Case study:Stroud Rural Sustainable Drainage Project: Difference between revisions
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|Bank and bed modifications measure=Introducing large woody debris, | |||
|Floodplain / River corridor=Creation of natural floodwater dynamics, Greater water retention, | |||
|Management interventions=Fencing, More natural water retention, Reduce diffuse water pollution and over-grazing, | |||
|Social measures=Community involvement, | |||
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Revision as of 12:23, 9 February 2016
This case study is pending approval by a RiverWiki administrator.
Project overview
| Status | In progress |
|---|---|
| Project web site | http://www.stroud.gov.uk/docs/environment/rsuds/index.asp |
| Themes | Flood risk management, Habitat and biodiversity, Hydromorphology, Land use management - agriculture, Land use management - forestry |
| Country | England |
| Main contact forename | Chris |
| Main contact surname | Uttley |
| Main contact user ID | User:Stroud RSuDS |
| Contact organisation | Stroud District Council |
| Contact organisation web site | http://www.stroud.gov.uk/docs/environment/rsuds/index.asp |
| Partner organisations | Stroud District Council |
| Parent multi-site project | |
| This is a parent project encompassing the following projects |
No |
Project summary
In 2012, the Environment Agency commissioned a report into the feasibility and potential benefits of implementing Natural Flood Management (also called Rural Sustainable Drainage) (RSuDS) throughout the catchment of the Stroud Frome and associated tributaries.
Acting on the findings of the study, the Severn and Wye Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC) agreed to fund a project officer to implement and promote rural sustainable drainage and natural flood management in the whole catchment, which covers approx. 235km2. A formal partnership between Gloucestershire County Council, The Environment Agency, the RFCC and Stroud District Council was established to implement the work, and under a collaborative agreement, Stroud District Council agreed to employ the project officer for three years.
The project is working with a large number of private and third sector land owners to implement a wide variety of techniques to slow flood flows, reduce erosion of soils, and restore in-stream and flood plain natural processes. We are creating a large number of leaky woody debris structures located in a variety of settings to catalyse in-stream habitat restoration, slow down the transport of silt and sediment, raise bed levels in deeply incised channels, create diverse habitats, attenuate higher flows and force flows out of channel.
In addition, we are working with woodland and agricultural land owners to put in place measures to reduce soil erosion, store overland flows and increase infiltration.
We are working in small streams, spring flows and drainage gulleys to intervene at the very top of the catchment, with a view to working our way downstream and allowing downstream areas a better chance to restore themselves. We predominantly work on Ordinary Water Courses where impacts such as dredging, channelisation and diffuse pollution are acute. As work progresses, we are finding and recording previously un-recorded habitat features of international importance, including Alkaline tufa petrifying spring habitats in both woodland and grassland context.
To implement the approach and achieve real reductions in flood risk and improvements to habitat we are working in full partnership with communities, flood actions groups, partners, land managers and farmers. We involve members of Flood Action Groups in determining priorities for future work.
Monitoring surveys and results
None to date
Lessons learnt
We have learned a number of lessons:
1. Importance of Bottom up approach and community support for Natural Flood Management. It is impossible to undertake this work on the scale needed to make a difference to both natural processes or flood risk if widespread community support is not given.
2. We think it is important to start work quickly to create momentum and inspire communities that the approach is feasible rather than theoretical.
3. Even small interventions can make a difference quickly in a degraded stream system, creating habitat complexity, refugia, and allowing light into a heavily shaded area.
4. Use local contractors to increase buy-in and capacity for undertaking works.
5. Start at the most upstream location feasible and work your way downstream. Working on smaller water courses has less risk and less requirement for modelling and feasibility work.
Image gallery
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Catchment and subcatchment
Site
Project background
Cost for project phases
Supplementary funding informationRevenue project funding is provided by the Severn and Wye Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. Capital funding is supplied by Gloucestershire County Council, the Environment Agency and Stroud District Council.
Reasons for river restoration
Measures
MonitoringHydromorphological quality elements
Biological quality elements
Physico-chemical quality elements
Any other monitoring, e.g. social, economic
Monitoring documents
Additional documents and videos
Additional links and references
Supplementary InformationEdit Supplementary Information
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