piscicole. D’un point de vue technique, la rampe est conçue pour être fonctionnelle et efficace au niveau de la continuité lors des périodes principales de migration des espèces piscicoles présentes (anguille, truite, brochet…). Elle recentre les écoulements en période de débits faibles et vise à réduire les vitesses d’écoulement en débit plus soutenu. | 1 June 2011 | 31 October 2012 | Removal of central slab valves and spillway Creation of ramp Placing of mini-treshold in order to stabilise banks Tree planting Planting of grass | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||||
| Effacement partiel de 14 seuils sur le Mutterbach et l’Hosterbach à Holving et Hoste | 49° 0' 55.32" N, 6° 58' 12.02" E | Des échancrures ont été réalisées sur 14 ouvrages
dont la hauteur de chute oscille entre 1 et 2 m. En outre, le maintien des ancrages et d’une partie des ouvrages permet de préserver une certaine capacité de retenue en amont lors de la montée des eaux (effet local et temporaire de rétention). Globalement, le parti pris a été de ne pas aménager le cours d’eau, même lorsqu’il présentait des élargissements après effacement, afin d’observer la dynamique de reconstitution de sa morphologie « naturelle ». Néanmoins, des banquettes enherbées et des plantations d’arbres et arbustes d’essences locales adaptées ont été mises en place au niveau de cinq ponts et de plusieurs seuils, dont les surlargeurs étaient les plus marquées et les plus visibles des riverains, afin de resserrer le lit mineur et diversifier les faciès d’écoulements. D’autres mesures complémentaires ont également été réalisées comme la pose d’abreuvoirs et la création de fosses pour abriter la faune piscicole. | 1 September 2009 | 30 November 2009 | Creation of notches Planting of grass Tree planting | Laying of drinking troughs and the creation of pits to house the fish fauna. | Maintenance of anchorages and other structures | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality | |||||||
| Effacement partiel de cinq seuils sur le ruisseau du Bagas | 43° 37' 9.69" N, 2° 5' 24.41" E | Les cinq seuils situés sur le Bagas, en amont immédiat
de la confluence avec l’Agout ont été partiellement effacés. Une brèche verticale d’une largeur d’environ 1 m et d’une hauteur équivalente à celle de l’ouvrage (de la crête au terrain naturel) a été réalisée sur chacun des seuils. Sur le seuil de Guillen (le plus haut et le plus en aval), un enrochement en aval de l’ouvrage a été construit afin de consolider la berge et de créer un chenal préférentiel d’écoulement permettant de guider les poissons. Enfin, la réalisation des travaux s’est déroulée à sec par la mise en dérivation provisoire du cours d’eau (batardeau, pompage et restitution des eaux en aval du chantier) afin de limiter leur impact sur le milieu | 1 October 2009 | 30 November 2009 | Partially deletion of barriers Building of armourstone downstream of the structure was built to consolidate the bank and create a channel preferential flow to guide the fish | The work was carried out dry by temporary diversion of the watercourse (cofferdam pumping and return of water downstream site) to limit their impact on the environment. | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture | ||||||||
| Effacement partiel du seuil Cros sur la Dunière | 45° 13' 4.30" N, 4° 20' 31.77" E | L’ouvrage a été arasé à la pelle mécanique sur une
hauteur de 1 m et sur toute sa longueur. Trois miniseuils noyés ont été mis en place sur 100 m en amont du seuil afi n de maintenir l’équilibre du profi l en long et éviter l’érosion régressive. C’est également pour cette raison que la solution d’effacement total de l’ouvrage n’a pas été retenue. Des mesures complémentaires ont été mises en place sur le site : des protections de berges en géotextile ont été installées pour éviter la perte de surface – par érosion des berges – des terrains attenants. Enfin, des mesures ont été prises dans le but de diminuer l’impact des travaux : réalisation d’une pêche de sauvegarde et travail à sec avec mise en place d’un batardeau pour dévier temporairement les écoulements. | 1 August 2009 | 31 December 2009 | Removal of a part of the dam up to 1 m Installation of three mini tresholdsto prevent erosion realization of a fishery backup and dry work with the installation of a cofferdam to temporarily deflect the flows Installation of geotextile Bank protection | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||||
| Effacement partiel du seuil de Vas sur le Céans | 44° 18' 50.61" N, 5° 41' 36.56" E | Le seuil a été partiellement détruit, une
échancrure a été réalisée au centre de l’ouvrage et sur toute sa hauteur. Les murs latéraux ont été conservés afi n de préserver les berges situées en amont immédiat d’une trop grande érosion. Les blocs du seuil en enrochements ont été déposés dans la fosse aval afi n de lutter contre l’érosion et caler un nouveau profi l en long. | 1 October 2007 | 31 October 2007 | Partially deletion of barriers Deposition of blocks to counter erosion and create a diverse profile | Preservation of side walls to prevent erosion | Economic aspects Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture | ||||||||
| Elgin Flood Alleviation Scheme | 57° 39' 10.35" N, 3° 19' 1.06" W | Elgin, one of Scotland’s oldest towns, has developed along the banks of the River Lossie for over 900 years. The River Lossie drains an area of approximately 270km² to the sea at Lossiemouth. Flooding in Elgin is not a new problem. Around twenty flood events have been recorded since 1750, with 11 floods in the last 50 years. Most recently Elgin flooded in 1997, 2000, 2002, 2009 and 2014. Until recently, during major flood events, key transport links that serve the north east of Scotland have been severed. In 1997 and 2002, the A96 trunk road was closed for more than 48 hours, whilst the Inverness to Aberdeen railway line suffered considerable damage and was closed for several weeks. Flooding has caused great disruption and distress to the community of Elgin. In 2002 over 200 households were evacuated and 10 people had to be airlifted to safety; while the number of flooded homes and businesses was substantially greater. The Elgin Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS) is the single largest to be promoted in Scotland to date. The scheme is designed to provide a current-day standard of defence of 1 in 200 years. The preferred scheme for Elgin was selected on 25 February 2004. A Flood Prevention Order was publicised in October 2007 and a planning application submitted in January 2008. Scottish Ministers confirmed the scheme in December 2010, with construction starting in April 2011. Construction is due to complete in 2015. The scheme protects around 750 residential properties and 250 businesses. The scheme includes: | 1 January 2005 | Bank improvement Channel reprofiling Creation of berms Depth variation | Lowering of floodplain Creation of wetland Removal of embankments | Creation of new channel | Community Education Community consultation | Economic aspects Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Social benefits Water quality Urban | |||||||
| Elimination of a pond along the Erve River and conservation of the historical heritage in Sainte-Suzanne-et-Chammes | 48° 5' 46.46" N, 0° 21' 26.44" W | The existence of numerous weirs in the Erve is the main disturbance in that they separate fish populations, modify aquatic habitats and impact sediment transport.
The reservoir in Sainte-Suzanne had become filled with up to two metres of mud and the stagnant water made the site less attractive for anglers and the public. In 2009, the Contract for the restoration and maintenance of the Erve proposed the elimination of the two gates and the resulting reservoir. However, the proposal did not make it to the actual project stage. In 2010, the towns of Sainte-Suzanne and Chammes (that became a single town in 2016) and the Coëvrons intermunicipal board decided to restore the Grand-Moulin by creating a leat in order to conserve the town’s historical heritage and use the site as a showcase and an educational facility. The project was accepted by the Departmental territorial agency on two conditions: • that the water-intake structures be passable by aquatic fauna and comply with regulations concerning the minimum biological flow; • that the two flap gates and the reservoir be eliminated as compensatory measures, particularly given the fact that the excessively high water level would have hindered operation of the Grand-Moulin (overrunning of the wheel). The project started in 2010 with the emptying of the reservoir, very progressively in order to limit the outflow of the fine sediment. The flap gate and the concrete spillway of the reservoir were then removed. Thanks to these two operations, the mud in the former reservoir stabilised and the river reformed its bed very naturally. In 2012, the second flap gate located upstream and an obsolete, wooden dam located next to the pumping station were removed. The two flap gates were replaced by two distribution structures, i.e. rock chutes with macro-roughness surfaces evenly distributed. These structures maintain the minimum discharge in the natural riverbed. In parallel, side leats were created to supply the flume of each mill via buried conduits. In the former reservoir, the river was left to its own devices in order to produce a natural riverbed in the sediment. In 2013, part of the mud was nonetheless spread on a slight slope at the outlet of the Grand-Moulin tailrace in order to improve the stability of the zone. The banks were planted. This project was a chance to reconcile ecological restoration and the conservation of the historical heritage (a “showcase” site). The local population has rediscovered the Erve River. A set of walking trails has been created and fly fishing is now practised in the lotic sections. The Grand-Moulin has been restored and now serves to welcome the public to an exhibition on the various uses of water as a driving force (grinding flour, paper production, hydroelectric generation). | 1 May 2010 | 31 August 2010 | Emptying reservoir Removal of flap gate Removal of spillway Dam removal Creation of side leats Implementation of distribution structures | Planting of banks | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits Water quality | ||||||||
| Elmbridge Meadows | 51° 23' 32.76" N, 0° 16' 23.42" W | Potential to slow the flow into the Hogsmill STW. This would improve recreational amenity, fisheries and biodiversity. It would also improve sustainable flood risk management. A section of the Hogsmill that is a straight channel through an area of amenity grassland. | Aesthetics Recreation | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Emergency works after breach on Lough Neas Drain (Cloghcor) | 54° 53' 4.54" N, 7° 24' 10.74" W | Flood risk concerns and the likelihood of misconnections increased following a sudden change in the course of a perched stream in Lough Neagh (Northern Ireland) due to a heavy rainfall episode. An emergency plan for stream restoration was quickly drawn up by the Rivers Agency in consultation with local fisheries staff.
During four days works aimed to rebuild the breached bank and to connect the channel with the main rivers. A combination of bed raising and lowering in order to connect the channel also addressed the extent of channel incision. Flows were diverted into a quarry lagoon to prevent further flooding and allow channel re-grading works. Further action required filling the breach and restoring the channel with establishment of rock groynes to reduce flow velocity, prevent further incision and increase fish habitat. Follow-up enhancement works included the removal of a downstream flap valve and associated pipes (where the stream entered the Burndennet River) as well as the addition of step pools to help fish ascend through the perched culvert. The River Restoration Centre would like to thank Gareth Geer from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for providing the information and pictures for this case study. | Bed raising rock groynes Channel reprofiling Creation of pools and riffles | Removal of a flap valve | Fisheries Flood risk management | ||||||||||
| Emmanuel’s Common Reconnection Project | 52° 43' 12.08" N, 0° 42' 57.57" E | The River Nar has been historically modified for human use, changing its channel size and shape, and in places the river’s course. These changes have negatively impacted on the wildlife of the river. The River Nar through Emmanuel’s Common has historically been used for water meadows to graze animals. The river has been deepened and straightened to enable drainage of the site and to increase water flow to power Newton Mill. By looking at historic maps and investigating on the ground you can see the old meandering channel through the woodland.
The project within the common has now been completed. We have delivered the restoration scheme as planned where we wanted to reconnect 600m of old channel constructing one new length of channel to make the meander sequence link up. The project aims to reconnect the old meandering channel, open up some of the channel by removing scrub to allow light in, improve flow regime, improve fish & invertebrate habitat, and improve aquatic and riparian plant habitat. Reinstating the old channel by creating a short linking channel upstream and reconnecting the meanders downstream. The lower channel accounted for 80% of the project time. The available route passed through a slightly raised part of the flood-plain and in the middle reaches it was a challenge to peel away enough ground to make the correct, naturally shallow cross-section. There was little fall to play with too and the main river to which the new channel returned has been dredged and so tuning the gradient proved very tricky. It was worth the effort though. When the flows finally broke through the new channel worked perfectly, with good velocity and no unintentional impoundments. | 2 June 2014 | 14 November 2014 | Reinstating old channel Remeandering | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||||
| Ems floodplain | 52° 22' 38.64" N, 7° 20' 11.26" E | 1 January 2004 | Removal of bank reinforcements | Develop riparian forest Protect/restore riparian zone | Channel widening Lengthening of channel | Wildlife improvement | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Social benefits | Fish: Abundance Fish: Species composition | Channel pattern/planform | Public use of trails | |||||
| Enfield Town Park Wetlands | 51° 39' 1.43" N, 0° 5' 14.16" W | Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Social benefits Urban | |||||||||||||
| Enhancement of the River Crouch following a pollution incident | 51° 37' 12.15" N, 0° 32' 4.89" E | The River Crouch at Wickford Memorial Park is a high priority waterbody that is currently
failing to achieve its Water Framework Directive (WFD) objectives for hydromorphology. In addition, the river is failing for a number of water quality elements including dissolved oxygen and phosphates. Following a pollution incident in 2009 and the subsequent court case, Anglian Water Services (AWS) volunteered to commit funding of £15,000 for a restoration project on the stretch of the Crouch immediately downstream of the Memorial Park Bridge. The principle aim of this project was to improve the ecology of the River Crouch at Wickford by employing targeted, low-cost river restoration techniques. More broadly, the project has helped fulfil the objectives of the WFD by focusing on those quality elements for which it is currently failing. The project involved the installation of several large woody-debris flow deflectors. Because of the high flood risk nature of the upstream town of Wickford, particular care was given to the stability of the features created. A belt and braces approach to the project ensured ecological gains without compromising the flood-risk function of the River Crouch. | 21 December 2012 | 10 October 2014 | Bank reprofiling | Woody-debris flow deflectors | Interpretation boards | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits | |||||||
| Enhancements in Hampstead Heath | 51° 33' 45.32" N, 0° 9' 38.93" W | River restoration, wetland creation and storm water attenuation. Reasons for enhancements: Amenity, PR, biological enhancements, storm water attenuation | 1 January 2008 | Creation of wetland | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||||
| Enler River enhancement project | 54° 35' 23.38" N, 5° 47' 23.51" W | The Enler River is a typical arterially drained channel with laminar flow, regular depth and silt deposition. Compensation money from a fish kill prosecution allowed fishery enhancement measures to be planned and implemented. These included deflector groynes to narrow the channel and creat a thalweg, addition of spawning gravels and plums, and the creation of deeper water via a small cross river groyne | 4 November 2013 | 25 April 2014 | Deflectors Creation of groynes Riffle creation Introduction of spawning gravels Fish habitat restoration | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | Fish | Channel pattern/planform Freshwater flow regime Width & depth variation | |||||||
| Ennerdale Mill Weir Removal | 54° 28' 31.05" N, 3° 31' 33.80" W | Ennerdale Mill Weir, located on the River Ehen in Egremont (Grid Ref NY 012099) dates back over 250 years and was constructed to power the Ennerdale Paper Mill. The Weir has not been used as it was intended for many years and has been proven to be a barrier to migratory species of fish in the Ehen catchment, as well as a crucial site for Freshwater Mussels.
A consortium of funders- WCRT, the Environment Agency, Natural England, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and James Fisher Nuclear- have combined resources to enable this weir removal project to take place over the summer of 2018. The project was delivered as part of the Cumbria River Restoration Strategy, a partnership between the EA, NE and WCRT. In June 2018, we mobilized to site to begin the delicate task of removing the weir, without causing ecological damage through the uncontrolled release of silt and sediment into the river system. A specialized contractor, Ebsford Environmental, were chosen to deliver the works, ensuring silt control measures were installed downstream of the weir. In addition, prior to the works, WCRT and Natural England conducted a translocation of freshwater mussels from within the work site, re-locating 48 mussels upstream of Egremont. The working methodology, developed by WCRT and AECOM, involved river bank re-profiling, berm lowering, re-grading of the existing riverbed & installation of toe protection (boulders that reinforce the river bank to provide protection against erosion), all conducted in a specific order to minimise sediment disturbance. Once the preparation was complete (approx. 4 weeks) we were ready to ‘notch’ the weir which lowered the water levels upstream, allowing the sediment & gravels that had built up over decades to be removed in the dry. Removing the weir structure itself took one week, and throughout that process Durham University were conducting heritage recording of the site so that we have a historic record of the structure of the weir. With the weir structure removed, the final tasks were to re-profile the riverbed and rapids upstream and downstream, and further strengthen the river banks with stone protection. Works completely finished on 31st July 2018, meaning the whole project was delivered in around 7 weeks. The Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency, supported by other partners, have been working with the Marine Management Organisation and Defra to develop a coordinated and funded programme of projects for 2018/19 with the aim of freeing migration routes of barriers to fish.This project is part of that programme funded by over £1.6 million of European Maritime and Fisheries Funds, which is matched by more than £1 million of Agency/Defra funding and £300,000 of other funds. | 4 January 2017 | 31 July 2019 | Weir removal | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Urban | |||||||||
| Essex Healthy Headwaters River Restoration Project | 52° 0' 6.19" N, 0° 34' 49.63" E | This project will aim to target catchment restoration by (i) initiating changes to agricultural land management including arable reversion to extensively managed permanent grassland and broadleaved woodland (ii) creating new wetland habitats through temporary flood storage & water retention areas on farmland (iii) enhancing and maintaining river channels (iv) upgrading channels and ditches (v) improvements to agricultural soil management (vi) awareness raising for communities (vi) monitoring to demonstrate positive change and (vii) reporting and disseminating best practice. | 1 July 2012 | 1 March 2015 | Bank reprofiling Diversification of in-channel features | Farm infrastructure interventions | Community involvement | Economic aspects Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Social benefits | |||||||
| Essex Wharf | 51° 33' 45.82" N, 0° 2' 45.69" W | Reedbed creation and riparian habitat improvements. Part of the redevelopment of the site, significant improvements to the ecology of the navigation and riparian habitat. | 1 January 2008 | Reedbed creation | Economic aspects Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||||
| European Fisheries Fund | 51° 46' 29.74" N, 2° 52' 33.33" W | Dwyrain Cymru Salar 2009
Axis 3, Article 38 of the EU fisheries fund in Wales includes the measure "The rehabilitation of inland waters, including spawning grounds and migration routes for migratory species", which is tailor made for the restoration of salmon, sea trout and eels in the Wye and Usk. Wales is divided into two economic zones: Convergence and non Convergence with the line roughly north south. Eastern counties such as Powys and Monmouthshire are in the non Convergence zone. Our successful bid of £523,000 in 2009 also included some funding for our neighbouring trust on the Severn. What is the project doing?
The fund will enable new fish passes and easements to be built as well as the removal of further barriers. At last we have some funding for the lower Usk where barriers on a number of tributaries have excluded salmon (and trout) for a number of years. These include the Gavenny, Ffrwd and Bethin. On the Wye we have replaced the temporary fish pass on the Sgithwen and upgraded one on the Clettwr. In 2011 will make the Trothy passable once again. Building on a series of fish access projects in Herefordshire, completed with the aid of the Leader+ and WFD projects, this fund will also restore fish passage throughout the upper Lugg. On the Severn we have surveyed the upper river including the tributaries Vyrnwy and Banwy. This project could allow the completion of all fish passage requirements in the Welsh sections of our catchments.
Another 13km of habitat restoration is planned though we are confident of comfortably exceeding this target. Sites completed already include the Cilieni on the upper Usk and the Tarell, just outside Brecon. On the Wye, sections of the Camddwr, Nantmel Dulas and Ithon have been coppiced and fenced with instream cover being added. Other sites will be prioritised according to how badly damaged their habitat is.
Sand liming of first and second order forest streams on the upper Wye and Severn will take place during the spring, continuing and extending the work done in pHish.
2009
• Fish pass constructed on Nant Menasgin – opening up 3.9km of salmon nursery habitat (Usk). • Obstructing debris dam removed from Nant Glas –opening up 5.8km of salmon nursery habitat (Wye). • Consenting of habitat works commences. Upper Severn survey commences.
• 0.6km of Nant Tarell through Brecon coppiced to improve productivity and salmon habitat (Usk). • Coppicing starts on Cilieni (Usk) and Cammddwr Ithon (Wye). • 184km of Severn tributaries surveyed for obstructions, habitat quality and issues.
• 4.1km of Cilieni, 2.8km of Cammddwr Ithon, 1km of Ithon and 0.9km of Nantmel Dulas (Wye) improved by selective felling and introduction of woody debris to increase in channel cover. • Severn survey has now extended to over 900km of river. We start uploading it onto GIS for analysis. Apr- Jun 2010 • Consents sought for extensive fish pass programme. • 30 streams in upper Wye and Irfon treated with sand lime to ameliorate problems with acid waters. • Uploading and analysis of Severn survey. • Stock excluded from 960m of Nantmel Dulas and alternative water supply provided.
• Permanent easement constructed on Afon Honddu – improving access to 23.5km of salmon nursery habitat (work carried out by EAW). • Fish pass constructed on Afon Cynrig (Usk) – opening up 2.45km. • Fish pass rebuilt on Nant Clettwr (Wye) – improving access to 6.5km. • Fish pass replacing temporary structure on Nant Sgithwen – opening up 1.2km. • 3 Easements completed on Afon Tarennig (Wye) – opening up 1.1km. • Easement constructed and another modified on Afon Crawnon (Usk) – opening up 7.0km. • Obstructing debris dam removed from Nant Cleisfer (Usk) – opening up 2.8km. • Obstructing debris dam removed from Gilwern brook (Wye) – opening up 1.5km. • Obstructing debris dams removed from Ochram brook (Usk) – opening up 0.8km. • Atkins instructed to construct feasibility study and design a fish pass for Mill Weir on the Gavenny for construction in 2011 (Usk). • Stock excluded from 4.46km of Nant Cilieni (Usk). • Stock excluded from 2.9km of Cammddwr Ithon. • Summer electro-fishing completed with encouraging results. | 1 September 2009 | 1 August 2012 | Habitat restoration Removal of fish barriers Cut back of trees | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||
| Evenlode Catchment Project | 51° 51' 42.97" N, 1° 36' 17.84" W | The River Evenlode, a headwater tributary in the Thames Basin (Map 1), is a flashy clay catchment with several small rural towns and villages prone to flooding. The Environment Agency is working with the Evenlode Catchment Partnership and local communities to develop and coordinate a 5-year project that integrates Water Framework Directive (WFD) objectives with a Natural Flood Management (NFM) demonstration scheme. The natural solutions to manage floodwaters often require land management changes to slow and store run-off, which can have multiple benefits for water quality and habitat creation, and drive improvements in agricultural land management.
In Year 1 of the project, a tributary catchment (16.3km2) trial in Littlestock Brook was set up with key landowners and the Parish Council. Opportunity mapping, site walkovers and modelling are being used to plan and implement a suite of NFM/WFD measures such as creating temporary water retention ponds in field corners, constructing bunds and scrapes to store more floodwater on grassland areas, installing woody material in-channel to create leaky dams, and land management changes including planting woodland in flood source areas and along flood pathways. A project officer employed by the Evenlode Catchment Partnership in 2017 will work with partners to implement NFM and WFD opportunities across the 180km2 Upper Evenlode catchment. A key objective is to ensure full integration with Thames Water’s phosphate reduction project and Natural England’s Catchment Sensitive Farming initiative if opportunity mapping directs the project to work in the same tributaries of the Evenlode. The results from this first NFM trial in the Thames Basin will contribute to the call nationally for evidence on the effectiveness of natural measures for flood risk in lowland catchments. Through an academic partnership a river level and turbidity monitoring network has been installed in Littlestock Brook. The plan is to engage the community to actively support this monitoring network. A key objective of this project is to determine whether multiple small-scale NFM interventions in these catchments can provide a material benefit to flood frequency and extent. For these natural solutions to be successful, it is crucial to empower the community in decision-making and for them to take ownership of the local solutions employed. Employing an NFM project officer to work with the Evenlode Catchment Partnership is fulfilling Defra's ambition to develop community driven, catchment-based solutions to environmental issues through the forum of catchment partnerships. | 2016 | Runoff pathway management | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Land use management - forestry Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||||
| Exmoor Mires Partnership | 51° 8' 26.76" N, 3° 44' 52.73" W | The shallow and maritime peatlands of Exmoor in south-west England (Map 1) have been heavily influenced by human activity over many centuries, with significant areas drained in the 19th and 20th centuries in an effort to improve agricultural productivity. Water is no longer stored as efficiently in the peat. During periods of high rainfall, more water runs off the land and flows downstream into already swollen rivers. In dry periods, river baseflows are poorly maintained. The peatlands have become dry and consequently are losing more carbon (via both fluvial and gaseous pathways) than they accumulate. The quality of water leaving the peat bogs is also deteriorating. The holistic, multiple benefits approach provided by the Exmoor Mires Partnership is helping the peatlands to recover to their more natural ecohydrological structure and function.
| 2010 | Moorland restoration Surface drainage systems improved | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Land use management - forestry Monitoring Social benefits Water quality Peat | ||||||||||
| Eycott Hill | 54° 39' 36.00" N, 2° 56' 8.16" W | Cumbria Wildlife Trust purchased the Eycott Hill Nature Reserve near Penrith (Photo 1 and Map 1) in April 2015. The reserve consists of important mire habitats, in amongst some less interesting areas of upland grassland. The aim of conservation management on the reserve is to create a more diverse mosaic of better quality upland habitats that will support a greater range of wildlife. This will result in a mixture of wetlands, mires, grasslands, woodlands, scrub and hay meadows along with a section of restored river. The grazing on the reserve has been changed from intensive sheep grazing to an extensive, all year round, low intensity system with hardy native breed cattle. After a relatively short time changes can already be seen in the vegetation, which has become much more complex in structure. Other conservation work has included extensive tree planting and the blocking of artificial drainage channels. In 2017, a section of canalised river will be restored. As well as the biodiversity benefits, the conservation management on the reserve should have wider environmental benefits including reducing flood risk and improving water and carbon storage. Conservation management work at Eycott Hill will produce a more varied, complex mosaic of habitats that will be richer in wildlife, while slowing down and reducing the flow of water into part of the Derwent catchment. This catchment has suffered severe flooding in recent years and has several communities at risk including Keswick and Cockermouth. | 2014 | Surface drainage systems improved | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||||
| Fairham Brook Restoration Project | 52° 52' 10.74" N, 1° 10' 9.04" W | To improve the ecology of the Fairham Brook working with local landowners. Remove branches from trees and bushes that have the potential to snag debris during flood events and clear a central channel in areas where reed and reed mace fill the brook bed. Install pre-planted coir rolls to create pinch points and speed up water flows, allowing the riverbed to be scoured, uncovering gravels which are used by breeding fish. Install a hard cattle drink to reduce the amount of soil leaching into the brook. Install a rock ramp to allow fish passage over a weir, which itself created a wildlife friendly pool.
Historic deepening and straightening of the brook’s channel has led to low ecological value through the straightened section. A new management regime is in place in addition to this project to implement habitat enhancements. Future plans aim to restore the fen habitat by installing a number of ditches and ponds to re-wet the reserve, this is being taken forward by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. | 2 April 2012 | 31 March 2015 | Diversification of in-channel features Creation of fish passes Cut back of trees | Tree management | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Water quality | ||||||||
| Fairlop Plain and Fairlop Water | 51° 36' 41.72" N, 0° 7' 31.25" E | Potential for deculverting of Loxford Water in park. Loxford Water is heavily urbanised, degraded and a in a concrete culvert for the most of its length. | Deculverting Removing of concrete structures | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Farm Irrigation Trials | 53° 38' 32.07" N, 2° 53' 17.32" W | ||||||||||||||
| Farming For Water | 52° 24' 17.42" N, 1° 30' 23.77" W | Farming for Water (F4W) is designed to help reduce diffuse water pollution from agricultural practices, however our work has multiple benefits for the wider environment.
Farming for Water is built up of the following schemes: • STEPS (Severn Trent Environmental Protection Scheme) • Farm to Tap • Pesticide Management - training, amnesty and machine calibration clinics • Specialised advice visits • Great Farm Challenge The programme commenced in 2015 and forms part of a 25 year programme of work. We have a team of 7 internal Agricultural Advisors and 12 partnership Agricultural Advisors delivering F4W, across 27 catchments. The Agricultural Advisors engage with farmers through one to one visits, workshops, demonstrations, training, and specialised visits. Our main schemes are STEPS and Farm to Tap. STEPS offers grants to farmers to undertake works which will help reduce diffuse pollution. There are a wide variety of grants and options available to choose from; which are designed to deliver reduced run off of pesticides, nutrients, and sediment to water courses. Many of the grant options require specialist visit and we are the first water company to partner with NE’s Farm Advice Framework contract. This allows us to offer tailored farm advice visits through an established framework of approved technical expert contractors. STEPS pays a fixed rate grant per item up to a maximum of £5000 per year. The grant price represents an estimated 50% of the total cost of a capital or land management items. The grants window is open annually from January to March. The Farm to Tap scheme is available to arable farmers within our priority catchments. The scheme has run in its current form from 2016. It is run annually from September to December each year during the high risk pesticide run-off period. Farm to Tap rewards farmers for producing cleaner run off from their land and improving water quality downstream of their farm. Initially trialled from 2012 – 2015, it is one of the first water company payments for ecosystem services (PES) schemes with farmers providing us with an ecological service. This is in contrast to paying farmers to adopt specific mitigation methods on an individual farm basis. The approach acknowledges that co-ordinated action is needed across the catchment to see improvements in water quality, and that by stimulating outcomes rather than actions, land owners and farmers may take greater ownership of water quality issues. | 1 April 2015 | Land use management - agriculture Water quality | |||||||||||
| Farming with water - Ullswater Catchment | 54° 34' 59.98" N, 2° 57' 49.17" W | ||||||||||||||
| Fazakerley Brook Wetland | 53° 27' 43.92" N, 2° 55' 50.19" W | ||||||||||||||
| Fender River Restoration Project - Bidston, Wirral | 53° 24' 43.97" N, 3° 5' 24.39" W | Restore 270 metres of the River Fender to a more natural condition to create and improve riparian habitats | 1 April 2018 | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Ferry Lane North drainage realignment | 51° 30' 52.76" N, 0° 11' 15.92" E | Realignment of existing ditch from western side to eastern side of Ferry Lane North in Rainham. Reasons for enhancements: Access and biodiversity. Improvement of habitat (now forms part of SSSI at Rainham) Reduction in pollution risk (have removed opportunity for pollution from neighbouring industrial uses) | Improved public access | Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | |||||||||||
| Fingringhoe Managed Realignment | 51° 50' 25.96" N, 0° 56' 57.92" E | The Fingringhoe Intertidal Habitat Creation Project has created 22ha of new, internationally important intertidal habitat on the Colne estuary in Essex (Map 1). The project was managed through a central partnership between the Environment Agency and Essex Wildlife Trust, with additional partners coming on board at different times. These included Natural England, neighbouring landowners and around a hundred volunteers. This project was conceived in 2011 and implemented in 2015 when a 300m breach in the seawall was constructed at Fingringhoe. This landscape-scale conservation project not only enhances biodiversity improvements onsite, but also supports internationally and nationally designated sites. Working in partnership has meant it was possible to create some of the most cost-effective intertidal habitat in the country. | 2015 | Salt marsh and mudflat restoration | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Social benefits Water quality | ||||||||||
| Firs Farm Wetlands | 51° 37' 41.59" N, 0° 5' 12.88" W | Deculverting Ponds and pools inside the wetland | Creation of wetland Creation of wet woodland Creation of pond Creation of side channel Deculverting Extensive planting Sustainable urban drainage ponds (SUDs) Floodplain creation | Community Education Community involvement Engagement with schools Public amenity and perception | Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Social benefits Water quality Urban | ||||||||||
| Fish and Flow at Arcadia - Phase 2 | 51° 26' 5.72" N, 0° 13' 28.25" E | ||||||||||||||
| Fish migration aid KW Melk | 48° 13' 38.91" N, 15° 18' 5.28" E | Habitat and biodiversity Hydropower Monitoring | |||||||||||||
| Fishery/habitat enhancement on the Grand Union Canal | 51° 37' 1.72" N, 0° 29' 46.88" W | Creation of a backwater of variable depth and gentle sloping margins. enhancements for fishery and wildlife. Silted up, heavily shaded. Unused part of a farm adjacent to the canal. Funding secured and commitment to deliver - August 2010 (LRAP update). Good replication potential. | 1 January 2010 | Creation of backwater | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Flood channel creation and reconnection between riverbed and its floodplain on Vezouze river | 48° 35' 39.25" N, 6° 29' 6.50" E | The Vezouze River has a pluvial regimen and its flow is rapidly affected by the rainfall. This cause a recurring flood, often violent on the urban area of Lunéville. Several factors upstream (natural flooding areas reduction) and downstream (bad drainage conditions) make the situation worse. Thus bank protection and riprap were put in place and the riverbed was regularly cleaned up. After the great flood in 2006, the Lunèville community undertook a global protection program in order to reduce flood risk, including expansion areas restoration.
The restoration works include increase in riverbed width, removal of a protection bank on the left side, creation of two flood channels (one meter wide on average, on six hectares) with connected wetlands and revegetation of the riverbanks and the new channels. The results are really satisfactory, regarding both the ecological and hydraulic aspects; the water level and flooded areas were clearly reduced on Lunéville. | Riverbank revegetation Removal of bank reinforcements | Floodplain reconnection Creation of a flood expansion area | Channel widening | Surface drainage systems improved | Flood risk management | Quantity & dynamics of flow | hydrography, topography and geology of site | ||||||
| Flood detention basin (HRB) Ickern-Mengede | 51° 34' 58.57" N, 7° 21' 27.28" E | Part of the integrated river basin management for the Emscher Region (865 km2, 2.700 inhabitants/ km2) is the revitalization of the river Emscher and its tributaries. Due to industrialization the waterbodies were systematically developed as open wastewater sewers in the beginning of the 20th century. Economic and technical alternatives such as closed sewer systems could not be implemented due to constant subsidence caused by coal mining.
Momentarily, the river system is being restructured in order to enable the Emscher to once again be a fully functioning, continuous water-based ecosystem with typical topology and vegetation. An ecological concept based on the assumption of a non-interrupted river as a connection from the source to the mouth has been developed. Studies on the feasibility of restructuring the Emscher show, that due to coal mining, industrial impacts and population changes the “original” conditions can never be reached again. It will not be possible to return the Emscher to its original, meandering state. Therefore, the reference conditions are no direct goals for the river restoration, but they give orientation in the planning procedure. One of the first hot spots that has been put into practice is the HRB Ickern-Mengede. The HRB comprises an area of 30 ha, where a typical lowland river with natural substrats, features and vegetation can be formed. A varied mosaic of biotopes, which are typical for floodplains (alder floodplain forest, sedge, typha and phragmites reed, floodgrass and potamogeton) is expected to develop. Most importantly, the basin can hold a volume of 1,1 km3 to protect the downstream riparian communities. After the ecological restoration of the Emscher basin, it won't be able to discharge floods as quickly, hence the upstream flood protection must be enhanced. Two million m3 of native soil had to be excavated. 450 000 m3 of this have been used to build a landscape monument between the basin and the close highway, thereby reducing noise pollution for the inhabitants of the basin and the close area. It has also been made accessible for the public as a lookout. The river Emscher will be integrated into the basin, hence even smaller floods will reach the floodplain that has been created. Parts of the basin will be flooded about 80 days a year. Since the bottom of the HRB is uneven, parts of it will constantly be a body of standing water, whereas some elevated parts will be islands even during high floods. This diversity of topologic forms will lead to a great diversity in habitats - and therefore species. As of now, the basin is still divided into three smaller parts by the dyked Emscher, because it needs to be separated from the wastewater which the Emscher is still carrying. Only during high floods diluted wastewater will run over the dykes to flood the basins. Once the wastewater is fully removed from the river, there will be a slight remodelling of the basins (removal of the dykes), thus creating the possibility for the river to mold its own body and have access to the floodplain. Public participation process during the planning phase, 2006 a public workshop was organised by the EG on the design aspects of the construction (e.g. bike trails). | 1 January 2005 | removal of bottom slab formwork Adding sinuosity | Increase water retention area Connection to wider floodplain Wetland habitat | Channel naturalisation Enabling dynamics Improvement of channel morphology Meandering channel | Community involvement | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | Fish Invertebrates Macrophytes | Channel pattern/planform Structure & condition of riparian/lake shore zones Width & depth variation | Nutrient concentrations Oxygen balance PH Salinity Temperature | ||||
| Flood management and ecological restoration in the Dijle valley | 51° 2' 15.77" N, 4° 28' 55.87" E | The purpose of the project was to restore the natural retention capacity and give to enhance the alluvial valley habitats. The river was put back to its natural course and sediments were build up on the banks, allowing erosion to occur. This is for the river to change its course and benefit from the improved habitat.
LIFE funding enabled Natuurpunt to acquire sufficient land and remove obstacles to flooding, such as poplars and maize crops, to demonstrate that creating a ‘natural’ river that overflows into floodplains can alleviate flooding further downstream. For the creation of the new floodplains, it was necessary to destroy weekend cottages. Restoration also involved carrying out hydrological engineering works, such as the removal of a culvert under the River Ijsse and filling of the Leigracht drainage ditch for restoring the natural retention capacity of the river. Poplar plantations were removed to restore the grassland habitats remove and sow former arable land with seed mixtures taken from the local hay meadows. Those farmers that resulted affected by the restoration of the floodplains and the changes in the water level management regime were compensated for no longer be able to cultivate poplar plantations. | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||||||
| Floodplain restoration in the River IJssel at Gelderland | 52° 19' 37.13" N, 6° 5' 26.47" E | The upper floodplains of the river IJssel (Natura 2000 network) constitute large areas of several threatened habitats and species. Intensification and over- fertilisation leading towards a monotonous landscape with low nature value and high euthophication are major issues for the ecology of the IJssel and its floodplains. In addition, populations of many plant and animal species are fragmented as a result of habitat loss for these species. This project located in the floodplains along the river IJssel were to enlarge the area of characteristic riverine habitats of the restored area, then to create biotopes for species associated with these habitats that are included in the Natura 2000 network. Other linked projects located further downstream will enhance habitat connectivity along the river after completion for the benefit of wildlife populations. | Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||||
| Floodplain restoration in the River Traisen | 48° 11' 21.14" N, 15° 42' 59.79" E | The River Traisen, one of the largest Danube tributaries in Lower Austria along the largest alluvial forest in Austria. However, the River Traisen is a heavily modified water body following the construction of the hydropower plant, Altenwörth, in 1976.
The regulated river is missing aquatic and terrestrial habitats that are usually found on flood plains. The connection between the river and the surrounding riparian forest is cut off. This situation leads to an unfavourable conservation status for the whole Natura 2000 site. High waters of the regulated Traisen rarely reach the surrounding habitats because of flood protection dams. This project aimed to restore the River Traisen into a meandering river that is connected with the nearby wetlands of the Natura-2000 area of the Tullnerfeld floodplains, increasing habitats diversity and accessibility for fish. Restoration actions involved: the (1) establishment of a meandering river to increase diversity of flow and habitats, the(2) creation of manifold structures in the water-land transition section of the river banks, the (3) creation of a floodplain along the new course of the river with frequently flooded sites, (4) to restore large-scale flooding zones and maintain the alluvial forest, connecting connect numerous floodplain, (5) construction of free passages in the river and cross-links on the floodplain area for fish and other water species. | Environmental flows and water resources Hydromorphology | ||||||||||||
| Force Crag Mine Remediation | 54° 35' 1.78" N, 3° 14' 17.44" W | Force Crag mine, worked for zinc, lead and barytes until 1991, was famously the last working mine in the Lake District. Mine water discharges and diffuse pollution from waste heaps mean it's a major source of cadmium, zinc and lead, depositing around 3 tonnes each year into the watercourse. The metals pollute the Coledale Beck and the Newlands Beck as far as Bassenthwaite Lake, and prevent these water bodies achieving good Chemical and Ecological status for the Water Framework Directive.
The site is now owned by the National Trust and run as a visitor attraction. It's within the Lake District High Fells SAC and two SSSI’s; Force Crag mine itself and Buttermere High Fells. It is also a Scheduled Monument. We've been working in partnership with the Coal Authority, the National Trust and Newcastle University to develop a remediation scheme for this site with funding from Defra. The ‘vertical flow pond’ designed by Newcastle University is the first of its kind in the UK and uses compost, limestone and woodchips to remove metals from the water without the need for added energy or chemicals. This passive system works by passing the mine water down through the compost mixture where microbial activity binds the metals as sulphides, before discharging through a small wetland and into the Coledale Beck. In September 2013, the Coal Authority began building the treatment scheme within the existing bunding of the former tailings lagoon. The National Trust and English Heritage supported the scheme as the next stage in the life cycle of this historic industrial site. On 31 March 2014, the valves were opened and mine water started filling up the ponds... The system has now been operating for a year, and has removed over half a tonne of zinc. Although we're only treating some of the mine water flow (6 l/s), it's already making a significant difference to the water quality in the Coledale Beck since the scheme is removing >95% of the zinc, and >90% of the cadmium and lead. This is not yet enough for the river to achieve good status but we hope Bassenthwaite Lake will no longer fail the EQS for metals. Over the next couple of years we will see if the treatment system can cope with more of the flow without harming performance, and investigate how to deal with diffuse sources of metals in the catchment. The benefits of cleaning up the Force Crag mine water are estimated to be up to £4.9m over 25 years, at a cost of~£1.5m. | Vertical flow pond which uses compost limestone and woodchips to remove metals from the water without the need for added energy or chemicals | Habitat and biodiversity Water quality | |||||||||||
| Fordmill weir | 51° 26' 13.43" N, 0° 1' 20.03" W | Habitat restoration for the entire length, along with removing or modifying the weir to improve passage. Large step in river bed forming a 400mm weir, a major impediment to elver migration. Long length of overwide concrete bank and bed. Still waiting to confirm funding | Bank reprofiling Removing of concrete structures Weir removal | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Forest Halt, Saltburn Valley Gardens | 54° 34' 44.58" N, 0° 58' 13.21" W | The initial scope of the project was to assess the overall structural and hydromorphological condition of the watercourse running through Saltburn Valley Gardens to identify areas on potential improvement.
Three areas were identified as requiring intervention within the gardens where the part of the watercourse was beginning to effect infrastructure, namely the miniature railway line and the public car park or deposition is severely reducing the capacity of the channel. Given the lack of infrastructure surrounding the remainder of the watercourse this will be left to its natural processes. The first of the areas is located at the downstream end of the watercourse, at the confluence of Skelton Beck, Millholme Beck and the sea. At this location rapid erosion is taking place of the right-hand bank due to frequent inundation and the diversion of flows caused by silt deposition upstream, the second area of interest. The third area of interest and focus of this entry, is an area at the upstream end of the gardens adjacent to the final platform of the Saltburn Miniature Railway. This rapid response watercourse was regularly inundating the miniature railway and washing away both river bank and the sub base the tracks are laid on. The erosion was taking place on the outside of a sharp bend in the watercourse and various methods had pervious been tried to halt the erosion. All of these has subsequently failed leaving an area of bare earth with embedded pieces of gabion basket and other failed erosion protection measures. A feasibility study was then undertaken considering the following options: Do nothing Use of local tree root balls to be imbedded in the bank with willow revetment Use of vegetated bags with large stone revetment Inclined gabion stone baskets. Sheet piles with coir matting, willow faggots and rock rolls A matrix scoring each option against environmental, economic and technical criteria was created and option 5 was selected offering erosion protection, flood protection and environmental benefits. Detailed design, specification, construction drawings, method statement and environmental risk assessment were produced to allow the flood risk activity permit to be granted and the contractor to undertake the work. The works were undertaken in line with the methods statement approved by the Environment Agency which included a number of silt curtains and use of biodiesel. | 11 October 2017 | 4 September 2018 | Economic aspects Flood risk management Social benefits | ||||||||||
| France Farm (Phase 1) A 9 | 51° 18' 7.22" N, 1° 48' 48.04" W | This reach is located at France Farm and is 907m in length. The reach includes France Farm hatch, which consist of 2 hatch boards (recently replaced), and causes a major barrier to fish migration and the impoundment extends upstream for around 1km. There is also a stocked fishing pond which is maintained by an offtake from the impounded upstream river.
The project involved lowering the level of an existing online pond which allowed for the full and permenant opening of all the hatches on the main river. The proposed works on the main river upstream of the structre will be delayed until observations of any geomorphological change on the river. | 1 September 2013 | 1 October 2013 | opening up of hatches to reconnect reaches of the river | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||||
| Free the Frome | 51° 28' 2.79" N, 2° 34' 18.82" W | Economic aspects Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Spatial planning Water quality Urban | |||||||||||||
| Freiston Managed Realignment Scheme | 52° 57' 25.44" N, 0° 5' 34.64" E | In 1983, HM Prison Service (HMP) claimed 66ha of intertidal habitat to gain land for arable production by building a new seaward defence. During the 1990s, the Environment Agency identified this 1,750m stretch of seawall owned by HMP as at high risk of failure, and following a cost benefit analysis decided to strengthen the old, landward, bank in order to form the flood defence. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) was very keen to take this opportunity to realign the defences and recreate intertidal habitats, and, following discussions with the Environment Agency, English Nature and HMP, acquired the land.
Prior to the realignment, in 2000, some 1,100m of the remnant landward sea wall were enforced, and a new 500m cross wall built. The material for these works was sourced on site (the borrow pit was later developed into a 15ha saline lagoon). Prior to breaching the sea wall, the vegetation on the 66ha site was cut, baled and removed, field drains were infilled (as far as fill material was available) and some 1,200m of artificial creek system were dug (two channels leading from each breach). Outside the site, some 50m of the external primary creek network were deepened. Finally, three 50m wide breaches were created in the outer sea wall (with channels initially 2m wide and 1m deep). The site is owned and managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Its Freiston Shore reserve incorporates the 66ha realignment site, a 15ha saline lagoon and 72ha of wet grassland. Furthermore, Freiston Shore already protects 683ha of saltmarsh and mudflats, which form part of the Wash Special Protection Area (SPA) (RSPB website, 2010). | Managed realignment (Three 50m wide breaches were created in the outer sea wall) | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Fresh Wharf | 51° 31' 58.61" N, 0° 4' 18.62" E | Creation of wet reedbed shelves as part of redevelopment. The Roding is sheet piled and urban in nature. | Reedbed creation | Economic aspects Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | |||||||||||
| Friary Park | 51° 36' 53.99" N, 0° 9' 25.15" W | Address pollution and these look to habitat improvement. Potential to raise biodiversity status of the park as a SINC. Upstream golf course recorded as a good site, so potential for the park too. PLI’s connections lead to polluted water. Possibly also excessive sledding. Could become a more a thorough check landscape feature with improved biological quality. | 1 January 2008 | Recreation | Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||||
| Friends of Afon Llwyd (FOAL) | 51° 42' 51.49" N, 3° 3' 17.17" W | In March 2010 the Foundation started a 21 month EAW Wild Fishing Wales funded project on the Afon Llwyd. In partnership with Torfaen County Borough Council, Cwmbran Angling Association and Pontypool Angling Club, the project was designed to improve salmon, sea trout and brown trout stocks in this lower Usk tributary that joins the main river just upstream of Newport.
Once one of the most polluted rivers in the UK, Afon Llwyd was "cleaned up" in the '80s and though it receives the occasional mine water discharge, it is now able to support salmonids. Recently, Environment Agency Wales completed a fish pass to allow fish to ascend the first weir upstream of the tide at Pontymoel. The project has involved litter removal, invasive weed eradication and other habitat improvements such as coppicing and erosion-preventing revetments. The EAW's Wild Fishing Wales program's objective is, as the name suggests, to increase fishing opportunities. Within FOAL, riverside paths have been made safe and assistance provided for partially disabled anglers. Some the Llwyd's fishing has also been included in the Foundation's Wye & Usk Passport. One of the first actions under the FOAL project was to lower a weir that blocks the path of migrating fish further upstream at Tynantddu, Pontypool. This was followed by work to the weir upstream at Cwmafon. In addition, we have increased the salmonid spawning habitat of the river, little of which existed upstream of Pontypool, by constructing 'V' weirs to trap gravel and create suitable areas.
2010
Meeting of partners. Consents applied for weir removal at Tynantddu.
First litter clearance. Upper catchment survey.
Weir removed at Tynantddu.
Weir at Cwmafon removed.
Japanese Knotweed spraying.
Revetment to repair erosion at Llanyrafon.
Coppicing trees below Cwmbran.
The coppicing for the winter period concluded, it was time to reflect on the successes of 2010 and set the stage for work in the second phase of the project during 2011. March: In partnership with the TCBC and EAW it was deemed necessary to mitigate for the loss of Torfaen’s only known Sand Martin nesting site at Llanyrafon. The site was lost when the eroded riverbank was restored to prevent further loss of playing fields. This was unknown territory for everyone concerned with the project and definitely a first for the area. Following advice and with plans from the Sand Martin Trust, the Foundation had two artificial nest boxes manufactured by a local fabricator. Just before the migratory birds were due to return to Torfaen, the boxes were set in place on the revetment site where the old natural nest site used to be. Within two weeks the Sand Martins had returned and immediately took up residence in them. In fact, there seemed to be more pairs in residence than in previous years at the old site. The nest boxes were a huge success for the project and proved that with care and planning, environmental risks can be mitigated when a project such as the riverbank revetment takes place. April: Volunteers sprayed Giant Hogweed at certain locations in Pontypool and Cwmbran. No further sightings reported. Sites surveyed with Cwmbran Anglers for best places to construct disabled fishing access ramps and platforms. May: Survey Afon Lwyd with EA staff to decide on sites for gravel traps. Local farm contractor constructed four log gravel traps in the Afon Lwyd below Cwmavon. June: Litter pick at Llanyrafon with KWT and volunteers. 1 skip full of rubbish removed. Disabled fishing access platform and ramp under construction. Site sought for erection of the WFW plaque. July: Afon Lwyd litter pick in the boating lake area. 30+ bags rubbish collected along with shopping trolleys etc. Disabled angling platform and ramp completed and checked. Mount for WFW slate plaque manufactured by local woodworker and woodcarver. WFW plaque fixed adjacent to the river at Northfields car park, Llanyrafon. Local volunteers involved in the ground preparation and fixing. Disabled angler signs erected near platform and access ramps. The WFW plaque unveiling at Northfields car park was very well attended by local dignitaries and project partners. August: Surveys undertaken with local authority staff to determine sites for forthcoming Japanese Knotweed spraying and coppicing season. Plans put in place to construct an artificial otter holt in the grounds of Pontypool Park. This project would be undertaken by local volunteers. Litter pick at Pontypool Park with KWT and volunteers. 2 skips filled, one with rubbish and the other with scrap metal. 12 volunteers gave up their day to help with this clean up. September: An artificial otter holt constructed from logs was constructed on the riverbank within Pontypool Park. 16 volunteers, including 8 local scouts, participated in this event. Japanese Knotweed spraying on both banks of the Afon Lwyd through Cwmbran Park with WUF staff and volunteers. Electrofishing Afon Lwyd with EA staff took place with varying results. It was encouraging to find salmon fry in the river upstream of where the Tynantddu weir was altered. October: The Japanese Knotweed spraying programme continued and showing excellent results. Coppicing of mostly alder and sycamore started at upper end of Cwmbran Park by a WUF habitat team 2 gravel traps constructed in the main river at Abersychan. November: Coppicing and spraying programmes completed early in the month. Gravel traps surveyed with EA for amount of clean gravels required to complete the project. | 1 March 2010 | Removal of invasive plants Gravel traps Bank improvement Cut back of trees | Litter picking | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring | |||||||||
| Friends of Bottesford Beck | 53° 32' 52.15" N, 0° 38' 58.89" W | The Bottesford Beck Linear Park Bridleway project is situated on the southern edge of Scunthorpe. The project was awarded £74,000 to create approximately 3.3 km of new bridleway running alongside Bottesford Beck and 1.5 km of new footpath circling the lake in the newly designated Ashbyville Local Nature Reserve. The project was delivered by a close partnership between North Lincolnshire Council and Friends of the Beck action group. Friends of the Beck are a strongly motivated volunteer group who work closely with the Council and Environment Agency to improve the environment around Bottesford Beck including cleaning out the riverbed, planting bulbs, clearing litter and developing flood protection through the building of rain gardens and ponds. Better public access to the Beck and its green space has been a long term goal of the Friends whose members have worked tirelessly to make the project happen. The new bridleway will form a link in the newly developed Ironstone Way long distance footpath and is a strategic addition to the Rights of Way network in Scunthorpe. Already it is becoming well used by walkers, riders and cyclists wishing to enjoy the tranquillity of this newly accessible green space on the edge of the town. This is a triumphant result for the hard work of the Friends of the Beck whose vision was to create Bottesford Beck Linear Park with the new Right of Way as its centrepiece. Visit the Friends of Bottesford Beck Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Bottesford-Beck-2014893835451680/ | 24 January 2017 | Riverbed restoration | Planting Creation of pond | Rain gardens Removal of rubbish | Creation of a path alongside the river Improved public access | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Water quality | |||||||
| Friern Barnet Former Sewage Works | 51° 36' 26.60" N, 0° 8' 18.57" W | Deculverting and naturalisation of ordinary water course and control of non native species. Site is planned to be developed, mitigation for this development with nature conservation improvements as well as potentially providing amenity and recreational land for local population and education opportunities. | 1 January 2008 | Deculverting | Aesthetics Community Education Recreation | Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | |||||||||
| Frog Island | 51° 30' 31.12" N, 0° 10' 32.25" E | This is an ambitious initiative to remove the tidal sluice structure & adapt flood defences to maintain protection. Length of project depends on planform design. The tidal sluice at the confluence with the Thames produces poor water quality and prohibits fish and eel migration | Removing of concrete structures | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | |||||||||||
| Garratt Park | 51° 26' 2.01" N, 0° 11' 29.87" W | Softening of river banks – possible removal of any toe boarding and replacement with softer edges (Garratt Park Allotments). Enhance banks for biodiversity | 1 January 2008 | Bank reprofiling Removing structures | Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||||
| Gastersche Diep | 53° 2' 26.11" N, 6° 38' 29.21" E | The flow velocity in the stream had become too high, causing bed incision and lower water levels. To stop this effect, almost 100 dead trees and stubs were introduced in the Gastersche Diep, in three 400-metre-long stretches. | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring | ||||||||||||
| Gategill Beck: Abandoned Metal Mines | 54° 37' 15.38" N, 3° 2' 44.44" W | The Threlkeld mines were worked for lead and zinc between 1661 and 1928. The mines have a long history of causing pollution and fish kills, and the owners were first prosecuted in 1890. The mines are a significant source of heavy metal pollution, particularly cadmium and zinc, in Gategill Beck and the River Glenderamackin, which fails to achieve 'Good' status for the North West River Basin Management Plan. The metal pollution also affects the River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The main source of metals is the Woodend Low Level but there is also diffuse pollution from waste spoil heaps. Please search for Threlkeld mines pollution to find out more. | 2010 | Deculverting Sealing the culvert | Dam lowering | Lowering of impoundment Pipe through dam for mine water to travel to future treatment scheme | Clean up pollution with Defra funding Passive treatment potential locations for a treatment system to be constructed research on how to capture mine water reviewed treatment technologies | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Water quality | |||||||
| Gaywood restoration project | 52° 45' 29.67" N, 0° 24' 49.28" E | Increase fish and plant diversity and encourage and promote social benefits of river ecosystems | 1 April 2018 | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Giving up the Weed | 52° 2' 43.01" N, 3° 12' 4.46" W | In November 2007, the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation granted funds to the Wye & Usk Foundation for an invasive weeds eradication project in the Wye and Usk catchments. The three year project was supported by the Environment Agency Wales, Countryside Council for Wales, Natural England and Keep Wales Tidy.
Our catchments are under a very considerable threat from at least three species of invading weed. Rivers and streams are the ideal vector for carrying seeds and plants downstream. They can, however invade upstream via a number of vectors. Our concern is for the loss of biodiversity and, since these plants smother the native species that armour the river banks, the increased erosion that will occur.
• Perennial – grows 5 -7m. • Member of parsley family. • Arrived in UK 1893 from Caucasus. • Sap causes serious rashes when skin exposed to sunlight. Can cause blindness. • Can be controlled by spraying, grazing, cutting or digging- up. • Spraying with Glyphosphate (Round Up) is a successful treatment. • Spread by rivers and seeds last 3 or more years.
• Arrived in UK (South Wales) late 19th century. • 2 – 3m height but spreads 7m horizontally. • Perennial Rhizome. • Edible (the early shoots!). • Female only in UK but can Hybridise with Himalayan Knotweed. • Can be spread via small cut pieces. • Estimated to cost £1.56 billion to eradicate in UK (2007). • Significant issue for developers (eg Olympic grounds). • Can be sprayed with round up but can prove resistant. • Can hybridise with Himalayan Knotweed which has male flowers.
• Arrived UK in 1839. • Annual - grows 2m typically on river banks. • Suffocates native plants if unchecked. • Approx 800 seeds can last 2 years. • Can be treated by spraying, pulling or cutting. • Causes increased erosion to river banks.
The grant was used to pay for: • Plotting of all Invasive weeds on a database as currently known and received from reports (years 1-3). • Training five staff in the techniques of spraying (year 1). • Eradicating Giant Hogweed in the Wye (Glasbury downstream for over 80km in the spring (Years 1-3). • Eradicating all Himalayan Knotweed in both catchments (year 1). • Eradicating all Japanese Knotweed starting from extremities of the Usk and Wye (years 1-3). • Developing volunteer networks to manage Himalayan balsam. • Investigating the legal position in respect of liability for spread. • Study the effects of fencing out buffer strips and the effect on invasive weeds.
The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation grant of £94,000 over three years was added to contributions from WUF, Environment Agency Wales, Countryside Council for Wales and Natural England to give a total budget of just under £150,000.
The project enabled the development of a logistical system to manage the massive problem of Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed in the Usk and Wye. In the first three years, over 125km of double bank was sprayed for Giant Hogweed (4,000+ plants), with 337 stands of Japanese knotweed, 3 stands of Himalayan knotweed and 1 stand of Lesser knotweed also sprayed. The project also extended to mink and Signal crayfish trapping in areas of Wales where water voles may still be present and WUF also publicised the spread of other invasives such as the Killer Shrimp (Dikerogammerus villosus), which have been found in Cardiff Bay and a lake near Port Talbot.
Since 2011, the invasive species eradication programme has continued with funding from Natural Resources Wales, Natural England, Beacons Trust and riparian owners. Enemy number one - Giant hogweed - has almost been seen off although seeds can remain in the soil for more than eight years. Vigilance is therefore required to ensure any emerging seeds are dealt with before developing into seeding adult plants. Japanese knotweed is reducing following our regular autumn spraying and we have found that spraying when the plant is in flower gives a much greater chance of eliminating it. Checking for regrowth is an important part of it – we rely on anglers, walkers and owners to keep us informed of any new stands. Thus far we have treated 3,336 stands of Giant hogweed covering over 455km river, 488 stands of Japanese knotweed, 4 of Himalayan knotweed and 4 of Lesser knotweed.
Once it seemed that Himalayan balsam (HB) would continue its spread unhindered. Not only was it extremely successful in spreading downstream (and even upstream) but it is spreading inland from rivers too. However, the warm, dry spring of 2012 caused seeds to sprout early and young plants were first hit with a sharp April frost, killing any early germination. Then successive floods throughout the year put paid to later plants within the flood zone. Plants further away from the river did well but not everywhere: the Monnow Rivers Association, assisted with funding from this project, have sprayed all HB plants in their catchment and all they have to do now is mop up any missed stragglers. Eradication can therefore be achieved with determination but for owners of the many hundreds of miles downstream of an infestation, managing the HB on their bank needs to be considered differently: spraying a section can lead to seeds finding it even easier to germinate on bare soil. Following trials over several years, these are our recommendations for managing HB in these circumstances: • Cut or pull plants in June/July and leave them where they fall. • Follow up in early September - there’s always one or two plants that survive or recover. • Using a hedge trimmer makes this less of a chore. It also deals with brambles, grasses, nettles and small trees. • Following cutting, native plants recolonise unsprayed areas much more quickly. • The majority of next year’s infestation comes from the seed of plants growing in the immediate vicinity.
| 1 October 2007 | Removal of invasive species | Community Education | Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring | |||||||||
| Glaisdale Beck Restoration Project | 54° 25' 21.47" N, 0° 50' 11.36" W | Glaisdale Beck faces many pressures, predominantly fine sedimentation, nutrient and organic matter enrichment. Before the Glaisdale Beck Restoration Project works were delivered, the waterbody status was downgraded to moderate status, as it is failing for phosphate (2015 Cycle 2). This project was an essential step in working towards achieving good ecological status by 2021.
The main objectives for the 2015/16 Glaisdale Beck Restoration Project were: 1. Engage with key farms: between 7-10 farms 2. One-to-one farm advice (Water Friendly Farming): at 7-10 farms 3. Erect riverside fencing and create buffer strips: ~2km of riparian fencing and associated buffer strips 4. Install infrastructure improvements: such as watering points and tracks 5. Tree planting: 200+ trees 6. Large woody debris (materials for multiple sites): at 2+ sites 7. Coppicing (two man days with tractor): at 2 sites 8. Small-scale bank stabilisation (materials for multiple sites): at 2+ sites Improvement works were aimed at reducing the source of fine sediment, nutrients and bacterial loading primarily by addressing stretches of Glaisdale Beck (and associated ditch networks) where degraded habitat and large areas of poached bank sides were evident. Improvement works that were delivered included: erecting livestock fencing to prevent access to Glaisdale Beck (and associated ditches), creating buffer strips to filter surface runoff by promoting natural re-vegetation and reducing bank erosion, providing alternative livestock watering points, addressing poached crossing points and planting trees to help create a riparian woodland corridor. The Catchment Partnership Officer's role was to work closely with local land managers, draw up capital work agreements and deliver works. This project is also a great example of working closely with the local Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) Officer to ensure the Glaisdale Beck Restoration Project worked alongside the new Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Glaisdale Beck Restoration Project was delivered by the Esk and Coastal Streams Catchment Partnership, a partnership between the Yorkshire Esk Rivers Trust and North York Moors National Park Authority. The project was funded thanks to the Catchment Partnership Action Fund and is a great example of partnership working with the Environment Agency. The project has delivered improvement works to reduce the impact of diffuse pollution that arises from rural land use and working towards preventing further deterioration of this waterbody - a vital step in working towards achieving good ecological status. The Esk and Coastal Stream Catchment Partnership engaged with nine key land managers in the dale, providing one-to-one Water Friendly Farming advice. 2927m of riparian fencing has been installed along Glaisdale Beck, key tributaries and associated ditched networks to reduce sediment and phosphate pathways. Over 1.5ha of buffer strips have been created to promote natural regeneration of trees and allow vegetation such as Greater woodrush to establish in these un-grazed strips. Two cattle pasture pumps and six livestock draining bays have been installed, and 65 trees have been planted in the new buffer strips to increase the tree age structure in the dale. 20m of bank stabilisation work has also been undertaken. Additional benefits as a result of this project include - 1. The Esk is a Drinking Water Protected Area, works delivered will improve raw water quality which will help reduce water treatment costs, 2) Overall biodiversity will improve - robust and connected habitats supporting a diverse range of species will provide more resilience to other pressures such as global climate change, 3) Fish populations will benefit from the improved spawning habitat, with a knock on benefit to the endangered freshwater pearl mussel, 4) Reducing bacterial loading from livestock will benefit the bathing water quality downstream, 5) Recreation and associated economic costs will benefit; wildlife watching, angling, freshwater activities such as boating, bathing water/coastal recreation, 6) Improving farm infrastructure will have knock on benefits for farm productivity/and farm business gains, 7) Water Friendly Farming leaflet circulation and one-to-one farm advice will improve local rural education on best practice, 8) Engaging with key farmers and building up good relationships, along with the opportunity to complete detailed surveys of the catchment enabled the Partnership to built up a picture of further priority works which need to be delivered to work towards achieving good ecological status by 2021, 9) Lessons learnt from this project will benefit the wider Esk and Coastal Streams catchment and help shape future restoration projects/habitat improvement works. | 31 May 2016 | Cattle drinkers | Fencing Livestock fencing Buffer strips Tree planting Restoring riparian vegetation | Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Monitoring Water quality | |||||||||
| Glaisdale Beck diversion scheme | 54° 25' 31.81" N, 0° 49' 31.28" W | The Esk is a river of both ecological and economic importance at a national scale. It is the principle river in Yorkshire for Atlantic salmon and sea trout and is one of only two rivers on the east coast of England to have known populations of the freshwater pearl mussel, one of the most critically endangered bi-valves in the world. However, siltation and excessive suspended sediment concentrations (SSCs) have been attributed to causing their
decline. This has led to local conservation and restoration efforts being driven by the National Park over the last 20 years.Previous research has highlighted the Glaisdale subcatchment as a key contributor to fine sediment fluxes in the Esk catchment. Through local surveys, a critical source area of fine sediment supply to the beck was identified. This was a section of exposed, near-vertical, ∼ 3 m high channel banks ∼ 100 m in length consisting of unconsolidated sediments and overlain by shallow surface vegetation, which is regularly accessed by livestock. The availability of accessible material is also exacerbated by progressive movement of a large hillslope failure complex which supplies large quantities of easily eroded sediment directly to the river channel. Such failures are well documented in the North York Moors. It was deemed that this combination of factors limited the potential for success of traditional channel margin stabilization approaches. Following consultation and the presentation of available options, the competent agencies decided the most appropriate course of action was to divert the existing channel away from the toe of the large hillslope landslide, and re-establish the stream course further to the north. The impact of this management was considered from a biotic and geomorphic viewpoint through the collection of data between 2007 and 2014. Works included: Diversion of the existing channel away from the toe of the large hillslope landslide. | 21 September 2007 | 1 October 2014 | River channel diversion | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Monitoring Water quality | Channel pattern/planform Continuity of sediment transport | ||||||||
| Glenbrook Wetlands | 51° 38' 51.89" N, 0° 7' 3.60" W | Thames21 has been working with Enfield Council, The Environment Agency and Thames Water to improve the health of the Salmons Brook and its tributaries. Enfield has a separate sewage system, meaning that surface water eg. rain running off roads and wastewater are carried in two separate pipes. As a result, pollutants enter the Salmons Brook in a number of different ways. Misconnected plumbing contributes nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates and coliform bacteria, road run-off inputs oils and heavy metals such as zinc and copper, and household and industrial waste is dumped into surface water drains.
With great support from local people we’ve created Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), or ’rainscapes’ to intercept the pollution. As well as filtering pollutants out of water, the SuDS also help reduce local flood risk by slowing the flow, create wildlife habitats and provide new amenities for local people. The Glenbrook is a tributary of the Salmons Brook. It flows through underground pipes for much of its length. Hidden away it is damaged, and when it first emerges above ground it is already very badly polluted. Six linked wetlands have been created here to filter pollutants from the stream. The flow is directed through each wetland, being successively cleaned as it is slowed through the basins. Plants use nutrients such as phosphate and nitrate to grow, removing them from the water and stopping them polluting the stream. Bacteria in the soil and root systems break down oils and heavy metals. Once established the planted wetlands not only clean the water, they also add a new dimension to the habitat mosaic for wildlife, and give interest and colour for those passing by. The Glenbrook wetlands were complete in September 2014 after three months of construction. Local volunteers helped to plant the wetlands in September 2014 and again in March 2015. The system is designed so that in low flow conditions a series of weirs direct all baseflow into the wetlands, whilst in high flow conditions a large proportion of the flow continues downstream and only the first flush is treated. The headwater of the Glenbrook which feeds this system drains an urban catchment of 42 ha. In addition, 15 gullies have been redirected from the roads that surround the site into the wetland treatment system through a series of swales. Works include:
| 1 September 2012 | Bed raising | Tree management Creation of swales and wetland basin | n/a | n/a | Opening of tree canopy to encourage varied ground flora | Community Education Community consultation Community involvement Improved public access Interpretation boards | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Social benefits Water quality Urban | |||||
| Goldrill Beck River Restoration | 54° 30' 55.86" N, 2° 55' 19.69" W | Goldrill Beck runs from Brothers Water to Ullswater, in the Lake District, and is part of the River Eden and Tributaries SSSI. The beck was historically straightened, before the date of the earliest maps of the area, and subsequent years have seen further modifications including the addition of increasingly substantial revetments and large embankments. The channel was devoid of any features, and until recently, there was also a regular cycle of gravel removal. Stripped of its natural processes, the resulting channel was an exceptionally effective conveyor of water and sediment, moving large quantities of each rapidly downstream.
Construction took place in summer 2021, taking 12 weeks to complete. The river has now increased in length from 889m to 2,500m, and is fully connected to its floodplain. Across the site natural processes have been allowed to proceed without interruption. The change since the project was completed has been dramatic, and the dominance of natural processes in evident. One of the bifurcated channels has blocked and unblocked several times, and large gravel bars have formed. Eroding riverbanks are creating valuable river-cliff habitat, and large woody debris has arrived, lodging in the channel. The wet woodland is rapidly changing, forming new channels with fallen trees and vegetation pushing the water in different directions. Floodplain habitat is significantly wetter, with ephemeral and permanent ponds and an increasing variety of plant species. Over the course of two winters, 2,170m3 of sediment has been stored across the site; this material would once have been conveyed rapidly downstream and added to the flood risk for local communities. Data analysis of the flood attenuation performance of the scheme is ongoing, with data collected from two years pre- restoration and two years post-restoration. Initial results from a single storm event show a delay between up and downstream flood peaks of over an hour, although it’s expected that aggregated data from all the events across the monitoring period will show a more modest delay on average.
| 2018 | embankment removal | floodplain reconnection | ditch restoration drain blocking re-meandering | wet woodland restoration through channel blocking | NE & LDNPA as well as the tenant farmer; community engagement including with the local school; site visits hosted to share project success and lessons partnership working with organisations including the EA | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Social benefits Water quality | ||||||
| Goodmayes Park, Mayes Brook | 51° 33' 17.16" N, 0° 6' 32.02" E | Day lighting the channel as the brook is in culvert for the entire length of the park. Re-naturalisation and Water Quality improvement works. Biodiversity, access to nature is a great attraction. North to south walking route. Possible flood storage area RRC have been asked to conduct a scoping report (Dec 2010) and are set to go out on site in Jan 2010. | Deculverting | Improved public access | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Goresbrook Park | 51° 32' 19.92" N, 0° 8' 33.97" E | Deculverting through Parloes Park and naturalisation. Bank improvements and creation of features, creation of associated wetland areas in Goresbrook Park. Flooding of Parsloes occurs during intense rainfall events, the manholes blow their lids. Flood risk could be massively improved. The Gores brook is culverted through Parloes, so this would perhaps have priority. | 1 January 2008 | Bank reprofiling Deculverting | Creation of wetland | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | |||||||||
| Goresbrook and Ship and Shovel Sewer | 51° 32' 0.62" N, 0° 8' 27.85" E | High density housing development 350 acres with measures to conserve and enhance biodiversity in green spaces – 40% of site – including along watercourse corridors. Barking riverside redevelopment. | 1 August 2008 | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | |||||||||||
| Goshen Weir removal project, River Roch, Bury | 53° 34' 40.58" N, 2° 17' 12.55" W | Goshan weir on the River Roch in Bury was severely constraining the river corridor and restricting fish passage upstream. The weir removal was the largest attempted at the time, approx 1 km downstream of Gigg lane weir that had previously collapsed.
The weir was carefully removed by Environment Agency operations delivery operatives. Some consultancy pre-app work was undertaken by APEM that included the removal strategy to take out middle 60% and leave in the bankside lengths of the weir. This was to try and centralise the flow and take pressure of the river banks, especially the outer right hand bank. This is one of the larger weirs that has been removed as part of the Irwell WFD ‘Good ecological potential’ project. | Weir removal/modification for easement of fish passage | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||||||
| Gottar Water weir fish barrier easement | 55° 52' 2.90" N, 4° 36' 46.42" W | The aim of the project in the long term is to ensure fish can pass Gottar Water Weir to access the habitats upstream. Potential options to achieve this may include, but are not exclusive to, installation of a fish pass, partial removal of the structure or full removal. The objectives of this specific contract are:
- to provide baseline information to a level suitable to inform options appraisal design of measures, - to list and appraise measures for easing fish passage - after discussion with the client, to produce a design for one selected measure suitable for a design and build contract. | 1 March 2015 | Feasibility and Optioneering study nearing completion. Preferred option yet to be identified. | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Grantham Blue Green - Urban Reach | 52° 54' 49.38" N, 0° 38' 17.41" W | This project was undertaken to improve river habitat in a section of the Upper Witham through Urban Grantham. It followed on from an urban opportunities study and similar work at Dysart Park (Rivers Trust) and Wyndham Park Phase 1 (EA). There is a near continuous, accessible, river corridor along the river through the town which takes in 2 large, popular parks. The river here has been heavily modified which has had a significant impact on the habitat and its appearance.
The works aimed to improve the habitat, look of the river and to try and reinstate some natural river processes within the constraints of an urban environment e.g flood risk. River works were complemented by the planting of wildflower meadows and urban wetlands along the river corridor. The river work involved daylighting, tree hinging, berm creation and the addition of gravel to the channel at 4 sperate project sites. Local volunteers, including the River Care group in particular assisted contractors in undertaking the works. | 7 January 2021 | Tree Hinging adding gravel berm creation daylighting. | Urban wetlands and wildflower meadows | Big engagement programme with local community. | Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||
| Great Ryburgh End Restoration Scheme | 52° 48' 16.25" N, 0° 54' 45.19" E | The restored reach at Great Ryburgh extends between Great Ryburgh Mill and Sennowe Bridge. A significant length of meandering river channel was completely bypassed by a straightened channel sometime in the mid nineteenth century. The engineered channel was over deep, isolated from the floodplain and lacked both flow and habitat diversity. A feasibility study indicated that the reconnection of 1100m of the original course would significantly improve the ecology and natural functioning of the SSSI and SAC.
A key part of the restoration was to reinstate the original course by plugging the straightened channel and creating a new link to the original course at the upstream end. The height of the plug was set so that it can be overtopped during high flows and functions as an overflow channel. The new link channel was designed to restore some of the geomorphological function lost when the channel was straightened. The downstream end of the straightened channel has been left open to create an ecologically valuable backwater. Although disconnected, the line of the original channel remained and mature alder and willow were evident in places along the margins. The old channel was excavated to match natural geomorphological features as much as possible. Where riverbed gravels were found they were left intact, and supplemented in some areas to create shallow glides. Deeper pools were dug on the outer bends of meanders and lateral berms and woody debris were installed to increase sinuosity. Backwaters and bays have also been created along the channel to provide fish refuge and additional habitat. Native shrubs and trees, predominantly willow and alder, have been selectively planted to create riparian shade and these have been fenced to protect them from grazing livestock. | Diversification of in-channel features Soft erosion solutions Introducing large woody debris | Tree planting Creation of backwaters | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||||
| Greater Thames Estuary Fish Migration Roadmap | 51° 31' 25.92" N, 0° 7' 42.81" W | Rivers play an important role in our environment: regulating flood risks, transporting sediments and supporting biodiversity. Many of these services are linked to factors that indicate river health such as river flow and connectivity. River network connectivity influences species migration, diversity, and habitat occupancy.
Rivers in the North Sea region are some of the most fragmented by human development in the world due to the presence of artificial structures installed for water management. Man-made water management structures, or barriers, like weirs, sluices and locks can significantly delay and hinder the movement of migratory fish species subsequently reducing their diversity and abundance. The Greater Thames Estuary Fish Migration Roadmap project seeks to pull together all barrier, pass, habitat, flood risk and development opportunity area data in one place to develop a strategic approach that looks at rivers as migratory routes that fish would use. This ‘whole system’, sea to source approach enables the visualisation of river network connectivity in entire catchments. It is an innovative tool designed to educate and inform decision making when it comes to habitat creation and enhancement, river restoration, riverside development and flood risk assessment. | Economic aspects Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Social benefits Spatial planning Urban | ||||||||||||
| Greatham Managed Realignment Scheme | 54° 37' 30.83" N, 1° 13' 34.36" W | The Environment Agency identified that the implementation of the Tees Tidal Flood Risk Management strategy would result in in the loss of intertidal habitats which form part of the Teesmouth and Cleveland
Coast Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site. In addition, the need for further coastal defence works necessary as part of the Redcar Flood Alleviation Scheme also has the potential to cause a loss of SPA habitats. The Environment Agency therefore had a legal requirement to deliver at least 20 ha of intertidal habitat within the Tees Estuary as compensation for the impact predicted as part of its flood and coastal risk management projects. The Environment Agency purchased 77 ha of land alongside Greatham Creek (part of the Greatham North flood cell) in order to implement a managed realignment scheme and create the required habitats. The Greatham Managed Realignment Scheme allows future work to the tidal flood defences of the Tees Estuary to continue whilst providing long-term environmental benefit through the conservation of the integrity of the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA and Ramsar site. The scheme aimed to create a range of complementary habitats of benefit to a variety of wildlife, and ensure better access to for the public was available | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Water quality Estuary Fisheries Urban | ||||||||||||
| Greatham Marsh Restoration | 54° 37' 58.98" N, 1° 14' 14.75" W | The Tees Estuary is one of the most heavily modified and developed estuaries in the UK, with less than 10% of the original intertidal habitats remaining. From 1740, large areas of saltmarsh have been enclosed to form freshwater grazing marsh. However, the industrialisation and systematic land take between 1830 and 1970s has resulted in significant habitat loss. It is estimated that the Tees Estuary has lost over two thirds of its intertidal habitat through waste disposal and infilling over the many years of modification, some 3,000ha, or 30km2.
The Greatham Marsh Restoration project is centred on the restoration of intertidal habitat on the low-lying agricultural land near Greatham Village. Historically, the village was on the edge of the marshes but is now inland from the remaining intertidal areas.
The tidal structure was constructed under a licence that expires on 30 November 2029. A condition of the licence stipulates that on the expiry of the Licence, the structure is removed and riverbanks and foreshore reinstated. This alone would not restore the full extent of natural processes and habitats. The oversized Greatham Beck would become a deep tidal creek and the floodplain would be inundated for long periods of time as a result of historic embankments and ineffective drainage. So the Project intends to restore the former meandering channel of Greatham Beck and the network of tidal creeks within the floodplain. Areas of higher land within the field parcel are proposed to be managed as grasslands for conservation purposes. Habitats would be allowed to migrate inland as sea level rises. The project contributes to achievement of WFD objectives by implementing targets for WFD protected sites found within the conservation objectives of the SPA, and mitigation measures for the Tees Estuary water body. | Estuary Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||||
| Greenwich Peninsula | 51° 30' 11.64" N, 0° 0' 10.92" E | Prior to 2000 1.7km of flood defences were replaced and refurbished on the eastern side of the Greenwich Peninsula. A further 700m is proposed on the western frontage.
| 1 January 1997 | Bank improvement creation of intertidal terraces | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits Spatial planning Urban Estuary | Fish | |||||||||
| Groote Beek | 52° 0' 44.67" N, 6° 16' 17.17" E | The Groote Beek is a tributary of the river IJssel. It has its origin in the Zelhemse Enk and Kruisbergsche Bossen. The water authority used this stream to get some experience with main channel mowing. | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||||||
| Grote Aa | 51° 21' 51.66" N, 5° 34' 25.76" E | The Grote Aa was part of an experiment on the effect of vegetation removal on flow velocity variation and the abundance of fish and macroinvertebrates. For this experiment, different stretches of the stream were given a different treatment: the vegetation was either only mowed in blocks on one bank or only mowed in the middle of the stream. Both experiments were performed for a one year period in one stretch and a two year period in another stretch, so it could be determined how the vegetation, fish and macroinvertebrates would respond over various periods of time. | Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Grovelands Park Wetlands | 51° 38' 8.36" N, 0° 6' 32.79" W | The water system in Grovelands Park, Enfield, has been artificially engineered over time, with a long stretch of the stream being contained in an underground pipe, hidden from view and useless to wildlife. Here beneath the ground two surface water drains from local roads and homes washed pollutants straight into the stream every time it rained. Plumbing misconnections added to the problem.
In spring 2014 we worked with the London Borough of Enfield to 'rewild' the water system in Grovelands Park. We created wetlands to intercept pollutants entering the stream in Grovelands Park. Flows in the surface water drains were diverted into shallow ditches, known as swales, and then into a wetland basin. The swales and basin were planted with sedges suitable for the semi-shaded woodland conditions. The plants use excess nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates to grow, preventing them building up in the water which causes the toxic algal blooms. The plants also oxygenate the water. Bacteria growing in the sediment and root systems break down oils and some bacteria can even reduce levels of heavy metals in the water. The clean water then soaks into the ground, as it would naturally, or overflows back into the stream. Rainwater washing off an area the size of 11 rugby fields is cleaned in the wetland. As we completed this project Thames Water ran misconnection surveys on the urban catchment, a vital piece of the jigsaw to ensure optimal results in this project. At the same time the London Borough of Enfield naturalised 200m of the stream, breaking it out of its underground pipe and allowing it to find its own course meandering through the woodland. These two projects restored the water system to its natural state, better able to cope with floods and slowing high flows of stormwater, as well as treating pollutants. The lake in Grovelands Park, Enfield is the centrepiece of a beautiful and grand garden for the ‘Southgate Grove’ mansion, designed in the 18th century and now a well-loved and popular public park. Sadly the lake is afflicted with pollution from a number of surface water drains, and toxic algal blooms are common in summer. Rainwater running off local streets brings with it oils and heavy metals from the road, as well as detergents and other chemicals such as phosphates and nitrates from misconnected plumbing. This pollution load limits the lake’s potential as a wildlife habitat and its appeal for park visitors. In June 2015 we created a reed bed in the south western end of the lake to naturally break down these pollutants and increase oxygen levels in the water, as well as providing a new habitat for birds and insects. Coir rolls and hazel faggots were used to create an area of suitable depth to establish the reed bed. Coir mats pre-planted with reeds, rushes, sedges and colourful purple loosestrife and yellow flag iris were installed across the reed bed area, protected from wildfowl grazing by netting. As in the wetland, the plants use excess nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates to grow, preventing them building up in the water which causes the toxic algal blooms. The plants also oxygenate the water. Bacteria growing in the sediment and root systems break down oils and some bacteria can even reduce levels of heavy metals in the water. | 1 February 2014 | 10 July 2015 | Deculverting | Creation of swales and wetland basin stream allowed to find new course | Meandering channel | Community Education Community consultation Community involvement Improved public access Interpretation boards | Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Social benefits Water quality Urban | ||||||
| Guash Habitat Restoration Project (Phase 1 and 2) | 52° 40' 56.62" N, 0° 29' 19.17" W | This project was undertaken by the Guash Fishing Club following a report from the Wild Trout Trust. The project has been split into two phases which concentrated on a stretch of the the River Guash between Tolethorpe and Ryhall Rutland. Issues with the stretch included slow velocities, partially blocked channels and a lack of light. The aims and objectives of the project were:
| 1 May 2012 | 1 March 2014 | Habitat enhancement | Channel narrowing Removal of channel blockages | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality | ||||||||
| Guisborough Flood Alleviation Scheme | 54° 32' 1.50" N, 1° 2' 41.98" W | The Chapel Beck (main river) flows through Guisborough (Map 1) and is fed by a number of small tributaries (ordinary watercourses). There is significant modelled flood risk from the chapel beck but few instances of actual flooding, although the tributaries have caused flooding in the past. The project has so far determined that the reason for the lack of flooding from the beck is likely to be a large number of unaccounted for natural and unintentionally created attenuations upstream of the town. The project is seeking to formalise and improve these existing attenuations and to create further attenuations to reduce future flood risk, while creating 5ha of water dependent habitat.
Installing 15,000m3 of flood water storage in the catchment could reduce the 100-year peak flow by 10.9% (2m3s-1). The published flood map cannot take account of the man-made attenuations present in the catchment because there is no guarantee that these will perform this inadvertent flood water storage function in perpetuity. Only if the features are formalised as flood risk assets and maintained can they be considered when estimating the actual flood risk to homes in Guisborough. | 2015 | Offline storage areas | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Land use management - forestry | ||||||||||
| Gunnerside Gill: Abandoned metal mines | 54° 22' 46.14" N, 2° 4' 22.64" W | Gunnerside Gill, in the Humber River Basin District, is located to the west of Richmond, North Yorkshire in upper Swaledale. The area was mined for lead, zinc and barium between 1700 and 1900. Cadmium occurs as a significant impurity in the lead-zinc minerals. The mineralisation occurs along vertical faults in the Carboniferous Limestone and Millstone Grit rocks at Gunnerside Gill and adjoining areas of Swaledale in Yorkshire, and forms part of the North Pennine Orefield.
There is an extensive legacy of metal mining at Gunnerside Gill including many shafts, adits and drainage levels with several smelters and associated ore dressing floors. There are large areas of unvegetated spoil and bare rock exposed in deep hushes. Some spoil tips, such as at Dolly Mine, have steep unstable slopes that are being constantly eroded at the base by Gunnerside Gill, which also cuts through spoil in dressing floors situated in the valley bottom. Gunnerside Gill catchment (13sq.lm) is entirely within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and almost all of the catchment is co-designated as SSSI, SAC and SPA with some scheduled Ancient Woodland in the valley bottom above Gunnerside village. All of the mine site buildings are derelict, but there are 9 Scheduled Ancient Monuments including parts of the Blakethwaite, Lownathwaite, Bunton, Dolly, Barbara and Sir Francis mines. Bunton Lead Mine is listed on the MINING WASTE DIRECTIVE INVENTORY. There are 19 adits/levels identified in the catchment, and 2 of these, Bunton Level and Sir Francis Level, were purposely constructed as drainage levels and still have permanent discharge flows, with water containing high concentrations of lead, zinc and cadmium entering Gunnerside Gill. Chemical sampling of the tributary that flows from Kining Level indicates that there may be consistent flows here also. A number of single sampling events to investigate metal pollution of Gunnerside Gill and to establish the Mining Waste Directive inventory were carried out by the Environment Agency and Hull University in 2010 and 2011. These studies all showed concentrations of Pb, Zn and Cd above their respective EQS values of 7.2, 50, and 0.09ug/L (Zn and Cd are hardness based), while Cu, Fe and Mn concentrations were acceptable. Based on the above findings, a catchment characterisation programme was implemented in 2012-2013 using Defra funding, provided to investigate water pollution from abandoned metal mines. This project comprised monthly water quality sampling and simultaneous spot flow gauging at 6 locations, including the Bunton and Sir Francis Level discharges. An extra location was later added to investigate potential contribution of metal loading from Kining Level. The water quality results showed that the discharges from Bunton Level and Sir Francis Level contained the highest metal concentrations as follows: Bunton Level average concentrations (ug/L): Pb = 50 Zn = 800 Cd = 8 Sir Francis Level average concentrations (ug/L): Pb = 25 Zn = 1650 Cd = 14 Metal loading was calculated from the concentration and flow data. When metal loadings were examined under different flow conditions, the contribution from the point source adit discharges were more significant during low flows, but less so in high flow conditions, when diffuse sources from spoil tips and re-suspension of contaminated sediments become more significant in the overall metal loading to Gunnerside Gill and entering the River Swale. The Environment Agency has collaborated with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and funded a heritage survey report, to look at options for remediation and reduction of metal pollution of Gunnerside Gill that do not adversely affect the integrity of the Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Impacts of metal mining at Gunnerside Gill Length of watercourse affected 6km to confluence with River Swale Average flow at the Swale confluence 150L/s Average metal concentrations (ug/L): Pb = 30 Zn = 170 Cd = 1.6 Average metal loading (kg/year): Pb = 140 Zn = 800 Cd = 8 Water body WFD status in 2009: Ecology = Good Chemistry = DNRA Benefits of remediation: The River Swale will be protected from major metal pollution sources Scheduled Ancient Monuments will not be damaged by any remedial actions Developing partnerships with important stakeholders (YDNPA and Coal Authority) and using our position as an influential advisor to deliver shared environmental outcomes Contribute towards achieving Good Ecological and Chemical Status under WFD | 2012 | Catchment Characterisation Programme Options for remediation Spot flow gauging | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||||
| Gunville Phase I | 51° 13' 14.48" N, 1° 46' 51.48" W | Commissioned by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and funded through a successful Catchment Restoration Fund bid, Cain Bioengineering submitted a very professional interpretation for the 750m stretch of river, incorporating a mixture of geotextile and earth back-fill berms, brushwood sediment traps, gravel riffles, large woody debris and live tree hinging. The general theme of the works was remeandering, channel narrowing and bank regrading. The creation of off-line ponds provided fill for the geotextile berms and created valuable riparian habitat. Due to the nature of the site and the partners involved (being part of the MoD training estate, with fishing rights given to theServicesDry Fly Fishing Association (SDFFA)), stakeholder consultation was crucial in the on-going development of the project. As a result of this consultation and mitigation for Water vole (Arvicola terrestris), designs had to be adapted several times during the project, leading to a bespoke, dynamic restoration which should be readily able to withstand the variety of pressures faced by the river. | 1 June 2012 | 13 December 2012 | Restoring gravel bed Introducing large woody debris | lowering river bank Wetland habitat | Enhancing flow diversity Habitat restoration Meandering channel | Flow management | Awareness raising | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||
| Guphill Brook Riverine Enhancement | 52° 24' 43.15" N, 1° 33' 31.22" W | This river enhancement project is working to reconnect the river once more with its floodplain and to create associated wetland features that have been removed or lost from the River Sherbourne.
The project has created multiple online backwater refuge pools to provide fish and water vole with areas of slack water and cover in times of high flow. Regrading of 4 inside meander banks has been undertaken to improve the hydromorphology of this over deepened and channelised river by increasing gravel deposition, light levels and ultimately macrophytic growth. These outcomes will provide: increased spawning area for fish, increased habitat for invertebrates e.g mayfly, increased cover for fish from predation and cover and food for water vole. The pools aid in improving water quality by assisting in the drop out of pollutants which are washed from the busy A45 road in times of heavy rainfall. The online pools provide some additional flood risk reduction downstream by holding back water in times of above average flows. Lowland meadow will be created on excavated soil bunds and a 200m wetland meadow buffer strip is establishing alongside the brook after being stripped of topsoil and sown with a seed mix in Spring 2016. Woody debris installed at multiple points with Wild Trout Trust during volunteer days. These deflectors will assist in creating deeper pools for fish to hold up in during average and below average flows. They also provide riffles downstream of deeper pools increasing spawning area for fish. | 1 October 2014 | Bank reprofiling | Creation of backwaters Lowland meadow Creation of pond | Creation of wooden deflectors | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits Water quality Urban | ||||||||
| HLS New Forest | 50° 52' 37.36" N, 1° 37' 53.29" W | The NF HLS is a wetland restoration scheme of huge scale and ambition with a fundamental aim to improve the condition of unfavourable SSSI units affected by historic drainage.
The restoration work is perhaps unusual when compared to standard “river restorations” as the focus is on the floodplain habitat connection more than in stream habitat. The New Forest is recognised as being of outstanding importance for nature conservation in both the UK and Europe due to the size, quality and complex mosaic of habitats. The project area covers a large proportion of the New Forest SAC, SPA, SSSI and Ramsar designated land. Over a period of approximately 150 years the mires and streams have been subjected to significant modification through drainage for varying land uses such as forestry and to enhance the potential for grazing animals. This drainage has meant that the floodplain connections are impoverished and are continuing to decline, as well as undermining the natural processes and resilience of the wetland habitats. Due to the extensive range of drainage operations throughout the New Forest catchments, the project has delivered varying scales of restorations. At the upper end of the scale, restoration has included the re-meandering of a 3.5km stretch of straightened river on the Avon Water down to the smaller scale infilling of ~10m2 of knickpoint erosion in heathland. Approximately sixty sites have been restored since 2010. Options for restoration on a number of the sites were drawn up based on eco-hydrological surveys and restoration plans were formed to incorporate the requirements of the unique features of the forest such as the steep stream gradients and sensitive mire ecology. The FC has led on the restoration design and implementation with input from Natural England, the Environment Agency, members of the New Forest Association, the National Park Authority and a number of consultants who have specialised in planning, ecological surveys and hydrology. A range of restoration techniques have been used to restore the natural processes. These techniques have included: Re-meandering the watercourses into remnant meanders at the lowest point in the floodplain; re-meandering the channel within its existing planform; narrowing the channel and raising the bed level to a more natural width and depth to encourage out-of-bank flooding in high flows; infilling erosion knickpoints to prevent further headward erosion; replacing bridges with fords on forest tracks to prevent the energy being focused around the structure. | Bed raising Removal/retreat of embankments | Re-instatement of old course Re-meandering | Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring | Fish: Species composition Invertebrates: Abundance | Channel pattern/planform | ||||||||
| Habitat Enhancements, River Glaven at Wiveton, Norfolk | 52° 56' 31.28" N, 1° 2' 18.91" E | The River Glaven is a chalk stream in North Norfolk. The project is on stretch of the river that was made wider by dredging about four years ago. These works will help the river to recover its natural state, enhancing habitat and improving its ecological status. | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Habitat Enhancments, Reepham Stream, River Blackwater, Norfolk | 52° 45' 51.25" N, 1° 8' 8.82" E | Installation of woody debris and berms to increase habitat diversity: The Reepham Stream is a tributary of the River Wensum located between Reepham and Cawston in Norfolk. Historic management and land drainage has led to a river channel that is deep in relation to surrounding ground, and contains little variation in habitat. Working with the IDB and NRT, a scheme was designed that would not increase flood risk but would enhance the habitat in stream to help improve its ecological status. This work will compliment the River Wensum Restoration Strategy. | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Habitat Improvement: Stonebridge River Reserve, Og and Marlborough Fish Migration | 51° 25' 18.27" N, 1° 41' 55.12" W | This project will improve habitat for fish by modifying in stream morphology, cleaning gravels and removing a significant barrier to migration. This will benefit brown trout and grayling by improving opportunities for spawning, increasing habitat for juvenile fish and allowing fish to access and repopulate the upper reaches of the Kennet. | 1 July 2012 | 1 March 2015 | Bank reprofiling Removal of fish barriers Creation of fish passes | Fisheries Hydromorphology | |||||||||
| Habitat Improvements on the River Colne at West Drayton | 51° 30' 0.52" N, 0° 29' 19.29" W | Overall aims included: - Increase survival rate of juvenile coarse fish by increasing amount of suitable habitat. - Increase variety of in-channel habitat throughout the previously dredged section to provide habitat for juvenile and adult coarse fish. Specific aims were: - Create backwaters in low ground along the true right bank. - Create new marginal habitat amongst areas of heavy siltation on the true right bank. - Open up old ditch that used to flow in the smaller u/s weir pool. - Add localised gravel shoals to the river bed. Description of works: - Creation of projections using coir rolls along line of silt deposition boundary, open at downstream end and lightly planted to create shallow marginal habitat for juvenile fish. - Raise bed in localised areas using gravel shoals to add variety to instream habitat. Shoals should strengthen natural features where deposition is occurring naturally. Mitigate loss of water holding areas by creating backwaters. - Use present low lying land and re-open old features that have become filled in and overgrown. New wetted ditch to provide alternative migratory route for coarse fish and extend type of habitat found in Bigely Ditch. - If possible lower height of sluices at mill or footbridge. - Dredging in 1998 resulted in loss of habitat suitable for juvenile fish including loss of marginal habitat by siltation. - Enhancements have potential to extend wet-woodland and increase potential water vole habitat. | 1 January 2008 | Installation of coir rolls Introduction of gravel | Creation of backwater | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||
| Habitat enhancement of the River Waveney through Bressingham | 52° 22' 45.29" N, 1° 2' 17.05" E | The River Waveney through Bressingham has historically been diverted into what is colloquially referred to as the "New Cut". This linear, steep-sided channel was in much need of enhancement and following conversations with various local landowners, a scheme was put together to improve the river's form and function.
The lack of gradient through the site limits the effectiveness of restoration techniques aimed at increasing flow velocity. This is exacerbated by long-term maintenance that has seen the river routinely de-silted to a substantial depth, exceeding 1.5m in some places. Consequently the work that was undertaken aimed to increase habitat availability and diversity. Specifically, more shelter was created for fish and small in-stream organisms by constructing brushwood mattresses. Shallow berms were installed to soften the edge between the aquatic and terrestrial environment, providing an area of transitional plants to establish. In some locations a two-stage channel was formed using old spoil embankments, maintaining conveyance but increasing flow velocity at low flows. Over the course of two weeks in October 2014 and with a budget of under £15,000, approximately 1.5km of river channel was enhanced. | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||||||
| Habitat improvements in the upper Kennet | 51° 26' 25.13" N, 1° 41' 40.71" W | The project to enable fish to swim through Marlborough will build a new channel linking the existing main river with a backstream, which currently flows intermittently down a cascade that is impassable to fish. The new channel will have a gentle gradient which will allow fish, including brown trout and grayling to swim up and down it.
This is phase two of a project to link the river above and below Marlborough. The river above Marlborough is a valuable spawning habitat, but all the fish here died during the 2011/12 drought. Joining the two sections of river should improve the fish populations up and downstream. The habitat restoration projects use relatively simple techniques and materials and a considerable portion of the work will be done by volunteers. The work will repair eroded parts of the bank and create meanders and changes in flow which will create a more diverse environment to suit a variety of fish species and life stages. By fencing livestock away from the river the project will reduce bank erosion and keep sediment out of the river as a result. This keeps the natural gravel bed clean, leaving it clear for fish spawning and healthy weed growth. We will improve water quality, by diverting urban runoff from the road into a reedbed, which will filter out pollutants before the water reaches the river. Community Involvement: | 1 July 2012 | 1 March 2015 | Creation of meanders | Community Education Community involvement Engagement with schools Improved public access | Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Water quality | ||||||||
| Habitat restoration of the Kleine Net Valley | 51° 23' 20.12" N, 4° 51' 41.22" E | The valley of the Kleine Netearea is unique in western Europe, featuring heathland and moors in higher areas and valley ecosystems along the upper, middle and lower stream. It contains several types of habitats and species under threat which are listed in the annexes of the Habitats Directive. Habitat and biodiversity loss is mainly due to the land use changes (afforestation and intensive agriculture)over the last decades.
The project aimed to improve the conservation status of the habitats and species in the Kleine Net Valley, as well as the development of three integrated conservation plans based on a detailed vegetation map and field research and an after-LIFE conservation plan. In the long term, the results of the project will show the extension and establishment of the targeted habitats, as well as increased populations of the species linked to these habitats. Further outcomes to be placed are better visitor facilities and more information (brochures, leaflets, flyers) about the area, encouraging socio-economic support for the Natura 2000 area and the LIFE project. | 1 January 2011 | 31 December 2015 | Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Hackbridge Restoration | 51° 22' 38.43" N, 0° 9' 37.93" W | Potential for river floodplain restoration or bank reprofiling Currently playing field/sports pitches and open grass. | 1 January 2009 | Bank reprofiling Deflectors Installation of coir rolls | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||||
| Hackbridge weir notch | 51° 22' 34.77" N, 0° 9' 28.61" W | Working with Wandle Piscators and the Environment Agency, 39 metres of coir rolls were installed at Hackbridge to soften the concrete bank edge. Works were completed with 34 local volunteers. | 1 January 2008 | Deflectors Installation of coir rolls Removal of sediment | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Urban | ||||||||||
| Hackney Marsh recreation grounds | 51° 33' 32.81" N, 0° 1' 34.97" W | Notch weir, and possible fish pass. De-silting, flow deflectors, cunker structures, wetland cut and fill, coir rolls; narrowing of river. Overwide section of river with concrete banks | Bank reprofiling | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Hackney Marshes - Wick Field recreation ground | 51° 33' 0.15" N, 0° 1' 37.26" W | Potential to create wetland area also functioning as flood alleviation in an area next to the navigation which overtops the bank. | Creation of wetland | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Hadfield Weir Fish Pass | 53° 24' 51.85" N, 1° 24' 52.20" W | Originally the funding for this project was meant to build a fish pass at Sprotbrough weir in Doncaster but British Waterways (BW), the owners of the weir, had a last minute change of heart and announced that they were planning to install a hydro scheme on the weir. They were to use Small Hydro(SH) to build it. . The change required BW to install a fishpass as part of the construction. Despite the fact that a fishpass had already been designed it was essential that a new design was undertaken covering the hydro scheme and fishpass in order to provide an effective solution. As the construction had now become part of a commercial operation it was felt inappropriate for public money to be used. After consultation with ART and the EA the Trust withdrew its' offer of funding. The EA similarly withdrew its' funding from the project. However, approval was received from DEFRA, the EA and The Rivers Trust for the project funding to be transferred from the Sprotborough Weir project to the Hadfields Weir project.
Historically the rivers of South Yorkshire were heavily utilised for the requirements of industries such as coal and steel. The obstructions left over from these industrial days are now causing obstacles to the free passage for many species of fish thus suppressing the recovery of fish populations. Hadfield Weir on the River Don is one of the major obstacles on the river. It is highly visible as it is located outside a very busy shopping centre that has a footfall of 30 million people; there is a busy cycle and footpath on the riverside which is part of the Five Weirs Walk that runs from the city centre. Don Catchment Rivers Trust, almost entirely through the work of volunteers, managed to secure a not inconsiderable amount of money from the Defra River Improvement Fund to enable a multi-species fish and eel pass to be built. This will help to restore river connectivity for fish and eels in the River Don, allowing fish to move between habitats above and below the weir, essential if it is to be fully exploited for feeding, rearing and breeding. This project is part of a wider scheme on the Don to allow fish passage and encourage the return of salmon. This iconic species is the ultimate indicator of clean, healthy rivers and would have economic as well as environmental impacts for the city of Sheffield | 11 February 2013 | Eel pass Creation of fish passes | Economic aspects Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Hainburg River Restoration | 48° 8' 47.04" N, 16° 55' 39.23" E | This project involved the removal of all artificial elements strengthening the banks of a river section on the Danube's left bank across from the city Hainburg. In the entire lower section of the project area, all stone and boulder supports were removed from a length of around 2.1 km. Because the upper section exhibited a nascent overhanging bank character, it was necessary to safeguard the embankment at the height of the regulated low water level, heeding however navigational requirements.
In the long term, the new riverbank should
| Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||||||
| Hale Wharf | 51° 35' 24.45" N, 0° 3' 15.14" W | Potential restoration of the Navigation (yet to be agreed with BW) and potential restoration (full or partial) of the Lee New Cut. Development of the land in-between these water bodies, mitigation/enhancement for ecological reasons associated with the development, resulting in improved amenity and aesthetics. | Aesthetics | Economic aspects Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | |||||||||||
| Hall Place weir modification | 51° 27' 0.62" N, 0° 10' 23.36" E | To create habitat in the currently dry and mowed channels in and around the reservoir as well as addressing the fish migration issues and probably WFD. Adjustments to reservoir control weir to allow low flows to by pass the weir at Hall Place and the Crayford Gauging station. Adjustments to reservoir control weir to allow low flows to by pass the weir at Hall Place and the Crayford Gauging station. | Flow management | Fisheries | |||||||||||
| Haltwhistle burn; a total catchment approach | 54° 59' 21.41" N, 2° 26' 9.72" W | Haltwhistle Burn: ‘a total catchment’ approach is a partnership project which will use CRF funds to improve the whole catchment which has suffered the pressures of quarrying, farming, industry and an increasing population. Although the ‘official’ reasons for failure concern pressures on fish according to the criteria provided by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) this project addresses total waterbody issues deriving from a multitude of pressures, each creating ‘sub-lethal’ but chronic stresses.
Haltwhistle’s ‘Centre of Britain’ identity, together with attraction of Hadrian’s Wall makes it a po-tentially significant tourism centre, with a focus on both heritage and natural features. There are however significant economic difficulties and youth behaviour issues. Haltwhistle Burn is a central focus and has already attracted works of improvement and interpretation by the Haltwhis-tle Partnership. Since the 2007 floods in the town, Tyne Rivers Trust has nurtured excellent relationships with agencies and extremely enthusiastic individuals directly connected to their catchment. Whilst the project is not a flood defence project this CRF funding now gives us a clear focus for agency action and direct spending on mitigating excess runoff and pollution. Tyne Rivers Trust have already carried out geomorphological and habitat assessment of the entire burn, concluding that the ‘catchment approach’ would, by combining the small issues, create a significant benefit for the South Tyne and address the WFD ‘poor status’ classification. Increase awareness of flood issues. | 17 September 2012 | Barrier removal | Tree planting | Improve forest management and agricultural Management of organic and inorganic sediments | Awareness raising Engagement with schools | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Land use management - forestry Monitoring Water quality | |||||||
| Hampton Court Palace | 51° 24' 10.17" N, 0° 20' 27.36" W | Reedbed creation, profiling of river bank, tree management, installation of eel passes and stocking of fish in adjacent ponds at Hampton Court Palace, Home Park Paddocks. Main reasons for enhancement were habitat creation, landscape and aesthetics. Riverbank enhancement, and potential to demonstrate traditional management methods with modern knowledge and technology to show improvement to flood meadow function and water quality.
The final part of the Home Park project completed using funding from CPAF15/16 was partnership working between Thames Landscape Strategy, Thames21, and Historic Royal Palaces. Three new eel passes were constructed and installed on the Longford River to enable the passage of elvers from the Thames into ponds on site, with urther marginal planting installed on the Long Water Canal.There was the use of Shire Horses, cutting of bankside vegetation and extraction of timber for senestive land mangement practices, and the removal of a number of self-set Norway maple trees from the banks of the Longford River to reduce shading of the river system and to allow marginal vegetation to establish,and restocking crucian carp. The project involved local communities and volunteers to help with monitoring the success of the project, and promote awareness of the Maidenhead to Teddington Catchment. | 1 January 2009 | Bank reprofiling | Habitat creation Reedbed creation | Aesthetics | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Water quality Urban | ||||||||
| Harbertonford Flood Alleviation Scheme | 50° 23' 27.36" N, 3° 43' 19.76" W | The River Harbourne flows through the village of Harbertonford, which has been flooded on 21 separate occasions over the past 60 years - of which 6 flood events occurred between 1998 and 2000. The catchment is highly 'flashy', with little warning for residents prior to a flood.
The Harbertonford Flood Alleviation Scheme was a joint project funded by DEFRA, the Environment Agency, South Hams District Council and Harbertonford Parish Council, costing £2.6 million. Its aim was to reduce the risk of flooding through the implementation of engineered flood alleviation solutions. A zoned clay-core embankment dam ('Palmer's Dam') with a 4.1 ha (150,000 cu m) reservoir storage area was constructed 2km upstream of Harbertonford, in conjunction with 600mm of bed level lowering and channel widening through Harbertonford to increase channel capacity (to accommodate flows up to 28 cumecs - 10 year flood. A flow control system was installed at the reservoir outlet to permit normal river flow, with automated flood control gates to throttle flows during a flood event. In addition, a flood defence wall was installed and surface drainage systems improved. Together, these measures were built to prevent flooding in Harbertonford up to a 1 in 40 year flood event. On 7th July 2012, a 1 in 40 year flood event occurred and Palmer's Dam was overtopped for the first time since its construction. This resulted in the flooding of some properties in Harbertonford, however flooding was limited to a few lowlying homes and the flood peak was significantly delayed, giving increased warning time. As part of the bed-lowering technique, a series of pool-riffle sequences were constructed within the channel through Harbertonford - a best practice approach for habitat enhancement, proposed by the River Restoration Centre (www.therrc.co.uk). These would provide both improved spawning habitat and habitat for adult fish. Works included:
| 1999 | Bed lowering Creation of pools and riffles Weir modification | Containment bund to prevent flooding Construction of flood wall | Channel widening | SUDS Surface drainage systems improved | Community Education Engagement with schools | Flood risk management Social benefits | ||||||
| Harrow Lodge Park | 51° 33' 40.29" N, 0° 12' 36.61" E | Flood plain restoration is progressing (NGR: TQ5283586428). Proposed works: - Deculverting at downstream end at lakes, removing concrete - Removal of lido steps The Ravensbourne has been heavily modified, the downstream section deculverted. It runs through the middle of the park and is the main feature. It’s currently an eyesore and parts of it provide very little habitat for wildlife. The project is listed on the Green Grid list. The GLA support this project and contributed to the funding for the scoping report. | 1 January 2008 | Deculverting Removing of concrete structures | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Haynes Park | 51° 34' 50.57" N, 0° 12' 50.49" E | Removal of three weir structures, removal of concrete bank and bed protection works. The river is in a semi-natural state though concrete bank protection works have been undertaken in the past and the river bed has also been lined with concrete in places. Three concrete flumes (same as those stupidly put in Harrow Lodge Park) break to continuity of the river and probably are to deal with the change of plan form gradient. Manholes were observed in close proximity to the watercourse, possibly indicating a sewer pipe. However, huge gains could be made within the confines of this space, although it may be that bank reprofiling would have to be adapted. Works to the left bank are constrained due to it being owned by numerous different people whose properties abut the watercourse. It is unclear if this has always been the case or whether land take has taken place over the years. | Removing of concrete structures Weir removal | Social benefits | |||||||||||
| Healthy Rivers | 51° 39' 0.84" N, 3° 11' 43.85" W | The Healthy Rivers programme at Groundwork Wales carries out work on the rivers of the South East Wales with the aim of improving the river habitats so that they can support greater populations of native fish such as salmon, trout, eels and bull heads. The fish populations in many of the South East Wales rivers have depleted fish stocks due to pollution and man made modifications to the river channels that prevent fish accessing all the available river habitats. Due to depleted fish populations, many of the rivers in South East Wales are failing to achieve good status under the Water Framework Directive. The aim of the Healthy Rivers programme is to improve the river habitats so that they can support greater populations of fish by removing man made barriers to fish migration and creating new instream habitats. Healthy Rivers aims to engage local people in their local rivers by offering volunteer opportunities, community river care days and training opportunities, this instils a long term appreciation of the river habitats. Engaging local communities is essential for the conservation of the rivers, if they are engaged local people will appreciate the rivers and look after them in the future. Healthy Rivers also works with local primary schools to deliver salmon and eels in the classroom. This type of engagement with children is essential in ensuring that they understand the river habitats and look after them in the future. | 1 April 2015 | Weir removal Weir modification | Barrier removal Habitat creation | Monitoring strategy Walkover surveys and water sample data collection | Community Education Community involvement | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | |||||||
| Hedleyhope Burn | 54° 46' 56.48" N, 1° 44' 6.98" W | The River Deerness catchment has multiple WFD failures, for both fish and water quality. Funding from the Catchment Restoration Fund as well as Durham County Council and Durham University allowed for the provision of a rock pool fish easement at a road culvert on at Cornsay Colliery located on Hedleyhope Burn (a tributary of the River Deerness), completed in September 2012.
Hedleyhope Burn is 9.2km in length. The road culvert has been cutting of fish access to 5km of good quality habitat, as under most flow conditions the culvert becomes impassable. This 30m corrugated steel pipe has rapid and shallow uniform flows when water levels are low, and concentrated high velocity flows at high water levels. An extensive erosion pool at the downstream exit to the culvert exhibits the force of water leaving the culvert. A wide concrete step 15 to 20 cm above the surface of the water also obstructs fish passage into the culvert. The solution was to replace the existing scour pool with a series of rock pools to provide a variety of flows for fish, as well as drowning out the concrete step by increasing water levels back into the culvert and creating a slower and deeper flow, improving fish passage. Flood risk was not increased as the site is in a deep depression with no buildings close by. The site is owned by Durham County who also contributed half of the cost. The Wear Rivers Trust helped with the design of the rock pool easement. Due to the location in a high rainfall upland area, 2-3 tonne rocks were used to form a continuous line of bank protection to protect the site a high flow levels. Larger gravels were also used, and willow spiling is due to be installed at a later stage. | 2012 | 1 September 2012 | creation of rock pools downstream of culvert | Fisheries | |||||||||
| Heiligenbergerbeek | 52° 6' 32.57" N, 5° 24' 8.85" E | The Heiligenbergerbeek is a short stream that runs between Woudenberg and Amersfoort. Its stream valley mainly receives its water from seepage from the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, an ice-pushed ridge. The Heiligenbergerbeek also receives water from the sewage plants in Ede and Veenendaal. When water levels are low, it receives water from the river Rhine to flush the canals of Amersfoort, maintain sufficiently high water levels in the agricultural areas and keep the stream flowing. To ensure the stream keeps flowing, there are several weirs present. When water levels are high, part of the water is discharged by the Vosheuvelbeek and bypasses the city of Amersfoort. To meet WFD criteria, the mowing regime was altered to main channel mowing. Additonally, the stream was made wider in several locations, to allow for wider nature-friendly banks. | Habitat and biodiversity Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Help for the Forgotten Farms Upper Lune (Plugging the gap) | 54° 9' 28.31" N, 2° 44' 6.73" W | Hydropower Water quality | |||||||||||||
| Herefordshire Asset Restoration Project (HARP) | 52° 3' 23.03" N, 2° 42' 57.51" W | Herefordshire has the benefit of one of the most famous salmon rivers in the UK - the river Wye. It is also one of the UK's best coarse fishing rivers and its Herefordshire tributaries are fine trout and grayling streams. Yet its value to the local economy falls well short of its potential. Salmon stocks are improving following investment in the upper reaches but the infrastructure that ties in visitors to fishing, accommodation and other facilities and opportunities, requires restoration and further development.
Until the mid 1980's the Wye supported 70 direct full time jobs, and 5 times as many in associated businesses. The decrease in salmon stocks that reached its nadir in 2002 led to an exodus of anglers resulting in a decline in the rural economy. No specific thought was given to developing the Wye's coarse or trout fishery. This decline and prevailing attitudes of "wait and see" drove down investment, compounding the problem. A promising start at developing this important natural resources was made in 2006 through our Defra funded RES project. 43 fishery infrastructure improvements were completed, enabling better access to riverbanks for visiting anglers. However, despite the project being concluded successfully, our efforts were not cast widely enough, nor of sufficient duration to reach sustainability. After a delayed start, our Natural Assets project HARP commenced in August 2011. Funded and supported by Advantage West Midlands, Natural England and the Environment Agency, it has 3 main areas of activity: 1. Restoring, improving and developing angling infrastructure + establishing new opportunities for salmon, trout and coarse fishing. 2. Securing the existing marketing vehicle, the 'Wye and Usk Passport', and significantly expanding it. 3. Helping to resolve increasing angler/canoeist conflict by developing, alongside EAW, alternative sites for canoe access, codes that work (as in Wales) and installing riverside signage at the known trouble spots. In recent years lack of coordination between the fishing and canoeing sectors has led to increasing conflict that can spoil both activities. This is a surmountable problem that can be ameliorated by zoning, education and facilitation for the benefit of all. Achievements • 85 fishery infrastructure improvements • A further 64 infrastructure improvements on 6 new beats • 2.9 Full Time Equivalent jobs created • 2 jobs safeguarded within WUF. 10.5 Full Time Equivalent jobs in the fishing guide/accommodation sector safeguarded. • Assisted 1 graduate gain employment in land based sector via WUF • Assist 1 non graduate full time and 1 part-time to gain employment in the land base sector via WUF • Levered in £59,864 of private investment by December 2011 • 4 days support to fishing guides • Attracted 768 extra fishing visitors (5,464 in total) during the lifetime of the project with many more expected to take advantage of the 23 Herefordshire fisheries that joined the scheme in 2011/12. • Provided opportunities for 31 young people (14-19 age) to engage with the natural environment making them aware of future employment opportunities • Engaged 9 businesses in new collaborations • Levered in further public investment £155,000 by Dec 2011 • Assist with the development of one canoe access/egress point downstream of Hay | 1 August 2010 | 31 December 2011 | Developing angling infrastructure | Resolving angler/ canoeist conflict | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||
| Herinrichting Beekloop | 51° 18' 53.27" N, 5° 23' 37.00" E | De Beekloop is voor het grootste deel gegraven door de mens en ontspringt in de bossen tussen Aalst en Hezen en uitkomt in de Kleine Dommel ter hoogte van natuurgebied Hulsterbroek. De waterloop ligt bij de overgang van het Kempisch plateau in België tot een lager gelegen gebied in Noord-Brabant, wat resulteert in een relatief groot bodemverhang. De beekloop is betrokken geweest bij vele beekherstel projecten tussen 2010 en 2015, waarbij sommige projecten geclassificeerd kunnen worden als traditioneel beekherstel (TB) en sommige projecten met de focus op Bouwen met Natuur (BmN). Voor trajecten (152 t/m 159) zijn zowel BmN werkzaamheden uitgevoerd als traditioneel beekherstel (Factsheet NL27_BO_3_2). De belangrijkste BmN maatregel die hier is toegepast is het toevoegen van dood hout. Dit is gedaan over een totale lengte van 750 meter ter hoogte van stuw 't Schut. Daarnaast zijn er ook 6 vispassages aangelegd en is er beschaduwing toegepast. | 1 January 2010 | Dood hout Vispassages | Beschaduwing | Afspraken met belanghebbende waterverdeling | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture | Fish Macrophytes | Flow velocities Width & depth variation | Nutrient concentrations Oxygen balance PH Salinity Specific synthetic pollutants Temperature Transparency | |||||
| Herinrichting beekdal Tongelreep | 51° 23' 52.46" N, 5° 28' 51.23" E | The Tongelreep enters the Netherlands at the Achelse Kluis and then flows into the river Dommel near Eindhoven. The Tongelreep is part of the Dommel catchment. Since the 1990s, stream restoration measures were taken to allow the river more space to meander after it had previously, in the past century, been straightened for a faster discharges. As a result of this straightening, parts of woodland, moors and wetlands were at risk of drying out. In addition to these traditional restoration measures, Building with Nature measure were implemented. The Tongelreep is the only Dutch stream where, for building with Nature purposes, gravel beds were introduced near Aalst in addition to dead wood patches. This was done to enrich the stream flora and fauna. | 1 January 2007 | Dood hout Grind bedden | Bouwen met Natuur | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | Fish Macrophytes | Flow velocities Width & depth variation | Nutrient concentrations Oxygen balance PH Salinity Specific synthetic pollutants Temperature | ||||||
| Hesketh Out Marsh Managed Realignment | 53° 42' 48.02" N, 2° 50' 51.51" W | In the early 1980s, the intertidal saltmarsh habitat of Hesketh Out Marsh (Photo 1) was reclaimed from the Ribble Estuary for use as farmland (Map 1). Ownership of the land within Hesketh Out Marsh divided this enclosure into two parcels of land: Hesketh Out Marsh West (HOMW) and Hesketh Out Marsh East (HOME) (Map 2).
In 2008, HOMW was reverted to intertidal saltmarsh when the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), in partnership with the Environment Agency, breached the outer flood embankment of this western half (HOMW). This breaching was possible by building a north–south cross-embankment separating the two parcels of land. Those works not only created 168ha of habitat – a nature reserve, owned and managed since by the RSPB – but also realigned the coastal margin for a more natural, robust and sustainable line of coastal flood defence. The challenge was then to do the same on the east The Hesketh Out Marsh realignment creates a total of 322ha of priority saltmarsh habitat which contributes to a more robust flood defence system, providing a 1 in 200 year standard of flood protection to 143 residential properties, 3 commercial buildings and 300ha of prime agricultural land. | 2014 | Salt marsh and mudflat restoration | Economic aspects Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Social benefits Water quality | ||||||||||
| Heybarnes Recreation Ground Cole Restoration | 52° 28' 4.69" N, 1° 49' 53.11" W | The River Cole is 34km in length, rising in northeast Worcestershire then flowing in a north easterly direction through Birmingham before joining the River Blythe in North Warwickshire. During the late Victorian era a section of the river in east Birmingham was diverted into a gun-barrel straight, engineered millstream and the original river was lost. During the summer of 2024 we undertook a project to transform a 1km section of this featureless millstream to allow it to behave more like a naturally functioning river. By re-profiling the banks and introducing a range of features including mid-channel bars, inset berms, large woody material and gravels we have kick started natural process. By making space for the river the forces of erosion and deposition, previously shackled, have now been freed. These introduced features will transform the uniform flow of this subreach with the development of pool-riffle sequences and flow variability. With time this engineered Victorian millstream will begin to resemble the original sinuous river that it replaced over 100 years ago. | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Hierdense Beek | 52° 19' 22.30" N, 5° 42' 17.44" E | The upstream part of the Hierdensebeek is called the Leuveumse Beek, which is where Building with Nature measures were implemented. The main stream (upstream and downstream part) has a total length of approximately 17 km. Since 1993, efforts have been made to improve spatial planning, water quality and ecology by reconnecting an old meander. In 1996/1997 there has been large-scale maintenance to the stream. The first Building with Nature activities involving dead wood started in 2011 and ended in 2013. The wood that was used came from the woods directly adjacent tot he stream and was introduced in a braided pattern to allow for optimal throughflow. In addition to the usage of dead wood, the Syngery project started in 2014, in which various BwN measures are combined, like shading, altered mowing regimes and sand suppletion. The University of Amsterdam researched the effect of the wood that was introduced on the flora and fauna.
This experiment is being performed within the WFD innovation programme ‘Beekdalbreed hermeanderen’ (En: Re-meandering accross the stream valley’). As part of this directive, water and nature managers work together to make stream restoration measures as effective as possible. Other partners involved in the project are Natuurmonumenten, Landschap Overijssel, Wageningen University, Wageningen Environmental Research and Utrecht University. The programme was originally initiated by STOWA (Stichting Toegepast Onderzoek Waterbeheer). The Dutch ministry of Infrastructure and environment (Infrastructuur en Milieu) subsidises 70% of this project. Source: https://www.sprengenbeken.nl/hierdense-beken/#Leuvenumse%20Beek | 2013 | Sand deposit dead wood deposit | Shading | Mowing management | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Land use management - forestry Monitoring | Fish Macrophytes | Flow velocities Quantity & dynamics of flow Width & depth variation | Acid neutralising capacity Oxygen balance PH Temperature Transparency | |||||
| Highland Water at Warwickslade Lawn | 50° 51' 28.12" N, 1° 36' 31.52" W | As part of a EU Life project there was a programme of habitat restoration in SSSIs, into which the Highland Water at Warwickslade fell. The project looked to return the river to it's historical course (determined through the study of historical maps), including re-meandering. A number of work measures were undertaken to reduce the speed of the flow, subsequently reducing bank erosion, and to improve the habitat quality.
Highland Water is a small headwater sub-catchment (0.25m3) of the Lymington River. Prior to restoration the channel was up to 1.2m deep and 4m wide restricting the natural seasonal flooding of the surrounding forest. The previously wet woodland and mire habitat had dried out and the increased channel size presented a barrier to freely roaming animals across the forest due to channelization in the 1850’s. Construction was carried out using an innovative tramway system to import material to the site, removing the need to drive heavy machinery across the fragile forest environment, which helped to achieve rapid visual recovery once works were complete. A variety of morphological features and in stream habitats have re-established and floodplain connection has been restored through more regular bank overtopping, which has helped to re-wet the surrounding woodland habitats. These enhancements have been quantified by a recorded improvement in SSSI condition scores for the area. The work has been well received by the local communities with excellent media coverage. The success of the scheme has facilitated negotiations for future works at other locations across the New Forest. | 1 June 2009 | 1 November 2009 | Planting Introduction of gravel | Re-meandering | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||
| Hightown Sand Dune Restoration | 53° 31' 37.65" N, 3° 4' 13.59" W | The sand dunes at Hightown north of Liverpool (Photo 1 and Map 1) were eroding at a rate of 0.5–1m per year. The structure protecting Blundellsands Sailing Club had less than a 10 year life span remaining, and 125 properties and the sailing club were at risk from coastal erosion. Using Section 106 money, a scheme was developed to buy more time by reinstating the dunes to the position they were in 30 years ago. Prior to the project this section of coast was losing, on average, 1,000m3 of sand a year. Post project it is losing the same amount, so by moving 28,000m3 of sand 28 years of time has been bought back. | Sand dune restoration | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Social benefits | |||||||||||
| Hills to Levels | 51° 5' 57.11" N, 2° 57' 52.06" W | Following the devastating floods in Somerset winter in 2013/14, ‘Hills to Levels’ was set up as a collaboration between the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) SouthWest, Somerset Wildlife Trust (SWT), RSPB and the Royal Bath & West Society. The work is over five main catchments – River Parrett, River Tone, West Somerset Streams, River Brue and River Axe. Since then, Hills to Levels has come a long way: water quality, erosion reduction and improving habitats have been added to the original project remit and the funders and project partners have changed. Currently, Hills to Levels is supported by and works in partnership with the Somerset Rivers Authority, the Environment Agency, Interreg 2 Seas (Triple C project) and Natural England Catchment Sensitive Farming.
Many streams in the area are failing current standards for inputs of sediment and phosphate and poor fish habitat; and their ecology suffers from being heavily modified through centuries of use. The project uses a holistic catchment approach, providing advice on soil and land use management in order to reduce sediment runoff to the rivers, and improve infiltration and hydrological processes to reduce flooding and improve drought resilience. Every field, every farm and every stream have a part to play. | 1 January 2015 | Bank stabilisation habitat creation | Floodplain reconnection floodplain scrapes floodplain woodland planting | Opening long sections of culverts leaky woody dams | Run-off interception attenuation diversion | Soil managment and land use to improve infiltration and water quality | Working with Parish Councils and Flood Action Groups | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Land use management - forestry Monitoring Water quality | |||||
| Historic Mill Restoration Project | 54° 54' 46.21" N, 8° 50' 21.08" E | Reducing the risk of flooding, tackling subsidence and improving access for fish was dealt with by removing sluice gates and installing a weir allowing fish to swim over more easily. Retaining the historic mill and mill pond were central to the scheme. Economic, social and environmental benefits have been reported in a project that dealt sensitively with the cultural heritage at the site.
Works: 1. The mill pond and river were separated with a sheet-piled, concrete-faced weir. Flood banks were set back to increase capacity for flood waters. 2. Sluice gates and the fish ladder upstream of the mill bridge were removed. The millpond was retained as a functioning nursery area for fish. 3. Downstream of the mill, spawning grounds were formed by creating areas of shallower water using gravel (riffles). Resting areas (backwaters) were created and an otter pass was built under the bridge. 4. A new access point downstream of the mill was made for the Tønder Rowing Club to minimise disturbance to nature. 5. 700m of wetlands was created downstream of Tønder to create a wider nature corridor. This has been very popular with walkers and local people. Benefits: Historic mill retained; Aesthetic improvements have led to an increase in local house prices; Public access to nature improved - wetland walk; Balanced project aims with recreational needs; Improved river habitat; Fish pass more freely past the mill; Passage for houting has been restored. | Economic aspects Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||||||
| Hoffer Brook | 52° 7' 43.94" N, 0° 4' 1.75" E | River restoration including use of plastic mesh to stabilise silt bed before bed raising with gravel. Creation of point bars, bank reprofiling and rebuilding and fencing were also part of the project. | 1 February 2013 | 1 May 2014 | Bed lowering at impoundment and bed raising with gravel (and mesh) Bank reprofiling Sensitive desilt Livestock fencing Tree management Cattle drinkers | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||||
| Hogsmill River Connectivity Project | 51° 21' 21.99" N, 0° 15' 27.75" W | The overall aims of the project are: 1) To resolve fish passage and associated connectivity issues, and thus improve the WFD fish status of the Hogsmill River, by the removal or modification of a series of weirs/culverts which currently seriously impede or completely prevent upstream fish movement. 2) To improve in-stream habitat in two significant stretches of the Hogsmill River, which flow respectively through the Kingston University and the Hogsmill Sewage Treatment works, and thus improve the WFD fish status of the Hogsmill River. | 1 August 2012 | 31 October 2013 | Weir removal Deculverting Weir modification | Community involvement | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Flood risk management Social benefits | ||||||||
| Hogsmill Sewage Treatment Works phase 1 | 51° 24' 4.18" N, 0° 17' 16.08" W | Enhance a section of the Hogsmill through the STW by creating marginal and wetland area berms, backwaters and scrapes. This is within a wider wildlife area within the STW, encompassing wildflower grassland, tree planting and visitor interpretation trail and enhancement works to Surbiton Lagoon. Section 106 development gain from planning permission. Original scheme no longer valid so work proposed to the Hogsmill to enhance the channel edge habitat. | 1 January 2011 | Bank reprofiling | Creation of wetland | Creation of backwater | Economic aspects Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||
| Hogsmill river enhancement | 51° 22' 59.40" N, 0° 16' 0.98" W | Deflectors installed along the Hogsmill river to improve habitat | 1 April 2018 | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Hollyoak Wood and Willersley Park | 51° 26' 46.67" N, 0° 5' 22.21" E | River bank rehabilitation for morphology and biodiversity; improve visual amenity; improved marginal plant communities; improved continuity in river habitat through riparian planting and modified maintenance regime. 42052 square metres in size. Access river shuttle way linear walk from source to confluence with the River Cray; 11 opportunities have been identified to improve River Shuttle. A masterplan is currently being developed to improve the River Shuttle and the surrounding parkland in Hollyoak and Willersely and Marlbrough Parks. | 1 January 2008 | Bank reprofiling | Aesthetics Improved public access | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits | |||||||||
| Holmsley Inclosure Stream Restoration | 50° 48' 0.41" N, 1° 41' 4.88" W | This site is a part of New Forest LIFE project. The bed levels were raised for approximately 500m of the existing Stony Moors stream between the enclosure boundary and the fords on the public road. Levels were raised to within 0.4m of the surrounding floodplain to restore winter flooding on the flood plain. This was achieved using clay plugs and backfilling with imported hoggin and available bank spoil. Due to the steep gradient additional support was given to the infill in the form of log weirs, oak boards and live willow. Alongside the river bed restoration 8.8 hectares of scrub management and vegetation clearance was made. | 1 July 2002 | 31 December 2006 | Bed raising Tree management | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring | |||||||||
| Holnicote multi-objective flood risk management demonstration project | 51° 12' 21.49" N, 3° 33' 43.18" W | The National Trust Holnicote Estate is situated adjacent to the uplands of Exmoor and comprises around 40km2 of land draining the catchments of the Aller and Horner Water from Exmoor northwards through woodland, grassland and arable areas towards Porlock Bay. The key flood risk receptors in the catchments are the villages of Allerford, West Lynch and Bossington. There is nearly 100 properties in these villages at risk of flooding from the watercourses, which are influenced by a legacy of flow constrictions within the drainage networks, such as narrow historic stone bridges, and the lack of undeveloped channel and floodplain capacity through the built-up areas.
Driven by Defra, supported by the Environment Agency and managed by the National Trust, this project hopes to demonstrate that by looking at whole catchments and strategically targeting shifts in rural land management practices, sustainable support to flood management may be achieved. In addition, it is recognised that through rural land management change and intervention comes the opportunity to enhance the provision of a range of other ecosystem services within catchments. These include landscape quality, biodiversity, carbon stewardship, water quality, amenity and recreation. The principal objectives of the Holnicote project, which is currently scheduled to run until 2015, are: | 1 April 2009 | 31 March 2015 | Large woody derbis dams | Creation of a flood expansion area Interventions in direct/rapid flow pathways on hillsopes & connectivity to watercourses | Grip blocking Moorland restoration Woodland extension | Implementation of best practice land & soil management | Economic aspects Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Land use management - forestry Monitoring Social benefits Water quality | ||||||
| Hoo Brook root plates | 52° 22' 10.79" N, 2° 14' 48.97" W | Improve instream habitat diversity and fish access | 4 January 2018 | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Hooge Raam | 51° 43' 22.58" N, 5° 42' 25.45" E | Building with nature measures in streams The Hooge Raam is a tributary of the Lage Raam stream. It is a fast-flowing stream in a mostly natural area. After deepening and weir construction, the waterway had become too wide and too deep for its discharge. Fifteen years ago, maintenance was suspended. A new bed was dug out, in which the stream was allowed to meander. In parts of the stream, dead branches and trunks were introduced. In other parts, trees were planted along the banks to provide shade. | Hydromorphology | ||||||||||||
| Horne Way Weir | 51° 28' 14.68" N, 0° 13' 27.48" W | Creation of back channel and enhancement of flood bank ecology. Habitat improvement | Weir removal | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Hospital Bridge Road | 51° 26' 33.79" N, 0° 21' 50.25" W | To remove the weir to restore a more natural flow regime to the channel. Weir structure across the lower section of the Beverley Brook which does not fulfil its original use and it also causes backing up of silt which is a large blockage in the river. | 1 January 2011 | Creation of backwater | Fisheries Flood risk management Social benefits | ||||||||||
| Houghton 'trout stream' enhancements | 52° 19' 30.02" N, 0° 6' 26.70" W | The Environment Agency worked with local stakeholders to improve habitat quality on a side-channel of the Great Ouse.
Like many of our rivers, the Houghton 'trout' stream, has been significantly modified over many years. These modifications include impoundment, channelization and tree clearance. These pressures have reduced the resilience of the channel to wider catchment scale pressures from water quality and sediment. As a result of these modifications, there is insufficient flow and energy within the channel at many times of the year to move and redistribute sediment within the channel. This has meant that this 'naturally' gravelly river has an overlying layer of fine sediment. This significantly reduces the likelihood of successful spawning by species such as chub, dace and barbel, the latter of which has not been seen on the river for over a decade. Such habitats are particularly important to retain on this side channel, as the main river is navigable, heavily impounded, and cannot provide the diversity of habitats found on this channel, all of which are vital to many species at different points in their life cycle. Furthermore, due to navigation on the main channel, options to enhance or restore it are limited. The Environment Agency surveyed the side channel and put together a series of enhancement options to address the deterioration, which were then shared and discussed with the local Angling club and landowners. These included: Improving flow over an upstream weir, tree planting, retaining woody material, fencing, gravel jetting, and installing deflectors to keep areas of spawning gravels free from silt and excessive vegetation growth. Both landowners and Angling Club were keen to see these improvements made and offered both their time and money to see them implemented. Partnership was vital to success of the project. Very little money was spent on these enhancements with most contributions coming from volunteer time. The angling club have helped with planting of trees (willow whips sourced from local trees), gravel jetting (using agency equipment), and will share the cost of installing fencing with the local landowners Smith & Smith. The Agencies Fisheries and biodiversity team cleared vegetation blocking an upstream weir and installed flow deflectors, again using wood sourced from locally fallen tree that identified for removal as it was blocking a nearby drainage channel. While enhancements such as tree planting will take many years until benefits from increased cover, shelter shading, and supply of woody material to the channel are realized. Already, the benefits of the gravel jetting and flow deflectors can be seen. Following the work, the areas of clean gravels have remained, while other areas in the channel (not yet enhanced) have become covered with sediment and clogged with reed growth. For the first time in many years, large numbers of fish have been seen congregating around the deflectors in preparation to spawn, including many large chub. Furthermore, we have also seen River Lamprey (a formerly declining species) making use of the clean gravels for spawning. This project demonstrates that correctly targeted low-cost measures, undertaken in partnership with committed stakeholders, can make significant improvement to river channel habitat and fisheries value. Follow link for YouTube video of spawning gravel enhancements: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubVX4pla10Y&list=UU8XLubOua8P9B1hT0Qb5Tbg | 1 May 2014 | Creation of wooden deflectors Cleaning of spawning gravels | Fencing Tree planting | Fisheries Hydromorphology | Fish | ||||||||
| Houndsden Road Rain Gardens | 51° 38' 21.52" N, 0° 6' 25.57" W | The Houndsden Gutter is a tributary of the Salmons Brook, a small river running through Enfield which joins the Lea Navigation. Like many urban streams it suffers from pollution. Oils and heavy metals wash off the roads when it rains, flowing into surface water drains which lead straight into our streams and rivers. The plumbing in some homes and businesses is misconnected, sending water from appliances, sinks and sometimes even toilets into watercourses instead of the sewers.
In 2015 we worked with the London Borough of Enfield to create two rain garden systems to improve the water quality in the stream. They have been designed to treat water that runs off Houndsden Road every time it rains, taking run-off from a busy section of Houndsden Road, which previously flowed directly into the Houndsden Gutter. Water is directed along the verge where it infiltrates into the soil or, in high flow conditions, into the large, natural woodland treatment basin. In the first system a two metre wide swale was created along the verge using a low impact digger. A footbridge was created to allow the swale to continue into the natural basin of the spinney. Kerbs were dropped at two points along the verge to allow water to enter the swales from the road. Finally, the road gully just up from the top of the system was filled so water would be redirected into the swales. Further down same road a second rain garden system was implemented in September 2015, made possible with match funding from LBE. These roadside rain gardens have allowed for another road gully to be filled and more road run-off off to be filtered before entering Houndsden Stream. This scheme consists of a swale and two rain gardens taking water from Houndsden Road. In low rainfall conditions water is temporarily stored in the rain garden basins and slowly infiltrates into the verge. In high rainfall conditions, and when the basins reach a critical limit, water is transferred through a pipe, under the footpath and into the natural woodland basin in the spinney. The water treatment occurs in two ways. In the natural woodland basin of the Spinney, chemicals which would pollute the river are naturally and safely used by plants to grow or broken down by bacteria in the soil. The swales have been planted with sedges and native grasses to slow water flow and begin the treatment, and the woodland basin planted with suitable native seed mixes. Water will then naturally soak into the soil, recharging the water table. This is particularly important during times of summer drought. These rain gardens prevent oils and heavy metals washing into the Houndsden Gutter. The stream supports a small fish population, and fish are seriously impacted by such pollutants, so reducing the pollutant levels in the stream is of great importance. In addition through this project we flagged up a highly polluting outfall, which was then investigated immediately and rectified, having an enormously positive effect on the health of the stream. Interpretation will be created to showcase the benefit of rain gardens for rivers, as well as access improvements in the woodland to allow more people to get close to the stream. | 6 August 2012 | Creation of swales and wetland basin | Opening of tree canopy to encourage varied ground flora | Community consultation Community involvement Improved public access Interpretation boards | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Water quality Urban | ||||||||
| Hoveton Wetlands Restoration Project | 52° 42' 53.18" N, 1° 24' 43.08" E | Hoveton Great Broad is situated between the villages of Hoveton and Horning, immediately adjacent to the River Bure in the heart of the Broads. It is designated under the Habitats and Birds Directives and the RAMSCAR Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The lake has poor plant growth and excessive sediment deposits. This acts as a source of phosphorus which causes algal growth and poor ecology. The quality of the river water has improved over recent years and is now able to support the lake restoration. None of the 21 lakes in the Broadland catchment meet good WFD status. This project will help inform future lake measures in this internationally important wetland. | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Hull and East Riding Catchment Partnership | 53° 43' 5.51" N, 0° 18' 33.60" W | In 2012, Defra introduced the catchment based approach (CaBA) - a community-led approach that engages people and groups from across society to help improve our water environments. Defra drives CaBA through a national network of catchment partnerships. These partnerships are expected to identify local priorities and tackle cross-cutting issues; ensure that the work of partners is coordinated; and deliver improvements across their catchments.
Established in 2014, the Hull and East Riding Catchment Partnership is hosted by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust with support from the East Yorkshire Rivers Trust as Joint Host. They are joined on the partnership by the Beverley and North Holderness Internal Drainage Board, East and North Yorkshire Waterways Partnership, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Environment Agency, Hull City Council, Natural England, Ouse and Humber Drainage Board, South Holderness Internal Drainage Board and Yorkshire Water. Unlike most other catchments, the Hull and East Riding catchment area comprises a series of distinct and often discrete watercourses / water bodies, known locally as: Barmston Sea Cut; Gypsey Race; Hornsea Mere; Market Weighton Canal and River Foulness; River Hull; and the South Holderness Drains (Burstwick, Keyingham, Ottringham, Thorngumbald and Winestead). Most of these water bodies are separate from the main inland waterway network. Together, though, they are crucial to the drainage of the Yorkshire Wolds and the East Riding and to the unique landscape character of the region. In March 2017, the Hull and East Riding Catchment Partnership published its first catchment plan, which explains how partners are using the CaBA to make a difference in the water environment, in local communities and to the local economy – now and in the long term. The document also demonstrates the partnership's strong track record of collaborative working and includes case studies which illustrate the partnership's capacity for effective catchment management. | Volunteer engagement | Economic aspects Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Flood risk management Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Monitoring Social benefits Water quality Urban | |||||||||||
| Humber Estuary Erosion Protection Programme | 53° 44' 37.92" N, 0° 19' 42.07" W | The defences around the Humber Estuary are affected by erosive forces as a result of strong currents and wave actio. These erosive forces cause damage to the defences and over time undermine the stability and integrity of the defences. If not addressed these defences are at risk of breaching, potentially causing significant flooding and risk to life. The Humber Estuary Erosion Protection Programme aims to remediate and manage the erosion caused to the defences. The programme is supported by the Defra-approved Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy. Alongside erosion protection works, the project also aims to achieve Water Framework Directive objectives through the design of schemes that deliver benefits to the environment. The Humber Estuary (Map 1) is home to 921,000 people of whom nearly 400,000 are at risk of flooding, as are important industries, 32,500 business and a significant agricultural sector. The area hosts some of the highest value assets and critical infrastructure in the country, including power stations and refineries, the country’s largest port complex, a petrochemicals industry worth £6 billion per year and approximately 115,000ha of high grade agricultural land. There are some 230km of flood defences protecting the area to various standards of protection. | 2017 | Salt marsh and mudflat restoration | |||||||||||
| Hunze bij Torenveen | 53° 0' 19.98" N, 6° 49' 38.38" E | The Hunze is a lowland stream with a low flow velocity. Originally a meandering stream, the Hunze has been straightened in many places to facilitate peat transport, agriculture and other economic efforts. There are now various plans to reform the Hunze valley to a state that is closer to its original, natural conditionn. The objective is to restore meanders and create floodplains where possible and promote biodiversity. Vegetation removal in the stream has been minimized. Small patches of vegetation are removed when there is a risk of the stream getting blocked. | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Hurst Bridge (downstream) | 50° 42' 47.18" N, 2° 17' 22.94" W | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||||||||
| Hurst Park | 51° 24' 37.07" N, 0° 21' 38.87" W | Restoration of natural floodplain; habitat creation; amenity; wetland creation Part of the TLS Hurst Park management plan. Master plan completed. Consultation completed, funding bids being submitted | 1 January 2008 | Habitat creation Creation of wetland | Aesthetics | Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | |||||||||
| INTERREG MED WETNET - Membership card of the Verdier Marshes-Rhone Delta Wetland Contract | 43° 30' 8.69" N, 4° 45' 46.82" E | The wetland contract process was beneficial to the Verdier marshes. With over ten years of community based management, the site has faced some important questions concerning water management and participation. The collaborative effort to create a shared vision that was validated by the members allowed us to address these questions. The fact that the shared vision includes aspects of natural water management, now allows us to adapt the water pumping for the site which impacts various activities including hunting, pasture management and bird watching. The shared vision sets the framework for all of the activities proposed in the action plan and thus sets the basis for the management plan. Given that the members of the Association are volunteers, a formal contract could not be signed, but to resolve this problem, each of the members signed the membership card with the shared vision and the action plan was validated by the board of the Verdier marshes which includes members of the Association and the Tour du Valat.
The vision for the site was: A mosaic of wetlands that is representative of the natural environments typical of the Camargue and respectful of the natural water cycles. The site supports community engaged events that stimulate social links and well-being. The site, managed by a village association in a collective spirit and is freely accessible to all. The main activities included in the action plan were: • Maintain infrastructures so that they remain functional and appealing to the public (shed, tables, dry toilets, etc.). • Develop new artistic activities (drawing classes) • Continue control of invasive species; • Maintain the South dike • Respect the natural hydrological functioning of the South basin (rain fed) to favor the installation of a vegetation characteristic of temporary low-salt marshes and vegetation of salt meadows; • Edit a site and event program attached to a newsletter. • Add signage and interpretation on birds in the observatory; • Organize meetings with site users and children to discuss and promote local know-how; • Find referents and perpetuate monitoring in places (water levels, breeding birds, hunting boards, botany); • Ensure compliance with hunting regulations (ensure guarding) • Schedule a quarterly activities that take place over a weekend to mobilize people in professional activity and allow them to participate in construction sites; • Empower a referent for each task for the organization of workdays. He/she will have to inform all the members about the progress of the building sites; • Maintain the monthly meetings of the association. | 1 November 2016 | 31 October 2019 | Maintain the South dike; Respect the natural hydrological functioning of the South basin (rain fed) to favor the installation of a vegetation characteristic of temporary low-salt marshes and vegetation of salt meadows | Add signage and interpretation on birds in the observatory | Ensure compliance with hunting regulations (ensure guarding) | Develop new artistic activities (drawing classes); Organize meetings with site users and children to discuss and promote local know-how; Maintain the monthly meetings of the association | Environmental flows and water resources Social benefits | ||||||
| Improvement of the River Varde at the Wadden Sea estuary | 55° 27' 47.83" N, 8° 18' 40.17" E | The overall objective of the project was to improve the conditions for the habitats and species by raising water levels in the area, ending the use of pesticides and fertilisers and extensifying agricultural production. The project area of 2,700 ha involved around 436 landowners and was divided into 13 sections.
By the end of the project, 2,488 ha of land was restored to a natural hydrological condition, and subsequently entered into 20-year management agreements. This involved just over 250 farmers and covered 92 % of the initial target of 2,700 ha. The foremost conservation benefit of the project is that the area is secured for conservation-friendly management over at least the next 20 years. The long-term monitoring planning includes a general survey during 2017-2022, when the current 20-year agreements expire. | Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||||
| Improving conservation condition of the National Trust managed river test SSSI | 51° 12' 23.82" N, 1° 21' 34.22" W | The National Trust (NT) Mottisfont countryside team manage in excess of 3 miles of the main river Test and its tributaries all of which are designated as SSSI and are of significant economic, recreational and historical value. The NT has conservation aims to ensure all SSSI units are maintained in ‘Favourable’ status. Prior to the project delivery, these SSSI units were classified as ‘Unfavourable’ and as such individual management strategies were formed to improve this status along the river Test. The main inhibiting factors for SSSI favourable status were deemed as:
1. Stockbridge Marsh Court Stream: Erosion of bank and inlets and complete reduction of bankside vegetation all of which are due to excessive pressure from dogs, people and livestock. 2. Oakley Beat: Poor flow rates and excessive depths due to a weir and historical dredging of river bed, preventing the presence of expected chalk stream flora and fauna. These issues were identified by project partners including Natural England (NE) and the Environment Agency (EA) as inhibiting factors towards the wider catchment Test and Itchen Restoration Strategy (T&IRS). The Court Leet of Stockbridge was a key engagement partner for funding and enabling traditional commoning practice (grazing, access) to continue. | Monitoring strategy | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Improving the Conservation Status of Freshwater Pearl Mussel Targeting the Clun SAC and Upstream Waters | 52° 27' 19.75" N, 3° 12' 51.23" W | Objectives - To restore the Clun SAC to favourable Condition Background Reasons for the project | Riparian habitat restoration Tree planting Cut back of trees | Livestock access | Livestock exclusion Sustainable livestock watering | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Land use management - forestry Monitoring Social benefits Water quality | |||||||||
| Improving water quality in Loweswater | 54° 34' 59.62" N, 3° 21' 24.07" W | To ensure that Loweswater achieves good ecological status under the WFD, diffuse pollution will be reduced through changes to farming practices and restoration of tributaries, and methods will be trialled to reduce algal populations within the lake including ultrasound and wind-powered aerating and mixing equipment. The project is ongoing thanks to funding from the National Trust to allow continued monitoring of the site. | 1 July 2012 | Non/agricultural business changed its way of working | Community involvement | Economic aspects Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Water quality | |||||||||
| Inchewan Burn Bed restoration | 56° 33' 26.66" N, 3° 34' 45.15" W | During the creation of a bypass by the river, the burn was engineered by encasing it in gabion baskets to provide structural protection for the roadway piers. Reno mattresses were also used to prevent down-cutting by the burn. In the high-energy environment of the burn, the reno mattresses' protective PVC layer was eroded and the galvanised coating of the mattresses exposed, causing them to split open and the withheld material released. The remaining wire became a hazard for fish, snaring many. Additionally, the downstream gabions would often block surface water in low-flow conditions, with water simply flowing 'through' them in the gaps in between. Accordingly, fish migration was often blocked. The restoration saw the removal of the reno mattresses and the introduction of boulders to create pools, diversify flow and collect sediment. These boulders were set in concrete to prevent their movement in high flows. Timber extraction of non-native conifer plantation. Planting of native broadleaf tree species. Local school children helped to plant the native broadleaf tree species. | 1 September 2007 | Removal of artificial wire/stone bed Replicated upstream boulder bed step/pool sequence | Removal of non-native species Large scale planting of native species | In-channel placement of boulders to provide flow diversity | Student Education | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | Fish | ||||||
| Inspiring Water Action in the Torne (iWAIT) | 53° 30' 48.20" N, 1° 1' 1.70" W | The River Torne Catchment Partnership is a group of stakeholders working towards the revitalisation of the River Torne to the east of Doncaster in South Yorkshire (Map 1) for people and wildlife. The Inspiring Water Action in the Torne (iWAIT) project has multiple outcomes including the restoration of 46.5ha of wet woodland – a rare and threatened priority habitat (Photo 1), natural flood risk benefits, education and community engagement. | 2016 | establishment of woodland | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Water quality | ||||||||||
| Investigating the Impacts of Upland Land Use Management on Flood Risk at Pontbren, Wales | 52° 39' 16.55" N, 3° 23' 38.15" W | The aim of this research project on the Pontbren catchment in north Wales (Photo 1 and Map 1) was to improve understanding of how changes in upland land management impact on flood risk at the catchment scale. Experimental plots were established to measure the effects of sheep grazing and tree planting on soil structure and the generation of flood run-off. The data from these plots were used to derive parameter values and uncertainty bounds for a multi-scale modelling methodology. The model was applied to the headwater catchment to predict the impact of alternative land use practices on flood flows. Results showed that land management can have a major effect on run-off processes, providing scope for targeted interventions to significantly reduce flood risk in low permeability, upland landscapes at local scales.
Soil infiltration rates were found to be 67 times higher within woodland plots and shelterbelts planted on improved grassland compared with grazed pasture; this reduced measured surface run-off volumes by an average of 78% compared with the control. These differences were quick to develop, becoming apparent within one year of sheep exclusion and tree planting. This was partly explained by the removal of the grazing pressure on the soil, which reduced run-off volumes by 48%, and partly by the action of tree rooting and growth, which was responsible for the remaining 30% decrease. Modelling predicted that planting tree strips across 7% of the 12km2 headwater catchment could reduce a severe flood (return period of 180 years) by an average of 5%. The effect of complete afforestation was much greater, reducing the same flood peak by an average of 36%. | 2005 | establishment of woodland | Economic aspects Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Monitoring | ||||||||||
| Investigating the impact of floodplain woodland on flood flows in the River Cary catchment, Somerset | 51° 3' 31.73" N, 2° 43' 9.62" W | The project was established as a modelling study to investigate how the planting of floodplain woodland can affect flood flows. The River Cary is a major tributary of the River Parrett in Somerset (Map 1) with extensive areas suitable for floodplain woodland restoration. A 2.2km long reach was selected to simulate the impact of different woodland planting scenarios on a 1% annual exceedance probability (AEP) event. Hydraulic roughness parameters were changed in one and two-dimensional hydraulic models to represent a shift from grassland to floodplain woodland. The results suggest that there is considerable scope for using strategically placed floodplain woodland to alleviate downstream flooding. Floodplain woodland dissipates flood energy, reducing flood velocity and increasing local water depths. This can reduce downstream flood peaks but increase upstream flooding due to the backing up of floodwater. The planting of 133ha of floodplain woodland along a 2.2km reach of the River Cary was predicted to increase local flood storage by 71% and delay the flood peak travel time by 140 minutes. | establishment of woodland | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - forestry Monitoring Water quality | |||||||||||
| Investigating the impact of upland conifer afforestation on catchment hydrology at Coalburn, northern England | 55° 5' 41.08" N, 2° 28' 50.47" W | The project was set up in 1966 as a research catchment for the study of the long-term effects of conifer afforestation on upland water supplies. After a 5-year period of baseline measurements, 90% of the 150ha moorland catchment of the Coalburn was deep ploughed and planted with predominantly Sitka spruce in 1972 to 1973. Stream flow, rainfall and other measurements have continued throughout the study to capture the effects of a full forest growth cycle on catchment hydrology. Results show that the different stages of the forest cycle differ markedly in terms of their impact on catchment water yield and extreme flows. This case study focuses on reporting the effects on peak flows. Land use change from moorland to conifer forest has had marked effects on catchment hydrology, which vary through time. At first pre-planting cultivation and drainage dominated by increasing peak flows by 15–20% and reducing time to peak by a third. These changes appeared to decline with increasing peak height, as well as reduced over time. A progressive increase in water use by the growing forest then took over and appeared to reduce peak flows, although identifying a trend was hampered by rising annual rainfall totals. Use of modelling to decouple the effect of climate variability found evidence of peak flows declining by 10–15% with forest growth. The reduction decreased with increasing event size and appeared to be lost as the return period approached 100 years. The results indicated that forest growth reduced the frequency of discharge events by around 50% (for example, an event with a return period of 13 years became a return period of 20 years). | establishment of woodland | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - forestry Monitoring Water quality | |||||||||||
| Investigating the interaction between semi-natural floodplain woodland and flood flows at Great Triley Wood | 51° 51' 22.95" N, 2° 59' 59.83" W | The project was established as a research study to investigate how floodplain woodland affects flood flows. Great Triley Wood is a semi-natural, floodplain woodland owned and managed by the Woodland Trust. The site provided an opportunity to measure how trees, undergrowth and woody debris affect the hydraulic roughness of the floodplain and therefore the storage and passage of flood flows. Results are used to provide ‘hard’ evidence of how floodplain woodland impacts on flood risk and to help develop and test hydraulic models for wider application. Floodplain woodland dissipates flood energy, reducing flood velocity and increasing local water depths. This can reduce downstream flood peaks but increase upstream flooding due to the backing up of floodwaters. The formation of large woody dams has an important role to play in storing and deflecting flood flows. Individual dams can delay a 1% annual exceedance probability (AEP) event by 2–3 minutes. | 2005 | establishment of woodland | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - forestry Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||||
| Ironbridge Farm | 51° 55' 41.94" N, 0° 31' 6.19" E | The river restoration at Ironbridge Farm builds on the work undertaken at Little Waltham meadows on the River Chelmer and the nearby Local Nature reserve at Bocking Blackwater.
As with all of these works the aim of the project is to improve the water-body under the Water Framework Directive. Currently the River Pant is failing under Water Framework Directive for a number of reasons including diffuse pollution, fish passage, point source and physical modification. It should be noted that this area does suffer from low flows during the summer months, especially if the Abberton scheme which transfers water from the Ouse to Abberton is closed. There are some local issues with the river in this area, that are largely typical of those found elsewhere in Essex. Namely the disconnection of the river from the surrounding floodplain, this has led to a reduction in quality and type of Riparian habitat, in this case specifically wet woodland which is drying out and fen meadows which are decreasing in number and quality. Interestingly and of some note, the site at Ironbridge Farm and the surrounds are a Local Wildlife Site (LoWS) this means they have been recognised as an outstanding site in the context of Essex. Largely the site is notified for its mosaic of habitat but a key element of this is the presence of wet woodland and Fen meadow. So, besides contributing to raising the WFD status of the site, it is also contributing to the rehabilitation of the LoWS in the shape of an enhanced wet woodland and and enhanced Fen meadow. In order to achieve this, a plan has been designed which will increase the seasonal inundation and flooding of the woodland and fen meadow. This will have the multi benefits of reconnecting the floodplain, reducing flooding and improving water quality. A simple pipe will be installed which has been set to a level which will not only protect low flows but achieve the desired ecological effects. The level of the pipe was calculated by taking measurements on days of known flows and supported by Mannings equation. It is hoped that the pipe level (nominally 44.30OD) will allow the site to flood 4 or 5 times during the winter months, an existing land drain will also be diverted to feed into the woodland. In addition to the installation of a pipe there will also be some limited earthworks to help the water move around the site in an effective manner and also to provide further enhancement of the local wildlife site. There will be around 15 to 20cm's taken off the existing field surface to delineate a channel and hold water. The spoil created by this will then be used to create a small bund which will stop any uncontrolled water spreading across the floodplain. A number of considerations had to be considered before undertaking this work, most notably in this case the presence of trees on the site. This resulted in a number of tree assessments being undertaken in order to manage and mitigate any impact on the tree's including HERAS fencing, root protection tracks and a number of arrangements put in place to protect these trees. Work should be undertaken in August 2015, all the necessary consents are in place and a contractor has been appointed to undertake the works. | 1 April 2012 | Habitat restoration | Creation of backwaters Creation of wetland Creation of pond | Creation of backwater Habitat restoration | UK BAP habitat creation/restoration | Ensuring biodiversity Promoting riparian vegetation Woodland management | Habitat and biodiversity Water quality | ||||||
| Isar-Plan | 48° 7' 40.09" N, 11° 34' 41.73" E | The Isar Plan Project is a river restoration project on a stretch of 8Km in the inner city of Munich. The Project was initiated in 2000 and the last site was completed by 2011. The three main goals of the project were:
1) Flood protection 2) Enhancing Species diversity and ecological restoration 3) Improving leisure and recreation | 1 January 1998 | Deepening of river floor Removal of bank reinforcements Creation of gravel banks Bank reprofiling | Large scale planting of native species Creation of a flood expansion area | Channel naturalisation Channel widening Creation of braided channel Creation of willow island | Creation of new bicycle path embedding of rootballs and tree trunks natural seating stones places on banks | Waste management provision of temporary toilet facilities | Information for the public | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydropower Hydromorphology Land use management - forestry Monitoring Social benefits Spatial planning Water quality Urban | Continuity of sediment transport Structure & condition of riparian zones | Public use | |||
| Jufferbeek | 52° 17' 11.76" N, 6° 53' 54.31" E | The Jufferbeek is a very small stream with an irregular discharge. It is a tributary of the Deurningerbeek and Regge. Parts of the stream are still meandering, but other parts, that are close to urban or industrial areas, have been straightened. In 2006, dead wood was introduced in this stream. The purpose of this exercise was to restore the circulation of organic detritus and provide a habitat for particular species. It was also meant to raise the streambed and increase the retention capacity. | Habitat and biodiversity Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Kanaal van Deurne | 51° 24' 51.98" N, 5° 52' 5.60" E | The Channel of Deurne and the parallel Helenavaart transport water from the river Meuse. The channels were originally dug out to facilitate peat transport and now mainly serve to maintain a sufficiently high water level in the surrounding area. Floating debris caused flooding problems in downstream areas. Rather than mowing all the vegetation, the water authority decided to only mow a 4 meter wide strip of the main channel. | Flood risk management | ||||||||||||
| Keent | 51° 46' 15.18" N, 5° 41' 44.93" E | In Keent, a nature area was developped. The former river bed was partly dug out and connected to the Meuse River. Keent was made into an island, surrounded with water and nature. The result of the project is a wide gulley in the middle of forests, valleys, swamps and recreational facilities. Also the water level in the Meuse river was lowered by 3.5 cm. Horses and cows graze the area to combat the growth of trees and bushes. | 1 January 2007 | 4 July 2014 | Connection between river channel and former side branches Riverbed dug out | Grazing | Creation of visitors centre Exposition about the past of Keent | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture | |||||||
| Kelham Island Weir Fish Easement | 53° 23' 25.16" N, 1° 28' 31.61" W | The HLF funded 'Living Heritage of the River Don' project saw fish pass solutions created on five unadopted weirs in Sheffield, aiming to return Salmon to the River Don for the first time in over 200 years. Visit the website - https://dcrt.org.uk/the-living-heritage-of-the-river-don/fish-pass-works | Creation of fish passes Improving fish migration | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Urban | |||||||||||
| Kensworth Quarry Chalk Pit Restoration | 51° 51' 56.35" N, 0° 31' 15.49" W | Kensworth Quarry is the UK's largest chalk pit and is one of the largest in the world. It is located to the top of the Chilterns ridge close to the (now dry) head valleys of the River Ver which is is one of only 200 Chalk streams in the world.
The River Ver, like many other Chiltern chalk streams, has suffered from unsustainable water abstraction to support local development needs. Over the past decade the river has ceased to flow on the Chilterns dip slope above Redbourne and without hydro-support it is quite possible that the river will disappear above St Albans within the next couple of decades. It is thought that River Ver has been flowing in this area since the Anglian Glacation 400,000 years ago and there may be a fantastic and unique opportunity to secure its future for a while longer. Production from Kensworth Quarry is due to cease within the next decade after which it will be subject to a site restoration program. It is proposed that as part of the site restoration plan consideration be given to establishing a permanent perched reservoir as the focus of wetland nature reserve and 'Geopark' of international significance. The reservoir would also be used to provide head water support to the River Ver to revitalise the river and sustain flow throughout the year. In addition the perched reservoir could be used to as a pumped hydro energy storage facility to support the growing network of solar energy plants in the farmlands west of the Chilterns ridge. | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||||
| Kensworth Quarry Chalk Pit Site Restoration | 51° 51' 56.35" N, 0° 31' 15.49" W | Kensworth Quarry is the Us largest chalk quarry and one of the largest in the world. It is located on the top of the Chilterns ridge close to the head valleys of the River Ver.
Production from the quarry is due to end within the next decade after which the site will be subject to a site restoration program. It is proposed to evaluate the technical and commercial feasibility of using the chalk pit as a perched reservoir to provide a wetland natural habitat of national significance, to provide pumped hydro energy storage for local renewable energy generation plants, and to provide head water support to the River Ver for up to three months per year. | |||||||||||||
| Kensworth Quarry Chalk Pit Site Restoration 2 | 51° 51' 56.35" N, 0° 31' 15.49" W | ||||||||||||||
| Kentchurch Weir Removal | 51° 55' 25.48" N, 2° 51' 0.57" W | In 2008, EA Wales and Atkins completed a project to install a fish pass at Osbaston, downstream of Kentchurch Weir - to improve fish passage upstream. However, the 2 metre high Kentchurch Weir posed as a significant and impassable barrier to fish passage further upstream. A £100,000, 18 month-long project was undertaken, beginning in 2008, to remove this structure and open up the upper reaches of the Monnow. | Weir removal Weir modification | Improving fish migration | Habitat and biodiversity | Bathymetric Survey Sediment Contamination Assessment | |||||||||
| Kimpton Park | 51° 22' 31.47" N, 0° 12' 37.15" W | Divert existing Pyl Brook channel near culvert entrance through Hamilton Avenue recreation ground and reconnect it into the existing watercourse 113m downstream. The total length of the diversion channel is 164m which effectively increases the watercourse length by 51m. The new channel will incorporate a sinuous channel with riffles, pools and berms. The old channel will be partially infilled and will form an undisturbed island of habitat between the new and old channels. Some of the toe boarding will be removed and used in habitat elsewhere on site. New and upgraded footpaths, wildlife flower grass areas and bridge across Pyl Brook will be provided. The site is situated within the Kimpton Industrial Area and forms part of a wider proposal to create a Linear Park around the Industrial Estate. This forms part of the UDP objectives for the Industrial area and associated environmental and recreational enhancements in the area. The works are being carried out by the London Borough of Sutton. The Environment Agency have been consulted regarding the diversion and re-routing of a section of the Pyl Brook as part of the Planning Application and the Consenting process. | 1 January 2008 | Bank reprofiling | Creation of new channel Habitat creation | Aesthetics | Flood risk management Social benefits | ||||||||
| King Georges Park | 51° 26' 51.78" N, 0° 11' 35.17" W | To access feasibility of steel sheet pile removal and soft engineering to west bank of river to restore natural features such as meanders if possible and to enhance biodiversity habitat to access to nature. River in channel with toe boarding and concrete sides residential, business properties to east bank, park to west bank. | 1 January 2008 | Removing of sheet piling | Creation of meanders | Social benefits | |||||||||
| King Georges Playing Field | 51° 33' 51.04" N, 0° 11' 3.67" E | Creation of features; berms; shelves; possible creation of backwater; tree works to lighten up the channel in places; realignment in places. The river runs down the side of a bland looking park. It has a natural bed and banks, but is largely devoid of features. The river would benefit from the above works, more marginal habitat and flora would be created as a result. | 1 January 2008 | Tree management | Creation of backwater | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | |||||||||
| Kirkstall Valley Weir Fish Passes Project | 53° 48' 44.13" N, 1° 36' 0.82" W | The outcome of the project is the improvement for fish passage around Kirkstall Island on the River Aire in Leeds by provision of fish passes at St Ann's Mills weir and Burley Mills weir. The fish passes will also benefit the other species which already inhabit the river but are prevented from reaching optimal spawning and feeding grounds.
The weirs are both situated on the left side channel (looking downstream) of Kirkstall Island. There are two weirs on the right side channel but careful consideration has led to the belief that fish will use the left side where the heavier flow is located. Works include: The construction of two fish passes. | 9 August 2012 | 25 June 2014 | Creation of fish passes | Community involvement | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Urban | ||||||||
| Kirkstone Beck River Restoration | 54° 29' 59.68" N, 2° 55' 39.33" W | Located upstream of Brothers Water in the Ullswater valley, Kirkstone Beck runs through the valley bottom at Hartsop Hall Farm. The beck, and its tributaries, had been subjected to significant modifications, straightened and with large embankments completely disconnecting the channel from the floodplain.
The project was delivered in 2022. Embankments were set back from the channel, retaining protection for the meadows but allowing the river much more space. T-junction style tributary confluences were restored to wide, wandering systems, and the narrow single-span bridge was replaced with a wider double-span crossing. In the fens of Brothers Water, the design took a process-led approach, blocking the existing channel with large woody debris to encourage the natural evolution of an anastomosing system across the delta. Initial analysis shows that the total river area has increased significantly, from 1,850m2 to 23,300m2; that’s more than 12 times as much river habitat available post-restoration compared to the baseline. Considering the level of compromise required on this project, these figures are impressive. Furthermore, flood events since construction have seen dynamic changes throughout the restored areas, with channels shifting through three large boulder wandering sections (semi-permanent gravel bar consisting of larger, boulder-type material). Large areas of open standing water have also been created, adding an important habitat which is so often missing from the landscape. | 2019 | Embankment removal Diversification of in-channel features | Rejuvination of river delta widening of river channel | Widening to allow wandering sections | NE & LDNPA as well as the tenant farmer; site visits hosted to share project success and lessons partnership working with organisations including the EA | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality | |||||||
| Klassiek beekherstel Astense Aa | 51° 25' 16.61" N, 5° 46' 23.66" E | De Astense Aa was een rechte beek met steile oevers. Door deze eigenschappen wordt water snel afgevoerd. Dit zorgt voor wateroverlast bij extreme neerslag en voor droogte in periodes waarin het weinig regent. Dit is geen ideale situatie. Daarnaast was de situatie ook niet zo aantrekkelijk voor planten en dieren. Daarom richt het waterschap Aa en Maas de Astense Aa in fases opnieuw in. | 2011 | Traditioneel beekherstel | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality | ||||||||||
| Kleblach-Side channel | 46° 46' 33.60" N, 13° 20' 45.60" E | 1 January 1992 | Planting | Removal of embankments | Creation of groynes Creation of side channel | Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Hydromorphology Water quality | Fish: Abundance Fish: Species composition Invertebrates: Abundance Invertebrates: Diversity | Channel pattern/planform Flow velocities | |||||||
| Kleine Aa, traject Smalwater Noord | 51° 35' 42.36" N, 5° 16' 35.87" E | Waterboard De Dommel in cooperation with Foundation Brabants Landschap (Brabant Landscape) have restored the watercourse Kleine Aa (Small Aa) to improve landscape and ecological values.
The southern portion of this stream was restored some years ago, and in September 2011 the northern part, the area between the railway Boxtel - Tilburg and the outlet in the Essche Stream, was restored. At the moment the project Kleine Aa in the final stages of completion as the second fish passage is contstructed downstream. The work will probably be completed by summer 2013. Between Kapelweg and Helweg in Boxtel, the stream is restored over a length of 1.5 km. The result is a natural, narrow, brook that winds its way through the landscape. Two fish passage allow fish like the Bitter Roach, Chub and Ide, to swim again between the Essche stroom and the Beerze, at the spot where dams previously prevented this. The use of rubble in this fishways improves the habitat of protected bullhead. Also amphibians will be more at home in the area thanks to the pools on the banks of the stream. The scenery along the water is varied, with flowery meadows, willows and elms. A hiking trail now also allows hikers to explore the area, crossing the stream at a location where a crossing was historically. | 1 March 2008 | Habitat and biodiversity Spatial planning | Fish Macrophytes | ||||||||||
| Kleine Beerze | 51° 25' 15.72" N, 5° 16' 47.28" E | The Kleine Beerze is a small stream that merges with the Groote Beerze. Currently, the flow velocity in the channel is too low as a consequence of straightening. This sometimes leads to the stream falling dry in periods with little rainfall. Biodiversity in the Kleine Beerze is rather low. Main channel mowing was used as a strategy to enhance diversity in flow velocity, macroinvertebrates and vegetation. In addition to this small-scale building with nature measure, efforts are made to recreate a meandering trajectory for the stream. Furthermore, effects of waterbed pollution are also being researched and various barriers have been made passable for fish. | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Knepp Rewilding Project | 50° 58' 40.98" N, 0° 21' 33.26" W | Jointly funded by Natural England and the Knepp Estate, the restoration of the upper reaches of the River Adur lies at the heart of the largest rewilding project in lowland UK.
The work, carried out by the Environment Agency, has involved removing 4 weirs, returning 2.4km of canalised river to its original meanders and linking it to 5.5kms of restored floodplain upstream. It is part of a landscape-scale conservation enterprise aimed at restoring the full range of hydrological processes from the moment raindrops fall on the land, filtering through vegetation and the soil, to their passage into watercourses towards the sea. This reach of the River Adur was enlarged and diverted to the edge of the floodplain at least two hundred years ago, in an attempt to improve land drainage and allow the land to be farmed more productively. This extensive modification created a deep, uniform trapezoidal channel that supported very little flow or habitat diversity and was largely cut off from its floodplain in all but the largest floods. The extent of channel enlargement meant that flows became very low during dry summer periods, with parts of the river resembling a series of connected ponds rather than a flowing channel. A sluice and two stepped weirs were installed in an attempt to maintain depths of flow, but these impounded flows, encouraged sedimentation and limited fish passage. As a result of these modifications, natural river processes were limited and the river did not support the range of habitats that would be expected, resulting in a failure to reach Good Ecological Status under the Water Framework Directive. The main aim of the restoration project was therefore to physically modify the existing channel to restore natural river processes, reconnect the river to its floodplain, and create the conditions that are required to support a rich and varied range of habitats for plants, invertebrates and fish. The project formed part of the wider Knepp Castle Rewilding Project, which aims to produce a large scale minimal-intervention landscape. Creation of 1 km of new meandering river channel with naturally variable bed and bank profiles. Re-naturalisation of an additional 1.5 km of channel through bank re-profiling. The uniform, high banks were “pushed” into the channel to create a low flow channel with natural bank profiles that support a range of emergent and marginal habitats. The new channel has a much smaller capacity than the modified channel that it replaced, concentrating low flows and improving floodplain connectivity during periods of higher flow. Blocking and diversion of floodplain drains and creation of scrapes to retain water on the floodplain. Works included: Realignment of 1km river channel to its former naturally meandering course. Removal of four obsolete in-channel structures to restore natural flow and sediment transport processes and allow the free passage of fish. Creation of two backwaters to provide valuable habitats for aquatic plants and invertebrates. | 1 January 2006 | 31 December 2013 | Bank modification Re-profiling Creation of low flow channel Habitat restoration Barrier removal Creation of backwaters Introducing large woody debris Riverbed restoration | Floodplain reconnection Scrapes Increase water retention area Wetland habitat | Channel realignment Enhancing flow diversity Habitat restoration Meandering channel Re-meandering | Create more natural flow regime Improvement of natural flows Improving fish migration Selective removal of organic muds and sludge contaminated with toxic | Flow management | Environmental flows and water resources Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Social benefits Water quality | |||||
| Knock Burn low flow channel | 54° 35' 58.03" N, 5° 50' 20.99" W | As part of a larger biodiversity project for Stormont Estate, enhancement works were required for the Knock Burn. The burn had been overwidened in past years, resulting in a shallow, slow flowing channel, which required regular maintenance due to silt accumulation. It was decided to cretae a sinuous low flow channel, using the silt and bed material to creat a narrower, faster flowing channel. No additional materials were added to the channel, and land drainage was picked up during the new channel creation. All 200m of the project was completed in one day, using a mini digger. The planform of the channel was designed on site, by working downstream and trying to follow the flow patterns as they appeared. | 2 December 2010 | 25 January 2011 | Creation of low flow channel | Re-meandering | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Urban | Fish Macrophytes | Channel pattern/planform | ||||||
| Koningsdiep | 53° 2' 26.51" N, 6° 3' 3.28" E | Stream restoration measures in the Koningsdiep aim to create a larger habitat for the species present. The stream discharge was reduced through the creation of a meander, so that a culvert does not have to be closed to prevent downstream water damage. This culvert is important to ensure animals' ability to migrate in the area. A fish passage was created in the meander. Dead wood trunks and branches were introduced in the newly dug-out part to narrow the stream. | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||||||
| LARA (Lugg and River Arrow) | 52° 18' 18.24" N, 3° 4' 22.93" W | In 2008 the Foundation secured funding from the SITA Trust's Enriching Nature Programme for a £194,000 lower Lugg and Arrow project. The trust was set up to manage sums from SITA's landfill tax and has used this to support actions under Entrust's DA (Biodiversity) measure.
With support from the Lugg & Arrow Fisheries Association (LAFA) and from the Wye Salmon Fisheries Owners Association (WSFOA), LARA will improve the biodiversity in the Lugg and Arrow within 10 miles of Leominster's licensed land fill site. In 2007 salmon, trout and the habitat "rivers and streams" were added to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). These, plus brook and river lamprey, bullhead, otter, a wide range of invertebrates (inc. crayfish), grey wagtail, kingfisher, dipper and sand martin will benefit from the project. The project has 3 main areas of activity: • Riverline habitat restoration • Fish passage • Improving water quality
The project will focus on fencing out the most damaged of the tributaries in the area. These include: Pinsley; Tippets; Broad; Aston; Curl and Wellington brooks; and the river Arrow. In addition to this, a sequential 3-year work plan has been developed for 1.2km of the main stem of the Lugg at Mortimer's cross. The first stage of this involved re-establishment of ranunculus and increasing the cover on the banks. 580m was completed in September 2009. Also, a new site of 2.4km of main stem on the Arrow at Monkland was coppiced and the willow laid into the banks. | 15 August 2008 | 30 November 2010 | Creation of fish passes Bank improvement Cut back of trees Livestock fencing | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Water quality | |||||||||
| LIFE IP IRIS Enns Mandling Restoration | 47° 24' 2.34" N, 13° 33' 34.29" E | After an 8-month construction period, work on the Enns near Mandling was mostly completed in early summer 2023. Here, two former river loops of the Enns were restored.
The result? A natural and lively river that can once again flow more freely and constantly changes. Natural processes are creating new gravel and sand banks in the renaturalized sections and deep pools alternate with shallow, flooded areas. As a result of these measures, the river is once again better connected with the surrounding area and the water balance is more in equilibrium. In the event of a flood, water can be buffered in such areas and flooding in the settlement area is reduced. The positive effects are already clearly visible. The ecological condition of the River Enns has improved noticeably and the river and the adjacent banks are an important habitat for many native animals and plants. | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Social benefits | ||||||||||||
| LIFE+ Traisen | 48° 21' 46.32" N, 15° 52' 20.50" E | The Traisen is one of the largest rivers in Lower Austria. During construction of the Danube power plant Altenwörth, the Traisen was lengthened by 7.5 km and nowadays empties into the Danube downstream of the power plant. The riverbed used to run in an even, straight line through the floodplain between Traismauer and Zwentendorf. This section of river offered little habitat for typical animals and plants and was not connected to the surrounding landscape or the bodies of water in the floodplain. The ability of fish to pass through the area was complicated by obstacles and in some places impossible. A natural river course with densely vegetated banks: that’s what the area around the mouth of the Traisen in Lower Austria looks like today. This was made possible by the LIFE+ Traisen project – Austria’s largest land restoration project to date. Many endangered kinds of flora and fauna have found a new home here. | 1 January 2009 | Within the construction process the river was extended by 7.6 kilometres and the estuary of the Traisen River was relocated | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring | ||||||||||
| LIFE03NAT/A/000009 Wachau | The objective of the project was to maintain and improve the most endangered river habitats of the Danube river stretch
“Wachau”, a 33 km long, unblocked and freely-flowing part of the Austrian Danube. As result of the project today there are more than 4 km of lateral flowing waters which were restored and shaped in accordance to historical situations. | Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring | |||||||||||||
| LIFE07 NAT/A/000010 Living space in the rivers of Mostviertel - Wachau | This LIFE Project is still in progress. In the River Danube the restoration work of re-establishment of lateral flowing waters was
completed by digging out more than 4 km. Together with the measures of the LIFE project Wachau there are now in total about 10 km lateral flowing waters restored- most of all historic situations. In addition the mouth of River Pielach was shaped as a delta and the possibility of fish migration into an old shallow waterbody near the town of Melk was improved by a fish pass. At River Ybbs restoration work is done at 3 locations near the town of Amstetten by widening the river bed with the aim to create typical gravel bars, gravel island and riparian zones. | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring | |||||||||||||
| Lactariabeek | 51° 34' 53.12" N, 5° 54' 33.24" E | The Lactariabeek is a small stream in a natural stream valley. The surrounding area is composed of woods and agricultural land. It has been straightened in several locations. Six packages of dead wood were introduced in the wooded part of the Lactariabeek stream. The water board performed this experiment to get more experience with dead wood after the successful Snelle Loop experiment. | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring | ||||||||||||
| Lady Island/Friars Meadow - Sudbury - River Stour | 52° 2' 9.15" N, 0° 44' 19.71" E | To enhance the fish population on the River Stour at Sudbury through restoring open water habitat/desilting backwater. Improvements to the general biodiversity value of the site | 1 April 2018 | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Lady's Bridge Fish Easement | 53° 23' 8.21" N, 1° 27' 51.81" W | The HLF funded 'Living Heritage of the River Don' project saw fish pass solutions created on five unadopted weirs in Sheffield, aiming to return Salmon to the River Don for the first time in over 200 years. | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Urban | ||||||||||||
| Ladywell Fields (QUERCUS) | 51° 27' 16.31" N, 0° 1' 7.68" W | Ladywell Fields has been transformed from its previously characterless and formless landscape into a diverse, popular and accessible public open space. The creation of a new gravel-bedded river channel through the centre of the park has also brought about significant improvements in biodiversity. Ladywell Fields won the best-new-public-space category at London Planning Awards for its rejuvenated park in Lewisham.
| 1 June 2006 | Planting Depth variation Removal of fencing | Creation of backwaters Creation of terraces New footpaths | Creation of meanders | cafe built and entrances to the park improved | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Social benefits Urban | Fish | Structure & condition of riparian zones Width & depth variation | Public Accessibility | ||||
| Ladywell Fields Phase 2 | 51° 26' 47.49" N, 0° 1' 34.54" W | Creation of floodplain wetlands, restore pools and riffles, re-grade river bank, remove concrete bank, re-meandering, localised narrowing, redesign/remove weir, removal of toe boards. Channel uniform with predominantly natural bed and armoured banks. Lack of channel diversity and extended lengths of shallow water. Steep banks results in poor connectivity between the river and adjacent land. The site is public open space, but the river does not contribute to the park landscape. | 1 January 2008 | Bank reprofiling Removing of concrete structures Weir removal | Creation of wetland | Creation of meanders Creation of pools and riffles | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||
| Ladywell Fields to Cornmill Gardens | 51° 27' 24.63" N, 0° 1' 3.79" W | Channel enhancements, including low flow meanders; marginal planting; restore pools and riffles; remove concrete bank; re-meandering; establish waterway link footpath. Channel uniform with concrete bed and bank. Parts of this section run through public open space but some section have development at the river edge. | 1 January 2008 | Bank reprofiling Removing of concrete structures | Creation of meanders Creation of pools and riffles Tree management | Improved public access | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||
| Ladywell Fields toeboarding | 51° 27' 14.67" N, 0° 1' 5.95" W | Removal of toeboarding to enable natural processes of erosion and deposition to talke place Removal of toeboarding along the river by Environment Agency Ops Delivery | 1 January 2009 | Bank reprofiling Toeboard removal | Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Lage Raam | 51° 42' 26.13" N, 5° 47' 19.88" E | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring | |||||||||||||
| Lake District Foundation - Building future environmental investment | 54° 22' 30.20" N, 2° 54' 11.24" W | ||||||||||||||
| Land acquisition on the banks of the Ouche River | 47° 15' 10.55" N, 5° 9' 34.07" E | The Ouche River is a 95 km long tributary of the Saône. His watershed, 916 km2, is predominantly agricultural.
The river is channelized on several sectors in order to increase the flow velocities and prevent flooding risk. Many bank protection and dikes were put in place. Due to the river dynamic, it is necessary to consolidate and strengthen the bank protection regularly In 1992-1993, the General Council decided to take action to limit the interventions for banks protections strengthening. In 1995, a study identifies riparian areas that may be acquired. The sector concerned presents few facilities and dams already damaged by the dynamics of the river. 3.4 hectares of land on the right bank, corresponding to a band 50 m wide, are acquired. The bank protection are not deleted because they are already severely degraded by the flow dynamics. However, actions are taken to sensitize residents to the non-interventionist approach. Landowners are compensated. | land acquisition | sensitization of the resident | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Spatial planning | Fish | |||||||||
| Land at Buzzards Mouth Creek | 51° 30' 50.23" N, 0° 6' 23.91" E | To expand and increase diversity of aquatic, marginal and BAP habitat and more natural river processes by moving back a flood bund and creating a series of pools and possibly a backwater whilst retaining much of the scrub. This will provide habitat for fish, invertebrates, birds and mammals including the BAP species Water vole. Water vole numbers have decreased rapidly over the last 10 years. The channel is currently culverted and devoid of any natural river habitat. The creek mouth is contolled by a tidal sluice which largely cuts Buzzard Mouth Creek from the Thames estuary. | 1 January 2008 | Bank reprofiling Deculverting | Creation of backwater | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||
| Land opposite Wanstead Park | 51° 34' 22.82" N, 0° 2' 38.16" E | Realigning of the flood bund against the A406 to reconnect the Roding with 12 Ha of its floodplain and to create wetland features. The past positioning of a bund adjacent to the Roding as a flood defence measure has resulted in the river being detached from its natural floodplain. An area of approx. 6Ha of allotments lies landward of the bund of this 500m stretch. It is proposed to remove this bund and reposition it adjacent to the A406 embankment thus reinstating this 6Ha as functional floodplain. Flood capacity would be increased as a result of the scheme. This should not pose an issue from a flood risk perspective as these features lie predominately in the floodplain currently unutilised for flooding episodes therefore minimal maintenance of this habitat should not affect the current level of protection. Effective design should ensure the proposals remain a valuable wildlife resource for as long a time period as possible. This project should have priority as it highlighted in the Roding FRM Strategy. Contamination is unknown. However it can be assumed that the flood bund is of sound, clean material and the first stage of the project could be to simply move the bund. It ties in with the extension of the Roding Valley Way footpath/ cycle path, which LB Redbridge is keen to push. Meetings have already been held. Part of the 12 Ha is a football pitch used by local schools, the use of this would need to be respected. | 1 January 2008 | Bund removal Creation of wetland | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||||
| Langford Lakes project | 51° 8' 10.69" N, 1° 57' 11.05" W | This area comprises a series of large lakes with the River Wylye, a chalk stream, flowing through the centre of them. Langford lakes and the River Wylye are renowned for their popularity for angling but fish populations have declined over recent years. In an attempt to trap sediment and diversify flow, a number of natural materials have been introduced to the stream. Creation of a V weir. | 1 October 2002 | Planting Sediment trap building Morphological diversification Diversification of in-channel features Weir construction | Economic aspects Flood risk management Land use management - agriculture Social benefits Spatial planning | ||||||||||
| Langonnet river | 48° 5' 33.92" N, 3° 30' 18.48" W | Over the years, heavy hydraulic works were carried out on the Lagonnet River, such as straightening and widening of the river course, causing habitat depletion and lowering of the water table.
The main goals of the restoration activity were to restore the morphology and functionality of the river and to improve the habitat diversification. A preliminary assessment, carried out in 2001, has defined the technical goals: to improve the longitudinal and cross section profile diversification, to define a narrower flow section (especially in low water) and a sequence of riffles and pools. The reactivation of the river dynamics allow to keep the restoration results on the long term. The works included the installation of 24 sills and 239 groynes (in blocks or wooden). Berms are also created along 250 m and blocks are put in place on the riverbed. The maintenance of 2687 m of riparian forest and new plantation along 1400 m of river banks were carried on. | 1 January 2000 | Creation of pools and riffles Creation of groynes introduction of blocks Creation of berms | Develop riparian forest Tree plantation | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Water quality | Fish: Species composition | Channel pattern/planform | Temperature | ||||||
| Langor Beck (part of River Wensum SSSI) | 52° 49' 27.81" N, 0° 54' 41.56" E | To improve 500 m of SSSI chalk stream habitat | 1 April 2018 | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Laymer Road Silt Trap and Recreational Ground | 51° 37' 45.90" N, 0° 4' 1.30" W | Removal of toeboarding and check weirs to return the river to more natural geomorphological processes Previous NRA scheme installed a series of check weir's and toeboarding to control a precieved erosion problem. These have significantly reduced the quality and morphology of the river | Toeboard removal | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | |||||||||||
| Lea Bridge Waterway Wall Improvements | 51° 33' 44.40" N, 0° 2' 50.32" W | Enhance piled structure with hanging basket style gabions specifically designed to fit within the piled recess. Install 20 sandmartin nesting tubes in the wall through bespoke design for the project. The waterway wall needed replacing and there was no option for break out. | 1 January 2010 | Sandmartin tubes installation | Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Lebendige Alster | 53° 32' 56.16" N, 9° 59' 8.24" E | The Alster river is 56-kilometer-long, originates near the community of Henstedt and ends with its estuary into the river Elbe in Hamburg. The best-known part of the Alster is the Alster Lake, which is formed in the inner-city area of Hamburg by the Inner and Outer Alster. Since 2011, the cooperation project “Lebendige Alster” works to improve the ecological condition of the Alster, with its various, sometimes rare, habitats, and to raise awareness of nature conservation. Like many other rivers the impact of urban development is evident in e.g. biodiversity and hydromorphology. Some of these manmade impassable constructions can already be overcome. Due to newly built fish ladders migratory fish can return to the Alster, but then end up in the poorly structured and not very natural area of the canal (Fleet). The absence of natural vegetation confronts many water organisms with difficult living conditions. Here numerous innovative measures to create new living spaces have already been implemented in the canals and the project aims to add more.
During the day, the water in the Alsterfleet is dammed and drained at night, creating strong currents. For this purpose, a “current cocoon” has already been inserted into the canal to create sheltered zones during strong currents. An old typical cargo ship (Grüne Schute) was also rebuilt into a vegetation rich area, where fish and insects can access the Schute through recesses in the ship's side and in the floor. The roots of willow and alder, reeds and aquatic plants offer protection, are hiding places and sources of food. Besides offering positive effects to the surrounding vegetation, the Grüne Schute is also used as an educational venue to allow schoolchildren, citizens and other interested parties to participate in the project and to provide environmental education. Outside of urban Hamburg, numerous habitat types which have become rare were designed in the first part of the project. A shortage of dead wood, as a result of regular removal, was counteracted with controlled tolerance of deadwood accumulations. Introduction of mobile deadwood as well as installation of individual trees including crowns resulted in improved hydromorphology. The gravel-gap system of the riverbed as an important habitat was supported with the removal of sand, installation of gravel depots on undercut slope areas, narrowing of waters with gravel made flow deflectors. In addition to the near-natural development of the Alster waters, there are also improvements in local recreation and environmental education. | 2011 | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality Urban | |||||||||||
| Lee Navigation by Walthamstow Marshes | 51° 34' 15.03" N, 0° 3' 22.09" W | Create a new ditch and wetland features including ponds and reedbeds with broadwalks and interpretation. Sheet piled banks adjacent to Walthamstow Marshes SSSI, poor quality land adjacent to the river. | Removing of sheet piling | Creation of wetland Reedbed creation Creation of pond | Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||||
| Lek Bij Everdingen | 51° 58' 4.80" N, 5° 10' 26.40" E | The Lek river is one of the major Rhine tributaries in the Netherlands. The river is channelised and groynes are present to keep the river suitable for navigation purposes. Also, banks are fixated to avoid sediment input into the main channel. The specific site of this project is situated near the town of Everdingen. The area is characterized by continual passing of ships and barges. This causes disturbance of the water flow which in turn is thought to disturb the biota in the groyne areas.
To avert the disturbance in the water flow caused by passing ships a number of groynes were shielded off by artificial structures placed in front of the groynes. These structures were made of two rows of wooden poles with branches in between them. The reasoning behind this measure was that the coils in the water would be stopped by these poles and a more suitable habitat, primarily for macrophytes, would be established in the groyne fields. The presence of macrophytes would in turn increase habitat availability for fish and benthic invertebrates. Benthic invertebrates were thought to also be able to benefit from the newly available substratum of the wooden poles. In some of the groyne fields the bank fixation was (partially) removed so that more knowledge of the effect of the shielding could be retrieved from monitoring efforts. The goal of the project was to stimulate the development of shore and waterplant vegetation. This may also positively affect the other WFD BQEs, namely benthic invertebrates and fish. No definitive values were determined for the success or failure of the project or the respective BQEs at the start of the project. The BQEs were all monitored and evaluated by experts in their respective fields. | Introduction of coil rolls to protect groynes | Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Water quality | Fish: Abundance Invertebrates Macrophytes | ||||||||||
| Letting the Dove Flow | 53° 5' 22.20" N, 1° 47' 35.69" W | The project's aims were to form a partnership and use this to devise and implement a Restoration Plan for the River Dove in Dovedale and Wolfscote Dale, one of the most renowned stretches of river in Britain.
In 2010 Natural England commissioned a fluvial audit of the Upper Dove catchment to study how the river is transporting sediment through erosion and deposition, how it has changed over time and how it is likely to change in future. Natural England then commissioned an Ecological Restoration Vision (Hyder, 2011). The Restoration Plan is published by Natural England and you can view it via the following link: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/6259971227385856 It identifies and prioritises physical restoration measures that will help to achieve SSSI favourable condition and Water Framework Directive objectives and was based on: previous studies and data; information provided by the Steering Group organisations; detailed and ongoing discussions with land owners and angling clubs; site visits to the whole length of the river that the report covers, usually with relevant land owners or angling clubs; meetings with archaeologists and the head of Derbyshire Museums. It is a long term plan, whose approach is to work with landowners and other interested parties to deliver gradual improvements, gathering information and carefully evaluating the work we do together. All the potential actions require further detailed planning with relevant landowners and permission from landowners, Natural England and the lead flood authority (relevant County Councils) and Peak District National Park and/or Environment Agency. In the short term work will be done with interested parties to implement agreed restoration and to gather evidence of the benefits. By demonstrating the benefits, hopefully it will be possible to work with all relevant landowners to implement restoration action in the longer term | 1 August 2014 | Allowing stone weirs and bank reinforcements to break down removing or breaching weirs and reinforcements | Installing large woody material | Encouraging tree growth and natural supply of large woody material | Engagement with a wide range of stakeholders - more planned. | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||
| Letting the Dove Flow 2 | 53° 4' 0.00" N, 1° 47' 0.00" W | The river Dove in Dovedale and Wolfscote Dale is one of the most renowned river stretches in Britain. In recognition of its ecological value, the river is designated as part of the nationally important Dove Valley and Biggin Dale Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The river Dove is further recognised as being internationally important for its wildlife and is designated as part of the Peak District Dales Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Dovedale is also a National Nature Reserve (NNR) managed by the National Trust.
The 2010 Site Improvement Plan (SIP) for the Peak District Dales SAC states that weirs, dams and other structures create pressures on the river Dove for White Clawed Crayfish, Bullhead and Brook Lamprey and prevent natural hydrological processes happening, limiting natural habitat development.It recommends that this should be addressed through a river restoration strategy. Letting the Dove Flow is the name for the river restoration strategy that builds on the findings of previous studies and aims to develop a long term plan to restore the river and a partnership to implement short, medium and long term. | 2015 | removing or breaching weirs and reinforcements Allowing stone weirs and bank reinforcements to break down Removal of bank reinforcements | Improvement of natural flows Improve longitudinal connectivity Introducing large woody debris r | Channel naturalisation Improvement of channel morphology Removal of impoundments | Monitoring strategy | Awareness raising Engagement with a wide range of stakeholders Improved leisure environment for angling and recreation | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits | ||||||
| Letting the Dove Flow 3 | 53° 4' 2.61" N, 1° 47' 4.67" W | SSSI River restoration | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||||
| Levington Saltmarsh Restoration, Suffolk | 51° 59' 41.32" N, 1° 16' 33.79" E | Levington Marina (Map 1) on the River Orwell in Suffolk is dredged each winter using a 10-foot cutter suction dredger to maintain water depths around the pontoons and berths. Since 2014, dredged material has been deposited in 2 beneficial placement schemes licensed by Defra and approved by Natural England. Each year 15,000–20,000m3 of silt is dredged and placed on the foreshore. Operations are carried out between mid-November and early April.
A Marine Management Organisation (MMO) licence is held by Suffolk Yacht Harbour for beneficial foreshore disposal. Dredged material is recovered as a slurry and conveyed by one of two fixed pipes to a deposition area east and west of the harbour where saltmarsh has been degraded and fragmented. The ends of the fixed pipes are moved each year to vary the location in which dredged material is discharged. Photo 1 shows the Levington Lagoon. Coir rolls and wooden stakes have been introduced into the deposition areas to contribute to: • retaining discharged material in place • impede flow • make it easier to deposit sediment during the dredging operation Significant accretion of between 100mm and 300mm has been noted during the 3 years of monitoring. It is anticipated that this will translate into more robust growth of pioneer saltmarsh vegetation and in due course colonisation by high saltmarsh vegetation. | 1997 | Salt marsh and mudflat restoration | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Water quality | ||||||||||
| Lewisham College weir | 51° 28' 31.11" N, 0° 1' 21.75" W | Options for removal or modification/lowering to increase fish passage and create intertidal habitat upstream. Lewisham College half tide weirs at top of Deptford Creek. Concrete raised channel above, intertidal mudflat of creek below. Barrier to fish migration at low states of tide and overtops at high water. Need to confirm funding to progress project | Removing of concrete structures | Habitat creation | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Lidl | 51° 27' 37.41" N, 0° 0' 21.84" W | Retreating flood defence to create a natural bank; installing in channel gravels; creation of marginal habitat including reedbed; installation of coir rolls; educational signage; buffer zone planting. To enhance the river as part of the redevelopment of the site and comply with current policy and legislation to improve the environment as part of the planning process. This is also in line with long term aims to improve the River Quaggy which is currently channelised and heavily engineered. | 1 January 2008 | Installation of coir rolls Introduction of gravel | Habitat creation Reedbed creation Tree management | Community Education | Economic aspects Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||
| Limestone Ribble Restoration Project | 53° 44' 46.59" N, 2° 48' 49.94" W | Limestone Ribble Restoration is a partnership project that will use CRF funds to improve watercourses in an area of the Ribble Catchment that has been quarried, farmed and industrialised for hundreds of years. The degraded habitat, diffuse pollution and obstructions to fish passage are causing certain watercourses in this area to fail to meet the required standards under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Through restoration work, the project will address issues including: unnatural flow regimes caused by upland grips; sediment which has a direct adverse effect on water quality; barriers to fish migration, preventing fish from reaching habitat that modelling shows they should be present in; interrupted natural downstream movement of substrate which reduces spawning habitat for salmonids; fertiliser run off into rivers which can cause nutrient enrichment and impact negatively on river ecology; expected rise in river water temperature associated with climate change; failed bathing water standard in coastal reaches due to presence of excess pathogens attributable to upstream sources. | 1 July 2012 | 1 March 2015 | Tree planting | Barrier removal The blocking of certain grips | Economic aspects Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Social benefits Water quality | ||||||||
| Linde | 52° 50' 57.03" N, 6° 0' 10.19" E | The Linde is originally a slowly flowing lowland stream on a sandy substrate. The stream has changed because of straightening, normalization and bank stabilising measures. To meet WFD criteria, abandoned meanders are being dug out and spillways are created to lead the water through the channel. In addition, the mowing regime will be changed to main channel mowing. This is supposed to increase the presence of aquatic plants. Maintenance is reduced to the minimum that is required to prevent the waterway from getting clogged by sediment. The proper timing of maintenance will be determined visually. | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Linear Park | 51° 26' 22.70" N, 0° 1' 34.90" W | Removal of toe boards; removal of concrete walls; river edge planting; re-meandering; localised narrowing Channel uniform with natural bed and armoured banks. Lack of channel diversity and extended lengths of shallow water. Steep banks results in poor connectivity between river and adjacent land. | Bank reprofiling Removing of concrete structures Toeboard removal | Tree management | Creation of meanders | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Urban | |||||||||
| Lippeaue Klostermersch | 51° 39' 41.04" N, 8° 13' 44.40" E | Floodplain widening from 13m to 45m. Bed heightened by 2m. | 1 January 1996 | Bed raising Removal of rip-rap | Floodplain reconnection Tree planting Connection to wider floodplain | Former channel filled | More sensitive grazing | Economic aspects Flood risk management Monitoring | Fish: Abundance | Continuity of sediment transport Width & depth variation | |||||
| Lippenbroek Regulated Tidal Exchange Scheme | 51° 5' 9.46" N, 4° 10' 19.53" E | The University of Antwerp leads the research and management of the project. The research fits mainly in the framework of OMES (a multidisciplinary research study on the environmental effects of the SIGMA plan on the estuarine environment of the Belgian part of the Scheldt), which is funded by W&Z (the Flemish Agency for Waterways and the Brussels-Scheldt Sea Canal).
The Lippenbroek Regulated Tidal Exchange (RTE) scheme is a pilot scheme for the so-called controlled reduced tide (CRT) concept which Belgian authorities are planning to apply to (sections of) numerous flood storage areas in the near future to create tidal habitats (e.g. at Kruibeke, where the first inundation will likely occur in 2011). The CRT concept involves the use of two exchange mediums, one high inlet medium (e.g. a weir/spillway or sluice/culvert), and a lower outlet medium, which may be capped with a gravity controlled sluice gate. As the CRT technique is relatively new, it had to undergo thorough testing before it could be applied on a large scale. For this reason the 10ha Lippenbroek scheme was implemented in the freshwater tidal part of the Scheldt Estuary in 2006. As it was to be a pilot for CRT in a flood storage area, construction included the building of an overflow dike as well as a high inlet sluice for the CRT function. The high inlet sluice (see pictures below) has an invert level of approximately 4.8mTAW (the Belgian Ordnance Datum) – which equates to approximately 1m below the level of Mean High Water Springs (MHWS). The inlet structure is 12.75m long; the three culverts it contains are each 0.75m wide and 1.1m high. Shot beams front the inlet structure and enable fine-tuning of the invert levels. The most suitable sluice configuration was determined through several test wettings. For the outflow, a pre-existing outfall sluice, which is about 10m to the left of the inlet sluice structure, is utilised. Its invert level is at 1.5mTAW; the pipe is 40.2m long and has a 1.5m diameter. An artificial creek was dug connecting the inlet sluice level with the existing polder ditch. The danger of channels short-circuiting was diminished by subduing the channel along the foot of the ring dike(personal communication with Tom Maris, University of Antwerp; Cox et al., 2006). An intensive monitoring programme was initiated, and the first results are now available. | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||||
| Litter Clear-Ups (Since 2004) | 52° 5' 27.23" N, 3° 4' 4.56" W | The Foundation carried out its first organised litter clearances in 2004 and 2005 when groups of volunteers and staff from WUF and Keep Wales Tidy were involved in several exercises on the upper reaches of both rivers. Analysis of origins of the litter collected from these first efforts was revealing - that a high percentage of the litter (up to 76%) was from agriculture, usually in the form of silage wrap, feed bags/buckets and baler twine. Further single site clear-ups were carried out over the next four or five years but in 2010, Tony Norman (one of WUF's Trustees), took on the considerable challenge of organising the first large-scale litter clean-up exercise with an ambitious goal of clearing the whole Lugg and Arrow catchment in 10 weeks. Starting in March 2011, Tony and 220 volunteers from conservation organisations, government bodies, NGOs, fishing clubs, canoe groups, local councils and others collected 671 sacks of litter and single items from the riverbanks. They also removed larger objects such as tyres, feed buckets, chairs, beds, a saddle and even a children's swimming pool and surf board. Powys County Council also removed 30 tons of rubbish from a Highways Agency depot on the banks of the Lugg in Presteigne, most of which would have eventually been washed downstream. They also took measures to prevent the site being used as a tip in the future. In all, over 100 miles of river was cleared.
Spurred on by this success, Tony then turned his attention to the upper Wye where he started a similar project in February 2012. Over 12 weeks, 123 volunteers, organised by Tony and WUF with support from Keep Wales Tidy (KWT) and the River Wye Preservation Trust (RWPT), removed litter from the river's source at Pumlumon (Plynlimon) downstream to Builth Wells and beyond, including the tributary streams. They collected 647 sacks of litter and larger items were removed from 103 miles of river and stream, including objects such as a car radiator, a lawnmower and a deep freeze. Even more worryingly, several drums containing agricultural and mechanical chemicals that damage the aquatic environment were also found. The collected litter was picked up and, where possible, recycled by Powys County Council. Later in 2012, WUF, volunteers and Keep Wales Tidy got together with a group of canoeists to clean up the river Usk between Sennybridge and Brynich Lock, below Brecon. From February to May 2013 Tony Norman and his volunteers braved the extremely harsh spring weather and took to the Wye between Builth and Hay, the Irfon, Ithon and other tributaries along the way. Again, support came from The Wye Preservation Trust and Keep Wales Tidy while Powys County Council picked up all the litter collected and, where possible, recycled it. The litter clearing continued in 2014, despite the extreme wet conditions at the start of the year, on the Wye between Hay and Luggsmouth and the Monnow catchment, while various other areas of the catchments were revisited. In 2015 Tony and the volunteers will tackle the rest of the Wye, from Luggsbridge down to Chepstow. So far, the totals are: Over 900 miles of river bank cleared.... By over 800 volunteers spending nearly 4,000 hours.... Collecting over 3,000 sacks of litter and other items.... 61% of which were of agricultural origin in number, although nearer 90% in volume and weight. | 2004 | Community Litter-picking work | Habitat and biodiversity Water quality | ||||||||||
| Little Don Catchment Case Study | 53° 29' 58.91" N, 1° 40' 10.60" W | 1. Brief Outline of Scheme
The Little Don rises in the Peak District National Park and joins the River Don just south of Stocksbridge town, a river length of about 20km. Flow in the watercourses are heavily regulated and managed by three reservoirs and several smaller impounding weirs. The reservoirs are operated by Yorkshire Water, with Langsett and Midhope reservoirs being operated for water storage, and Underbank reservoir for a compensation flow release. Langsett and Midhope reservoirs modify the downstream flow regimes by buffering the range and magnitude of flows. As a result the baseflow is lower than would be expected naturally and the timing and magnitude of autumn/winter high flows is dependent on the levels in the reservoirs during this time. A compensating flow is released from Underbank reservoir (the bottom reservoir of the group), although analysis of catchment inflows and rainfall patterns has shown this to be too high, a legacy of the industrial use of the Don catchment. Other Yorkshire Water reservoir compensation flow release trials have demonstrated that modifying flows to more naturally flow regimes can improve the quantity and diversity of the ecological community. The Little Don is defined as a Heavily Modified Water Body (HMWB) under the Water Framework Directive and assessed at moderate ecological potential, with an objective to improve to good ecological potential by 2027; this WFD objective is the main driver for the scheme. Barriers along the Little Don have been observed to significantly reduce ecological connectivity with large proportions of the watercourses under-used by trout and other fish. Whilst the barriers restrict the movement of coarse sediment, studies were inconclusive on the extent of the problem. Additional pressures within the catchment include water pollution (including minewater discharges) and invasive non-native species (such as the New Zealand mud snail). 2. How the scheme was developed The Don Network plan originally included wide consultation, the outcomes of which included an action on the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water to investigate these pressures further. Funding has been sourced through the water industry National Environment Programme for action by Yorkshire Water to reduce the environmental pressures caused by the operation of the reservoirs, particularly to the flow regime of the Little Don. A working group composed of representatives from the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water developed a range of options, focusing on confirmed pressures and those directly linked to the reservoirs and impoundments; flow regulation and barriers. The Coal Authority led on plans for the construction of a minewater treatment plant. The Environment Agency’s Yorkshire and North East regional fish pass prioritisation project identified a number of priority actions to improve fish passage. For example, installation of a fish pass on a weir used for industrial water supply would double the length of the Little Don accessible to fish from the River Don. 3. What the scheme will deliver Action to improve flow regulation: These aim for the best possible flow regime downstream of the reservoirs without impacting on water supply. Yorkshire Water are appraising the costs and benefits of a range of options to provide more natural flows downstream of Langsett, Midhope and Underbank reservoirs. Action to reduce barriers: Flow changes alone would not solve the problem as barriers would continue to limit the migration of fish and modify the flow character of impounded reaches along the Little Don. The working group developed a range of barrier mitigation measures to either remove the weirs or install fish passes where this was not possible. Fish passes for the reservoir dams have not been progressed as costs are significantly higher than benefits. Action to improve water quality: Water pollution from minewater discharge between Langsett and Underbank reservoirs has been reduced through the construction of a minewater treatment plant by the Coal Authority. The Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water, and Highways England are to trial a solution to deal with the small residual minewater discharge not currently being pumped through the Coal Authority’s treatment plant. It is also expected that Yorkshire Water’s work with ‘Moor for the Future’ on grip blocking will further improve water quality. The Don Network has actions in place to promote water quality solutions downstream of Underbank reservoir:
4. Costs and benefits The expected benefits of a more natural flow regime would be:
Mitigating the barriers is expected to have a range of benefits:
| Environmental flows and water resources | ||||||||||||
| Little Ponton | 52° 52' 21.71" N, 0° 37' 21.40" W | Project Objectives
The Enhancement Scheme The enhancement scheme was completed in two phases. A short section downstream of Great Ponton Mill was completed in February 2013 and the second, the continuation downstream to Whalebone Lane, Little Ponton, was completed in mid-August 2014. Prior to the enhancement work the in-river habitat was in generally good condition, however opportunities were identified to provide additional cover and food supply for a range of aquatic organisms together with measures to modify the flow to improve the structure of the riverbed and reduce the deposition of fine sediment. The works consisted of brushwood mattress installation, Hinged Trees, Log Flow Deflectors and Vanes, improved stock fencing and ford refurbishment. | 2 January 2013 | brushwood mattress installation Hinged Trees Log Flow Deflectors and Vanes. | Improved stock fencing and ford refurbishment. | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||
| Little Waltham Meadows Back Channel creation | 51° 46' 26.36" N, 0° 28' 50.59" E | This is a multi-benefit project aimed at improving in channel morphological diversity, reducing the amount of diffuse pollution and sedimentation entering the main river Chelmer. It will also increase the amount of riparian habitat along the River Chelmer and enhance the resilience of the wet woodland.
This project was funded by the Catchment restoration fund, as part of the Essex Healthy headwaters scheme. The earthworks were undertaken in late Summer, early Autumn 2014. The aims of this project were achieved in the first instance by the creation of a new 280 backwater channel with three settling ponds and a sluice structure. The back channel connects with the river and an existing culvert/drainage point off the nearby main road. The ponds and back channel in the first instance allow for any nitrate and phosphate heavy water coming through the culvert to be settled and filtered. The back channel is also excellent in times of high flows at providing fish refuges, especially for fish fry which are in danger of being washed downstream in flood events. It will also provide an interface between the river and the bank side which will allow some interesting and diverse flora to develop. Finally, by connecting the river with the floodplain it creates additional riparian habitat and has a small but meaningful impact on flooding by increasing storage in the floodplain, outside of Chelmsford. The other aim of the project, namely to increase the resilience of the wet woodland. Was created by installing a sluice at the far end of an existing ditch. Unlike the other sluice this captures rain water and holds it back on the landward side, this has been set at a level that is higher than previous levels and will effect a raise in water off approximately 50 centimeters. The increased water levels have also allowed for additional planting to be undertaken that will extend the water by over half a hectare, there has also been some limited earthworks to spread the water over a wider area. These works will keep the woodland wetter in the summer months, keeping Bramble under control and allowing a further establishment of the flora normally associated with wet woodlands. | 1 October 2012 | 31 March 2015 | New sluice structures | Creation of backwaters Creation of wet woodland Protect/restore riparian zone | Volunteer engagement | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||
| Livestreaming Leeds | 53° 48' 9.54" N, 1° 29' 7.70" W | To improve the WFD status of Wyke Beck and Wortley Beck in Leeds. In particular to address channel morphology issues by re-naturalising the channel, creating new habitats and addressing water quality issues such as sediment from runoff | 1 April 2018 | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Living Vechte-Dinkel | 52° 14' 9.13" N, 7° 0' 26.35" E | Water authority Vechtstromen wishes to restore natural river processes and create a pastoral landscape. This is supposed to contribute to WFD goals and Natura 2000 goals. To do this, the river was restructured in such a way that a great variation in substrate could exist without much maintenance. These substrates would inclde small riverside beaches, steep banks, carrs (broekbos), and abandoned meanders. | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality | ||||||||||||
| Lodge Burn Flood Alleviation Scheme | 55° 8' 1.57" N, 6° 40' 11.08" W | Reports found that sections of the Lodge Burn through Coleraine flooded on a regular basis, particularly in Anderson Park and downstream of Millburn Road. A feasibility study was undertaken by Atkins to identify potential solutions to the flooding issue, which determined that a staged approach would be best for the implementation of flood alleviation works.
Phase 1 included the implementation of measures for flood alleviation through river channel improvements, to minimise flooding to a 1 in 100 year event. WORKS: 1. Replacement culvert constructed, with floor embedded to upstream bed level. Low flow channel through culvert, to allow fish passage during low-flow periods. 2. In-situ improvement to old masonry culvert - aligned with replacement culvert upstream to improve flow conditions. 3. Flood wall construction between Railway Road Bridge and Brook Street Bridge. 4. New vegetated riverbanks alongside floodwall, for habitat enhancement. Rock ramp pool and weir fish pass constructed at outfall of Railway Road Bridge. New spawning areas created using existing bed material, boulders and gravels. 5. Removal of Anderson Park pond to restore natural course of river, facilitate free fish passage and allow for natural sediment transport to be restored. 6. Diversion of large water main and supporting beam, which has been obstructing flow. Vegetated riverbanks within flood wall (habitat enhancement). | 1 September 2008 | 1 July 2012 | Culvert replacement/repair silt-trapping weir installation habitat improvements Rock ramp construction Creation of fish passes | Construction of flood wall | Removal of pond to restore natural course and sediment transport. | Diversion of water main and supporting beam - obstruction to flow. | Flood risk management | ||||||
| Lodge Burn cascade fish pass and culvert bed restoration (as part of the Lodge Burn FAS) | 55° 7' 58.17" N, 6° 40' 0.06" W | The aim of the project is to install a new cascade fish pass to improve fish passage through a reach of the Lodge Burn in Coleraine as part of a wider Flood Alleviation Scheme. A perched culvert with a concrete apron outfall located in the center of the town was causing disruption to fish passage and sediment transport.
The location of this structure meant that re-design of the reach had to work within a very confined space between two high flood walls, which encompassed installation of the cascade sequence and re-design of the culvert bed. The works were carried out in four key stages; 1. Flow management; works to install the step pool sequence and improve the culvert bed had to be conducted in the dry. A fully isolated dry working area was achieved by sandbagging and over-pumping. 2. Modify culvert bed; it was necessary to ensure passability for fish through the culvert, therefore the new culvert bed was fixed 300mm below the previous bed 3. Install natural bed in culvert; from a mix of cobble and boulders 4. Remove concrete apron and install cascades Spacing between cascades was 6m, therefore in total the pass extended for 36m downstream of the culvert. It was envisaged that some maintenance of the pass would be needed, so a demountable barrier was included in the floodwall design to facilitate channel access if required. The project is an excellent example of what can be achieved to improve fish passage in a confined space. Cascade strength was a major consideration as failure of the top cascade would have left a perched culvert once again, therefore it was deemed better to over-engineer the first two cascades to ensure their long term stability. In terms of aesthetics the new pass has had a positive response, however flooding shortly after construction caused some damage to the face of the first cascade as well as gravel and cobble washout from culvert. This resulted in infilling of the pools, which was removed after flooding, and highlighted the importance of pool design incorporating sufficient self-maintaining processes i.e. sufficient flow through to maintain the pool depth. The remaining cobble within the culvert is now deemed to be stable. Community Involvement - "Salmon in the classroom" scheme undertaken at a local primary school, fish release highlighted on BBC TV and local press. | 1 May 2012 | 31 May 2012 | Creation of fish passes Bed reprofiling | Creation of pool cascade | Engagement with schools Media | Fisheries Flood risk management | |||||||
| Logie Burn Restoration Project | 57° 5' 48.29" N, 2° 55' 19.68" W | The Logie Burn is graded as poor for its ecological status due to diffuse sediment and nutrient inputs in addition to morphological alteration. These issues are related to agricultural and drainage improvement over many decades that have also led to a deterioration of water quality in Loch Davan into which the Logie Burn flows.
During the 1960s, two meanders in a lower part of the channel were cut-off through the creation of a straight 187 m reach leading to a localised loss of morphological and habitat diversity. The restoration project aimed to re-connect the two old meanders that had filled in with fine sediment and organic material but which essentially remained intact. The primary purposes of the re-connection were to restore morphology, improve habitat quality in the National Nature Reserve, improve water quality and reduce sedimentation in Loch Davan, enhance riparian habitat diversity and demonstrate this meander restoration to river managers. It is expected that the reconnected meanders and newly created backwaters will help to capture nutrient rich fine sediment and in turn reduce its transfer into Loch Davan. A monitoring program conducted by the James Hutton Institute, commenced in July 2011 to assess how the morphology, habitat, phosphorous storage and the flood attenuation capacity of the reach change over time. Topographical and sedimentary surveys were undertaken before and after the re-connection and will be repeated annually. In addition, stream flow is being continuously monitored to allow assessment of the flood attenuation capacity and to help understand the morphological changes observed. In 2012, a control reach upstream was established to facilitate comparison of changes in the impact (re-meandered) reach with those that occur within the existing, degraded stream. The primary funder for the project was the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). If you are interested in applying for funding to deliver other projects in Scotland, visit SEPA's Water Environment Fund webpage (http://www.sepa.org.uk/water/water_environment_fund.aspx). The River Restoration Centre would like to thank Estelle Gill and Stephen Addy, from Scottish Natural Heritage and The James Hutton Institute respectively, for providing the information and photographs for this case study. | Re-profiling construction of bunds Creation of revetments Bank stabilisation Bank protection | Creation of backwaters Creation of wetland Livestock fencing Fencing | Re-meandering | The meanders were cleared of sediment vegetation and organic debris | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Monitoring Water quality | Fish | Continuity of sediment transport Flow velocities Quantity & dynamics of flow Substrate conditions Width & depth variation | Nutrient concentrations | |||||
| London Olympics Parklands | 51° 32' 49.21" N, 0° 1' 2.57" W | The Olympic Park will bring lasting benefits to east London. After the Games, it will be transformed to include a huge urban park. The new park will link the tidal Thames Estuary to the south and the Hertfordshire countryside to the north.
Some of the major benefits to the environment include:
Native species planted, including oak, ash, willow, birch, hazel, holly, blackthorn and hawthorn – a home for wildlife in the middle of the city.
| 1 January 2005 | 1 January 2012 | Marginal planting Habitat diversification | Reedbed creation Creation of wetland Creation of wet woodland | Awareness raising | Spatial planning | |||||||
| Long Eau (Great Eau) | 53° 21' 22.58" N, 0° 6' 55.08" E | Flowing from the Lincolnshire Wolds to the North Sea, the Long Eau drains a small catchment of 22.3 km2, but together with the Great Eau has a catchment area of 112.3 km2.
Before restoration, the river had become embanked and channelised to protect adjacent agricultural land from flooding. The flood banks were steeply sloped directly into the channel. Dredging and removal of bankside vegetation was part of the maintenance regime, which had removed morphological features, in channel habitats and natural substrate. Historically the Long Eau had a history of washlands, regularly flooding the land adjacent to the river. Three sites were chosen along the Little ands Great Eau to demonstrate the relocation of flood banks and the provision of flood storage areas on neighbouring land. A secondary objective was to enhance habitats. An environmental stewardship scheme offered a ten year grant scheme to farmers/landowners, some of whom were already supportive of the idea of nature conservation. Long Eau at Manby- Left floodbank was lowered to just above ground level. The adjacent field was widened and flattened to act as an over spill area (1 in 10 slope). Material generated from embankment removal was used to infill and Internal Drainage Board drain which ran through flood storage area. This drain was re located behind the new embankment to maintain land drainage. The new embankment slopes were 3:1 to a height of 2.5-2.7 meters. Ledges and berms were created along the channel to increased habitat potential. Performance 1995-2001- Since completion flood protection has increased, as water spills onto new floodplain when channel reaches 2.6m or above. Below this level 75% of floodplain will retain water up to 0.5m for up to 4 months. This provides an important habitat for wetland birds. Lapwing and redshank have bred at the site. The Environment Agency estimates a saving of £400-500 a year on the previous maintenance regime. | 1992 | 1 January 1996 | Displacement of flood defences Lowering of embankments | Creation of backwater | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture | ||||||||
| Long Preston Deeps Flood Plain Project | 54° 2' 37.29" N, 2° 17' 26.80" W | The flood plain project is a combined flood plain and river restoration project.
Main drivers for the project: UK: Site Special Scientific Interest remedies, UK Biodiversity Action Plan Targets, UK Climate Change adaptation, UK: Water Quality targets EU: Water Framework Directive. Main Outcomes: Key Outcome 1: Long Preston Wet Grassland: Project achieved 97% of 765 hectares of floodplain into voluntary Environmental Stewardship Agreement using evidence based management plans. Partnership: Since 2004 over 10 organisations (Public/Private and Charitable)came together to develop a vision for the river and flood plain. Between 2005 and 2013 the partnership implemented works; achieving a sustainable current and future environmental and social resource. Baseline: In 2004 The flood plain baseline indicated by Site of Special Scientific Interest monitoring indicated that the site had high potential to support wading and over wintering birds but condition assessments indicated degraded habitat. Result: Ongoing monitoring indicated site is now nationally important for several species of breeding wading bird of conservation concern; at least 60 pairs breed there. More than 2500 individual overwintering waders and wildfowl have been counted in recent winters. 97% of 765 hectares of floodplain is now in some form of voluntary Environmental Stewardship Agreement. SSSI condition statement has highlighted site is now recovering.
Key Outcome 2: Long Preston Deeps River Restoration: Between 2009 and 2013 the partnership produced a strategic river restoration plan for 7km and implemented over 3.5 km of naturalisation and restoration with riverine floodplain improvements of >15 hectares. The river naturalisation was designed and carried out to enable minimal future human intervention. Complementary strategic management projects including River Ribble Invasive Species Project were developed and implemented alongside. Monitoring: Wide range of monitoring techniques from standard SSSI conditions assessment, fish surveys, University of Salford hydrological monitoring, RSPB bird surveys, kite photography surveys, Archaeology watching briefs. University of Salford monitoring results demonstrate naturalisation techniques have been successful in reducing erosion and stabilising in channel morphology. Fish and Bird surveys indicate desirable species are increasing in number. Visitor number increasing utilising promotional materials e.g. website, local businesses, interpretation boards and organised events. Site used nationally as a case-study of WFD action implementation and river restoration conference sharing. How was all of this achieved?: Strong partnership, Variety of communication strategies, Excellent consultation, ambitious multi objective vision, utilisation of voluntary government supported eco and farming sensitive sustainable management, showcasing success, detailed monitoring, community events and resources, dedicated long standing project officer, naturalisation to enable minimal future river intervention, complementary projects, recording, sharing and learning from lessons learnt, planning for the future, expanding partnership to incorporate new objectives and funding sources. | 1 January 2004 | Realignment of flood banks | River naturalisation Scrapes Reconnecting palaeo riverine features Floodplain reconnection | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Social benefits Water quality | |||||||||
| Longbridge West | 52° 23' 47.55" N, 1° 59' 29.13" W | The River Rea, and Callow Brook tributary, flows through the original site of the MG Rover Factory West Works in Longbridge, Birmingham, in a formerly hard-engineered, canalized and culverted channel.
In 2005, following the collapse of MG Rover, St Modwen Developments Ltd. purchased the former factory site with the aim of creating a sustainable place for people to live and work. Core to this aim, was a commitment to the restoration and re-naturalisation of the River Rea and Callow Brook. In 2008, the first factory buildings situated on the former West Works Site were demolished which included daylighting the majority of the River Rea. The watercourse through this area then remained largely un-altered until works progressed in this area of the West Works Site in 2019. A two-phase approach has been undertaken to re-naturalise and restore the River Rea and Callow Brook through the West Works Site. The first phase of the re-naturalisation comprised approximately 200m of the River Rea, which was constructed offline in 2019-2020. In the following two years, the second phase, comprising the remaining 750m of the River Rea (an Environment Agency Main River) and 100m of its tributary, the Callow Brook (an ordinary watercourse), have been restored in a two-stage, green-blue corridor offering biodiversity enhancements, amenity space and online flood mitigation storage. Both phases of work comprised extensive removal of hard-engineered structures lining the existing banks and bed of the watercourses (which included a concrete river bank and bed, sheet piling, bag work, a number of derelict former bridge crossings and brick walls) to enable construction of a two-stage channel with provision of online attenuation storage. These works have also created new public open spaces within the adjacent River Park, with a new pedestrian/cycle crossing and separate vehicular crossing to enable a sustainable green link adjacent to the river. In addition, the online attenuation storage generates a significant reduction in existing flood risk for the downstream areas of Longbridge Town Centre. With regard to ecological enhancement, a gravel bed integrating riffles and pools has been constructed, complimented by a diverse variety of native planting throughout the two-stage channel, with three stilling pools with varying wet-dry nature to provide different habitats for wildlife. Furthermore, Natural Flood Management (NFM) measures have been embedded, with ‘leaky dam’ features to ‘slow the flow’ within the flashy, urban catchment and provide erosion protection. | 2019 | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Spatial planning Water quality Urban | |||||||||||
| Longford Community Nature Park Reedbed Restoration Project | 52° 26' 57.79" N, 1° 29' 20.19" W | Reduce level excavation of a silted and defunct reed-bed to restore its function as a filtration structure taking run off from the M6 and A444 in times of heavy rain. The site is an urban oasis. | Reedbed creation | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Water quality Urban | |||||||||||
| Longstreet A 91a | 51° 15' 35.35" N, 1° 48' 0.92" W | This reach is located to the south of Enford and is 1535m in length. The original reach has been sub-divided into two due to the overall length of the reach (1.5km) and differing channel characteristics. This note therefore refers to the upstream section only, between Enford Bridge and Enford Grange, approximately 0.5km in length. The reach is designated SSSI and SAC. There reach is privately fished. Downstream of Enford Bridge the channel has been altered in the past due to dredging and straightening. The channel is deep and flow is slow and uniform, which is causing the deposition of silt within the channel, obscuring the gravel bed below. The reach is also affected by an impoundment caused by a wooden board and stone weir at Enford Grange. This structure impounds the river for at least 150m upstream and possibly further, resulting in uniform flow conditions and drowned out riffles. The left bank is also being undercut and eroded in a number of places along the reach. | 1 January 2013 | Gravel berms Riffle creation Bank reprofiling | Introducing large woody debris Lowering of impoundment Tree management | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||
| Looe Bathing Waters Project | 50° 21' 14.85" N, 4° 27' 13.89" W | Cornwall Wildlife Trust works on behalf of the Looe Bathing Water Quality Partnership, which aims to protect Looe’s bathing waters from pollution. Partner organisations, farmers and the local community have committed over £300,000 to protect the rivers and bathing waters. | Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Water quality Urban | ||||||||||||
| Louds Mill (Downstream)m Enhancement | 50° 42' 44.49" N, 2° 24' 48.59" W | The reach downstream of Louds Mill was an over wide channel with little marginal vegetation and poor in channel bed morphology. During low flows the river was spread over the whole width of the channel leading to a shallow river. Spawning potential in the reach were limited due to compacted and over silted gravels. There was also very little cover and in channel structure provided by tree and in channel woody debris. The River Frome Rehabilitation Plan states the main proposals to improve the SSSI condition and WFD objectives of unit 1b and to incorporate as part of the Louds Mill Enhancement were to: a) reprofile banks (to narrow the low flow channel and improve the marginal zone b) to reprofile river bed (to clean the gravels of silt break its compacted nature – improving spawning potential) c) introduce large woody debris to the reach (d) new riparian tree planting (willow whips to be inserted into the bank edges and soft margins at key locations. | 1 January 2013 | Bank reprofiling Re-profiling Cleaning of spawning gravels Introducing large woody debris Tree planting Marginal planting | Environmental flows and water resources Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | ||||||||||
| Loutre BeLu: Restoration of European otter habitats (Belgium & Luxemburg) | 50° 24' 1.80" N, 5° 8' 0.65" E | The Loutre BeLu project aimed to protect declining otter (Lutra lutra) populations in a cross-border area between Belgium and the Grand Duché de Luxembourg. Habitat restoration targeted an area of approximately 300,000 and included the basins of the Rivers Our, Sûre and Ourthe. Encouraging re-colonisation by providing more habitats for matting was intended to allow genetic exchanges between the currently separated otter populations.
The project intended to work with the full range of local stakeholders and landowners in particular. It included regular monitoring of indicators for otter presence, as well as the creation of a data base and a geographical information system. The project planned a wide-ranging communication effort with specific actions toward different target groups to provide long-term protection and appropriate conservation management. The works affected more than 600 km of watercourse, and 21 Natura 2000 sites in Belgium and eleven in Luxembourg. This involved protection of the river banks and construction of fences along 61 km to prevent access by livestock to riverbanks, 23 footbridges for cattle. Also 262 drinking troughs were established and 23 km of riparian forest were planted. Further works included the removal of 150 ha of spruce plantations from floodplains, with 44 ha of this felling area cleaned up with the restoration of indigenous plants such as broad-leaved alluvial forest and a patchwork of meadows and marshes. The project created 178 ponds and 33 otter havens. Invasive species were directly tackled on 189 ha, with different methods tested and assessed. To restore water quality in the rivers for the otter and fish, the project: reconnected seven backwaters and spawning grounds to the main river channel; removed or modified 21 obstacles to the migration of fish up and down the river; and installed nine passageways for otters under road bridges. | 1 October 2005 | 1 March 2011 | Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring | ||||||||||
| Love My River | 53° 39' 25.08" N, 2° 38' 32.15" W | Love My River is a community led project developed by Groundwork CLM. Its main aims are tackling river pollution and creating a legacy that will protect the future of its waterways for years to come. It has so far carried out improvements at the River Chor and River Tawd in Lancashire. | Habitat enhancement Vegetation removal | Clean-up days Walkover surveys and water sample data collection | Community involvement Engagement with a wide range of stakeholders | Economic aspects Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Water quality | |||||||||
| Love My River Douglas | 53° 32' 43.21" N, 2° 37' 37.82" W | ||||||||||||||
| Love Your River Bromsgrove | 52° 20' 2.76" N, 2° 4' 20.48" W | A town wide project working with the local community and improving habitat through capital works. | Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Social benefits Water quality Urban | ||||||||||||
| Love Your River Telford | 52° 40' 42.31" N, 2° 26' 42.93" W | Executive summary
The Love Your River Telford project is a holistic, all inclusive, partnership approach, addressing urban pollution with the aim of improving water quality and habitat around the watercourses of Telford while at the same time improving protection of downstream potable drinking water supply abstractions. Initial funding was secured and the first year of the project ran from 1st April 2014 until 31 March 2015. There have been many achievements in the first year of the project detailed in this report. Through bringing together organisations with similar aspirations and working with, volunteers, schools, business, and the local community a large number of benefits for both the environment and the whole community were realised. Watercourses have already shown some signs of improvement earlier than expected. In addition to the benefits mentioned above large financial savings were also achieved for a number of participating organisations through the unique, efficient and proactive approach. This includes a potential saving well in excess of £1M for Severn Trent Water. Details of these figures and how they are calculated are found in this report. There has been much interest in the project from the media and other organisations. A BBC radio miniseries was completed on the project, there is a blog on the .GOV.UK website and there has been a lot of interest on social media. The project will also be highlighted at an international conference in Ireland in November 2015 as an example of best practice. All of this attention has resulted in other towns and cities showing an interest in the model developed in Telford with Bromsgrove already implementing it in 2015. The Environment Agency through DEFRA Grant in Aid funding has been the main contributor to this project with some partner match funding. Further funds have been secured to continue the project to 31 March 2016. This source of this funding however is expected to significantly decrease beyond March 2016 so the partners are seeking other funding sources to continue to develop what appears to be a successful approach with many benefits and one that can be shared with other towns and cities with urban pollution issues. Introduction Love Your River Telford is a project aimed at working with and empowering the whole of the town’s community to improve water quality and the natural habitat, enhancing their own environment. There was 4 government organisations, 4 non-government organisations, 1 water company, 1 university, 16 community groups and an industry led environmental group with 140 members all working to try and improve water quality, biodiversity and flooding in Telford, a town with a population of around 150,000 people. As in most towns these various bodies were working generally independently of each other resulting in inefficiencies while frequently treading on each other’s toes, occasionally resulting in strained relationships. The Love Your River Telford project decided to take the initiative, build on the foundations laid by the successful preceding Catchment Restoration Fund project and implement a bold unique approach to attempt to get all organisations to work in partnership together while including and empowering the rest of Telford’s community to work alongside us on a scale not seen anywhere else before. Telford now has an all inclusive joined up and innovative approach where all the different parts of the community feel involved and valued and know how they can help to improve the town’s water quality, biodiversity and flooding issues. This approach has already proved to be significantly more efficient and cost effective by proactively resolving issues before they become a greater problem and by empowering communities who are already out in the town everyday to identify pollution and report it. As well as improving water quality and habitat in the town the work has also help safeguard the highly important downstream potable abstractions against pollution. You only need to walk around Telford to see there are problems that need resolving to improve water quality. The Ketley Brook in Telford The Mad Brook in Telford There are 8 water bodies in Telford. All are failing to meet Water Framework Directive targets either partially of wholly due to urban diffuse pollution. An all inclusive project How we have worked to include the whole community in enhancing their own environment can be seen in detail below: Clean Stream Team The Clean Stream Team is at the hub of the project. The team consists of 2 people, one from the Environment Agency and one from Severn Trent Water. They are supported by Shropshire Wildlife Trust and Telford & Wrekin Council. They work together on a full time basis, to proactively seek and resolve as many urban pollution issues as possible for the life of the project. They receive further support from the other 10 stakeholders on the project steering group and importantly the whole of the rest of Telford’s community. This is achieved by: 1. Volunteer groups A network of 16 “friends of ...” volunteer groups have received 6 full day training sessions and have been supplied with sampling equipment to allow them to monitor for and identify signs of pollution to Telford’s watercourses. Any pollution identified by the volunteer groups is fed into the Clean Stream Team to resolve 2. Local Community A project leaflet has been developed to help Telford’s residents to identify pollution, correct any of their own drainage mis-connections and informs them how to report any pollution they might identify. Any pollution identified by the community is fed into the Clean Stream Team to resolve. 3. Business community The Business Environmental Support Scheme for Telford (BESST) has been tasked by the project to develop an award scheme to recognise pollution prevention innovation. This has opened up a new line of communication with businesses in Telford. BESST’s 140 members have received information regarding pollution prevention and how to identify pollution and have teamed up with volunteer groups to help identify and address issues. Any pollution identified by the business community is fed into the Clean Stream Team to resolve. 4. Stakeholder organisations Many of the stakeholders involved with the project have pollution reporting systems. The project creates one system where any water pollution reported is passed to the Clean Stream Team to investigate. Any pollution reported to or identified by other organisations is fed into the Clean Stream Team to resolve. 5. Schools Shropshire Wildlife Trust worked in 10 schools in Telford either through a short session or a full 6 week River Ranger Programme to teach Telford’s children about habitat, water pollution and how to identify it and report it. Details on the innovative full 6 week programme can be found below. Any pollution identified by the school children in Telford is fed into the Clean Stream Team to resolve. An example of how a volunteer report triggers a Clean Stream Team response in practiice can be seen in Appendix B. The innovative approach During the development phase of the project all partners agreed that the project should aim towards an innovative approach. All of the partner’s ideas were subsequently gathered and the Love Your River Telford project was created. So why is it innovative? There are a number of elements to the project that have not been considered before, are ideas from previous projects taken a step further or have not been implemented on the scale of a town the size of Telford before (pop 100,000). These include: 1. Clean Stream Team The idea to work in partnership to resolve urban pollution came from the Operation Streamclean project in Bristol. This project took that model much further. Rather than a standalone team involving the main organisations concerned with urban pollution, this project involves all 12 organisations working on water quality in the town. It also importantly includes the whole of the town’s community making them the “4th member” of the team. By providing the volunteer groups with training and chemical, invertebrate and aquatic plant monitoring equipment they have become an extremely valued early warning to water pollution. In addition to the Environment Agency’s routine monitoring the volunteer’s data helps us to better understand the sources of the pollution with any issues identified immediately passed to the Clean Stream Team to investigate and resolve. Now everyone is working together with a common goal. 2. Blue Business Award Telford is lucky enough to have the Business Environmental Support Scheme for Telford (BESST), a very active industry led environmental advice group with over 140 member businesses. Telford also has 3 very large industrial estates with hundreds of business based in the town. It also subsequently has a history of significant pollution incidents from these areas due to poor pollution prevention practises. As one of the members of the project steering group, BESST have accepted the challenge of creating a new unique annual award recognising innovation in pollution prevention and water efficiency. The award is open to all businesses in Telford and creates a new positive opportunity to reach many more businesses than would usually be possible through a routine pollution prevention campaign and opens up a new forum for sharing best practice and delivering advice. The 1st award ceremony is planned for the end of 2015. 3. SUDS incentive scheme Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) are widely thought to be the answer to addressing urban pollution, reducing flood risk and creating new habitat. They are also considered by business to rarely be cost beneficial and as such rarely adopted by businesses. With support from Shropshire Wildlife trust through the previous Catchment Restoration Funding (CRF) Ricoh, one of the town’s largest businesses has completed feasibility studies to show that such a system can be cost beneficial by considering reduced business risk as well as reduced discharge fees. That same CRF project secured funding for a community based rain garden SUDS located on the Mad Brook in the Stirchley area of Telford. The SUDS has already reduced flooding in that locality while removing sediment rich runoff from entering the local watercourse. The project aims to use these exemplars to encourage SUDS in Telford and to encourage Severn Trent Water to reduce fees for businesses who discharge to surface water via an implemented SUDS scheme. 4. School Education programmes The River Rangers programme developed by Shropshire Wildlife Trust takes water quality and urban pollution school education programmes a step further. The 6 week programme focuses on hands on learning. It uses a full water audit of the school and the construction of retro SUDS by the children in the school grounds as a unique way to help them learn about and understand the problems faced by urban watercourses. | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Monitoring Social benefits Water quality Urban | ||||||||||||
| Low Gardens Bridge Weir Removal | 54° 37' 5.42" N, 2° 44' 35.33" W | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Water quality | |||||||||||||
| Low Stanger Floodplain Reconnection Project | 54° 38' 15.05" N, 3° 20' 19.10" W | There have been significant flooding issues in the town of Cockermouth in recent years. A new flood defence scheme was constructed in 2014, which was overtopped by Storm Desmond in December 2015. There is no single solution and it will need multiple and varied solutions working with landowners to help flatten the flood peak in order to reduce future flood risk. At Low Stanger Farm (see Map 1), the existing flood embankment was breached along 4 sections to increase flood storage when the River Cocker is out of channel | Lowering of embankments | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||||||
| Lowdham NFM | 53° 0' 39.79" N, 1° 0' 21.83" W | The villages of Lambley and Lowdham are situated on the Lambley Dumble/Cocker Beck and currently have 200 homes at significant risk of flooding. Several flood events in both villages have taken place in recent years. The watercourse is extremely flashy draining surface water from the edge of Nottingham. It flows in general within a steep sided wooded valley locally called a dumble, opening up as it approaches the villages.
As part of the Defra funded Natural Flood Management (NFM) Community projects, TRT have been asked to introduce Natural Flood Management (NFM) works which will complement the Environment Agency flood relief scheme for Lowdham in Nottinghamshire.
| 1 February 2018 | 1 March 2021 | Containment bund to prevent flooding Tree planting Floodplain reconnection Deculverting | leaky woody dams | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Land use management - agriculture Monitoring Water quality | ||||||||
| Lowdham NFM Project | 53° 0' 19.20" N, 1° 4' 40.13" W | NFM project upstream of a conventional FCRM scheme at Lowdam Village | 1 April 2018 | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Lower Bockhampton | 50° 42' 51.24" N, 2° 23' 41.76" W | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||||||||
| Lower Darwen Weir Removal | 53° 42' 38.54" N, 2° 28' 24.63" W | Weir Removal to improve fish passage and Hydromorphology of a Heavily Modified Water Body in an Urban Area | Weir removal | Fisheries Hydromorphology | |||||||||||
| Lower Otter Restoration Project | 50° 37' 50.88" N, 3° 18' 29.34" W | River Otter estuary at Budleigh Salterton, Devon.
The Lower Otter Restoration Project (LORP) in Budleigh Salterton, East Devon, is a flagship intertidal habitat restoration, climate adaptation, and infrastructure improvement project delivered by the Environment Agency in partnership with the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust and Clinton Devon Estates. LORP has been majority funded by the UK government, with £8.5 million of co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Interreg V A France (Channel) England programme (2021 to 2023). It is the English arm of a cross-border initiative called ‘Promoting Adaptation to Changing Coasts’ (PACCo) and is delivering pre-emptive climate change adaptation in the Otter Valley by working with nature to provide benefits for people and the environment. As part of the initiative, work is also going ahead on a similar project (Basse Saâne 2050) in the Saâne Valley in Normandy, France. Left unchanged, both valleys’ landscapes would not be sustainable in the face of climate change after centuries of human modification. The aim of LORP is to demonstrate that it is possible to collaborate with stakeholders in estuarine regions and work with nature, rather than against it, to improve the resilience of coastal communities and their environments. It is achieving this by increasing flood resilience through greatly improved infrastructure, reversing biodiversity loss (record-breaking levels of wading birds have already been seen regularly in the area since wetland development began), undoing the negative impacts of man-made modifications and restoring significant habitat loss, increasing carbon capture, and building awareness of climate adaptation and nature-based solutions through a range of educational resources and visits. LORP’s unique approach and methodology has also been shared through the publication of the PACCo Guide – a comprehensive framework for nature-based adaptation and management. The project began in spring 2021 and was completed in early autumn 2023. The works include a 70-meter breach in embankments to reconnect the Otter Estuary to its historic floodplain; restoring 55ha of wetland habitat; the construction of a 30-meter span flood-resilient, raised road and road bridge, as well as a new footbridge over the location of the future breach to ensure continuity of the South West Coast Path; the relocation of Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club away from the floodplain; raising and improving public footpaths, and creating wildlife viewing areas. To find out more about the Lower Otter Restoration Project, visit: www.lowerotterrestorationproject.co.uk For more information on the PACCo initiative, visit: www.pacco-interreg.com The essential work elements of the Scheme at a glance: Habitat creation 28ha of mudflats and 27ha of transitional marsh and saltmarsh Facilitating works
| 4 January 2021 | Estuary Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Lower River Roding Regeneration Project | 51° 31' 41.59" N, 0° 4' 48.90" E | This project was the first in Thames Region to be delivered by the Environment Agency using funding from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister’s (ODPM, now DCLG) Sustainable Communities Fund.
In May 2004 we submitted a bid to the ODPM for £1million to undertake a series of environmental enhancements along the River Roding in its lower reaches where it passes through the London Boroughs of Barking & Dagenham and Newham. The funding bid was approved in October 2004 and the project had to be delivered by the end of the funding period in March 2006. BACKGROUND The River Roding is a tributary of the River Thames. It rises to the north east of London and flows south through East London, through and along the boundary of a number of London Boroughs, before joining the River Thames in Barking. The lower reaches of the River Roding are tidal and the land adjacent to the River Roding throughout the project area is protected from tidal and fluvial flooding by flood defences. In addition to these defences the Barking Barrier protects the area from extreme high tides. This barrier is part of the Thames tidal defences. The Barking Barrier is situated at the confluence of the River Thames and the River Roding. The Lower Roding Regeneration Project covers 4.5km of the River Roding where it flows through the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham and London Borough of Newham, between grid references TQ 436848 and TQ 458816. The lower reaches of the River Roding are extremely urbanised and many of the riverside areas are of low environmental quality with poor aesthetic appeal and are difficult to access. Infrastructure barriers currently make it a difficult landscape to easily navigate and enjoy. These barriers include a railway line crossing and the A13 trunk road, creating east-west barriers, and the A406 North Circular Road running parallel to but set back from the west bank of the river. | 1 May 2004 | 31 March 2006 | construction of new intertidal area | Improved public access Information panels for people | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits Urban Estuary | ||||||||
| Lower Thame Barbel Project | 51° 40' 27.46" N, 1° 8' 0.11" W | To improve habitat on the River Thame for barbel and associated fish community | 1 April 2018 | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Lower Woodsford | 50° 43' 9.63" N, 2° 18' 58.73" W | The upper reach of the Lower Woodsford Channel has been historically straightened but there are now signs of recovery. The option for this reach is for ‘Assisted Natural Recovery’. Riffles and berms are developing which are improving the channel condition.
Dredging in the lower reaches has removed in channel features such as riffles and glides resulting in a low variety of flow patterns. This also limits the range of habitats and species that the river can support. A deep drainage ditch had been created in the 1970’s running parallel and south to the river for nearly 1800m’s. The material this generated was used to embank the river to reduce flood flows. There’s a lack of riparian trees and shrubs in this management unit. Trees provide habitat at the river banks for insects and birds. Trees also provide shade which helps reduces the river temperature creating better conditions for fish. The majority of floodplain land to the south of the river has been in arable production since the drainage activities. This limits the river corridor habitat value and allows sediment runoff to enter the river affecting in channel ecology. Soils and silts enter the channel covering gravels that Salmon and Trout spawn on, which reduce their reproductive success. Proposed works will consist of: • riparian tree planting • introduction of large woody debris • embankment removal • removal of hard bank protection • ditch reprofiling • channel and scrape creation | Introducing large woody debris Removal of bank reinforcements | Tree planting Riparian planting Removal of embankments Scrapes | Re-profiled ditch | Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||||
| Lowering the weir of the Houël mill on the Leff River | 48° 44' 43.53" N, 3° 4' 18.83" W | The project consisted of lowering the weir by over one metre over half of its total length. The rocks resulting from the removal of a part of the weir were spread over the banks to prevent erosion or laid in the river bed to increase the diversity of flows and create rapids for the kayakers. The old buildings were enhanced by clearing the area around the ruins and trimming a number of trees. Management included upkeep of the site in terms of landscaping and promoting the historical heritage (cutting vegetation). | 1 September 2010 | 30 September 2010 | Weir lowering Spreading of debris | Trimming of trees | Awareness raising by a sign Organisation of visits to the sites Production of a video | Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | |||||||
| Loxford Water | 51° 32' 53.10" N, 0° 5' 26.00" E | Deculverting through the park. Scope for accompanying lake enhancement/ fisheries project. Loxford Water is heavily urbanised, degraded and a in a concrete culvert for the most of its length. Through the park there is space available for re-naturalising the river. At the moment it is fully concreted bed and banks or rip-rap further downstream adjacent to the lakes. | 1 January 2008 | Deculverting Removing of concrete structures | Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Lugg & Arrow, Radnorshire | 52° 21' 24.38" N, 3° 12' 33.30" W | The upper most part of the rivers Lugg and Arrow rise in east Wales, before flowing through the border towns of Presteigne and Kington. At this point, both are quite substantial rivers and since these upper reaches qualify for funding from East Wales European Regional Development Funds, and are in urgent need of restoration, we designed a project focussing on habitat restoration and fisheries development. Building on work delivered by the Foundation and its partners within the Leader + Projects downstream in Herefordshire (which established fish access within the lower Lugg and Arrow), the project's aims are: restoring the riparian habitat so that fish populations become self sustaining and encouraging the diversification of rural businesses to meet the growing demand for 'wild' fishing, thereby enhancing the rural economy of Radnorshire.
This will be achieved by implementing the following measures: • A comprehensive survey of the environmental/ecological issues within the Lugg and Arrow catchments. • Targeted restoration of 25km of riparian habitat, directly ourselves and in association with landowners and other conservation organisations such as the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust. • Restoration of riparian habitat, using our own workforce and in association with landowners and other conservation organisations such as the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust. • Restoration of fish access especially for brown trout within the sub catchment by removal of barriers. • Supporting local fisheries through marketing initiatives (The Passport) and increasing business for local accommodation providers, pubs etc. Work commenced on the Gladestry Brook, an important tributary of the Arrow, where coppicing and fencing was completed on 3.5km of river. Other sites completed during the project included the Lugg at Pilleth, Dolly Green, Litton, Rock Bridge and Achill, the Arrow at Wernol and Upper Hergest, the Cascob Brook and the Builth Road Dulas. Most encouraging of all was the response from landowners, who realise the rationale behind the work and the undoubted benefits that accrue. | 1 June 2006 | 1 June 2008 | Removal of fish barriers Fencing | Supporting local fisheries through marketing initiatives | Economic aspects Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||
| Lugton Water Fish Barrier Easement | 55° 39' 49.54" N, 4° 38' 57.23" W | 2 January 2015 | Weir modification | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Lullingstone Castle | 51° 21' 32.29" N, 0° 12' 0.39" E | The River Darent is a tributary of the River Thames. This groundwater fed chalk river exhibits typical attributes including clear water, abundant macrophytes, low banks and reasonably stable flows.
The river has suffered from over abstraction as well as being heavily modified for historical agricultural irrigation and to provide power for milling. The rivers course through a number of large lakes fragment habitats and puts pressure on water quality and quantity in the river. The North West Kent Countryside Partnership (NWKCP) and King Fisher Angling and Preservation Society (KAPS)carried out a project in 2010/2011 on the Darent running through the grounds of Lullingstone Castle. The Wild Trout Trust undertook an advisory visit in July 2009 to identify the project area which exhibited historical straightening, slow flows and high water temperatures due to its location just downstream of a 15ha on-line lake. Heavy siltation in the channel and dense wooded banks also contributed to an overall poor habitat for fish (particularly native Brown Trout). Objectives included: • Improve in stream habitat for juvenile and adult fish as well as provision of spawning habitats by the creation of areas of clean loose gravels and increased flow rates • Increased flow levels to ensure a healthy flow to maintain habitats even during summer low flows • Increase marginal habitats by clearing trees and scrub and planting new marginal aquatic plants to support invertebrate, wildfowl and water vole populations • Narrowing and meandering of the channel using large woody debris and faggots • Increase fishing opportunities by improving condition of the river The Environment Agency initiated the project, with the North West Kent Countryside Partnership engaging with local fishing clubs who had initially developed and planned the project to provide advice and support work delivery. This partnership ensured the ability to deliver a wide range of objectives. Project delivery was between January and April 2011 (to correspond with the closed fishing season) by KAPS and NWKCP staff and volunteers. The Environment Agency funded the £3,640 cost including materials and NWKCP officer time. The reach was divided into sections A-F a brief review of work completed is: A- Installation of deflector B- Channel narrowing, faggoting to encourage new bank development and increase marginal habitat C- Faggot barrier to block inlet, installation of coir rolls between faggot bundles to create vegetation D- Block off artificial channels by installing faggots, planting area using coir pallets E- Installation of large woody debris and coir rolls to narrow channel F- Group deflectors at varying lengths, pack faggot bundles between deflectors to create marginal habitats These works have been a success, making a noticeable difference to fishing quality (reports of increased catch rates). A reach has now been created which provides a variety of habitats beneficial to fish, and has encouraged possible spawning activity in the area. The KAPS and NWKCP are keen to continue works and have begun identification of possible sites for the future. Since 2011 the North West Kent Countryside Partnership have revisited the project to deliver additional habitat improvement works. The additional work undertaken included the installation of large woody debris to create a set of 'v' deflectors which have established another pool and riffle sequence and helped to increase the flow within this location. The work provides additional spawning opportunity for fish as well as offering greater diversity in the types of habitat available. The Partnership has also modified an overly wide canalised section (area F) to increase the depth and the flow rate through this section. The narrowing has also improved the scouring effect of the existing deflectors, helping to remove the heavy silt on the river bed and expose the gravels.
| 2009 | 31 December 2011 | Placement of faggots Deflectors Marginal planting | Channel narrowing Decrease sedimentation | Cut back of trees Tree management | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology | |||||||
| Lullingstone Castle phase 2 | 51° 21' 9.84" N, 0° 11' 24.29" E | Aimed to improve the overall habitat of this section of river with a particular focus on habitat creation which would support spawning opportunities as well as juvenile and adult habitat for native Brown Trout. This was recognised as a section in very poor condition. The specific objectives were as follows: 1. To improve in-stream habitat by cleaning areas of loose gravels and increasingly flow rates to an optimal level to support fish, especially brown native trout, and creating habitat to support both juvenile and adult fish. 2. Increase natural flows which, even during low flows during the summer, can provide a healthy and diverse habitat. 3. Clear heavily shaded trees and plant marginal aquatic plants to support invertebrates and other aquatic life (water voles). 4. Improve the appearance of the river by creating a natural sinuous flow through this stretch of river, narrowing the channel using large woody debris and woody faggots to create in-channel structures. 5. Increase fishing opportunities within the river (and overall condition of the section). Over abstraction has led to the degradation of the Darent, where characteristic chalk-river chacateristics: clear water, macrophytes, low bans and natural flows have been lost. It has experienced heavy modification and provided power for milling and historic agricultural irrigation. The river also flows into a number of large on-line lakes that fragment habitat and put additional pressure on water quality and quantity. | 1 January 2011 | Habitat creation | Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||||
| Lunterse Beek | 52° 4' 3.69" N, 5° 31' 27.79" E | Restoration measures were carried out in a trajectory of the Lunterse Beek to the west of Renswoude, south of the N224 up to the Liniedijk.
Since the Lunterse beek is a mass of water with little flow and dynamics, the water authority created a side channel, which should be embedded in the landscape and improve the stream’s ecology. This side channel also functions as a spillway when discharges are high. Because a weir is present at the location where the stream cuts through the Liniedijk, the side channel was led through a culvert in the dyke, after which it becomes a meandering stream that connects to the Lunterse Beek downstream of the weir. The side channel passes through the small woodland area of Klein Wolfswinkel, where it passes close by a badger’s sett (Du: Dassenburcht); one of the pictures shows the badger’s nursery. The area also features living quarters of a fox, a hawk and a buzzard and is home to a colony of herons. The ecology will be monitored further, both at the banks, where stubbs were introduced as a bank edge, and in the stream itself. The vegetation that was introduced at several locations near the stream will be monitored as well. The design of the area is such that little maintenance should be necessary. The restorion measures in the Lunterse Beek aim to improve the flow conditions and increase the variation in flora and fauna. Fish like the gudge (Nl: riviergrondel) and ide (Nl: winde) will soon be able to swim upstream when the weir at the Groeperkade will be made passable for fish. Source: https://www.sprengenbeken.nl/tag/lunterse-beek/ | 2011 | Dead wood deposit Sand deposit | Environmental flows and water resources Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Monitoring Water quality | Fish Macrophytes | Channel pattern/planform Flow velocities Width & depth variation | Oxygen balance PH Salinity Temperature Transparency | |||||||
| Lustrum Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme: Phase 2 | 54° 32' 34.27" N, 1° 23' 4.67" W | The Lustrum Beck catchment (Map 1) is located in Stockton-on-Tees and is a tributary of the Tees. It has been identified through an ISIS-TUFLOW model that over 150 properties are at risk of flooding in the catchment within 2 main areas: Oxbridge and Browns Bridge. For these sites, the Lustrum Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS) has been split into 2 phases. Phase 1 is well underway and consists of constructing more traditional flood defences in the urban area of the catchment. Phase 2 is currently in the development stage and will involve storing water at a range of scales in the upstream catchment area using natural processes to attenuate water. This case study focuses on Phase 2 in the Lustrum Beck catchment and how natural processes are being incorporated into the scheme to reduce downstream risk.
The model used identified that a total storage area of around 100,000m³ of storage within the local catchment area could reduce the discharge from the 1 in 100 year return period by 11.5%. This would reduce the peak flow of the 1 in 100 year event to less than 1 in 75 year event. The Lustrum Beck project is the first flood risk management scheme to develop a business case which includes the use of Natural Flood Management (NFM) to successfully attract Flood Defence Grant in Aid (FDGiA) funding to reduce flood risk. | 2014 | Offline storage areas | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity Hydromorphology Land use management - agriculture Land use management - forestry | ||||||||||
| Mackworth and Markeaton Brooks | 52° 57' 19.37" N, 1° 32' 12.67" W | Restrict stock access to watercourse | 1 April 2018 | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Mains of Dyce | 57° 12' 49.37" N, 2° 11' 22.06" W | SEPA required the culverted channel to be “re-daylighted”. The overarching aim was to restore catchment scale processes as much as possible, taking a long term sustainable rather than quick fix approach.
Constraints on the scale of restoration included: large housing development close by, lack of a catchment scale management plan, lack of funding and knowledge. Housing developer initially carried out works, resulting in an unstable channel design. Two one in ten year flooding events which occurred in 2009 caused severe incision of the channel up to 2.7 meters, which in total was estimated to have removed 539m3 of material. cbec eco engineering was subsequently contracted to re-design the channel. Step-pool design was chosen based on modelling. Works included bed and bank profiling, and step construction from boulders and smaller cobbles/gravels. Monitoring has indicated that channel design is stable. | 1 August 2009 | 1 September 2010 | step pool | Hydromorphology | |||||||||
| Malden Golf Course | 51° 24' 37.95" N, 0° 15' 10.60" W | Removal of toe boards to improve habitat and reduce flood risk. Beverley Brook and Coombe Brook flow through the golf course. Beverley Brook has toe boarding which the river is eroding behind. The river is almost devoid of inchannel features through the golf course. | Toeboard removal | Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Malltraeth Marsh | 53° 12' 53.43" N, 4° 19' 42.23" W | The channel was canalised, embanked, and virtually featureless carrying highland water from upstream across a flat lowland valley. Marsh either side is grazing land designated as SSSI.
Aims of the project: • To restore the open water characteristics of remnant cut-off channels of the Cefni that were being to be lost through drying and reed/rush/sweet-grass invasion. • Combined with local restoration of high water tables, these measures ensured that the wildlife interests which gave rise to its notification as an SSSI are maintained and enhanced. Works carried out: • excavation of drying relic meanders and other open water areas • sluices on drains/ditches to raise water levels in summer • sluices and/or bunds to raise winter water levels • willow/scrub control and other vegetation management • improved bank profiles to the many ditches that traverse the floodplain | 1993 | 1 January 1996 | excavation of historic channels Bed raising | Creation of wetland Floodplain reconnection | Habitat and biodiversity | ||||||||
| Maltby WASH | 53° 25' 3.39" N, 1° 11' 9.19" W | Improving school grounds for wildlife and fencing at farm to prevent rural diffuse pollution | 4 January 2018 | Habitat and biodiversity | |||||||||||
| Manor House Gardens | 51° 27' 17.98" N, 0° 0' 12.69" E | Breakout of concrete through park Uniform degraded channel. Building of new substation between Coppermill Close and Riverside Road by electricity alliance. | 1 January 2008 | Removing of concrete structures | Economic aspects Fisheries Habitat and biodiversity Social benefits | ||||||||||
| ... further results | |||||||||||||||