Case study:New Forest LIFE project
Project overview
Status | Complete |
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Project web site | http://www.newforestlife.org.uk/ |
Themes | Flood risk management, Habitat and biodiversity, Land use management - forestry, Monitoring |
Country | England |
Main contact forename | Sarah |
Main contact surname | Oakley |
Main contact user ID | |
Contact organisation | Forestry Commission |
Contact organisation web site | http://www.therrc.co.uk |
Partner organisations | Environment Agency, University of Southampton |
This is a parent project encompassing the following projects |
Highland Water at Warwickslade Lawn, Holmsley Inclosure Stream Restoration, Markway Stream Restoration |
Project summary
In the past, the Highland Water and Blackwater channels have been straightened and cleared of large woody debris (LWD), leading to disconnection of the channel from its floodplain, increased headward erosion and downcutting, high sediment transport rates and rapid progression of flood peaks.
The New Forest LIFE III project was proposed to improve the ecological potential of the catchments, increase habitat diversity and mitigate flood risk. Restoration began in 2003, with a 'test restoration' on the Blackwater, followed by Highland Water, reaching completion in 2006. The project involved remeandering of the channel and the introduction of LWD dams and CWD - providing habitats for fish and macroinvertebrates, while increasing flow resistance and the frequency/magnitude of overbank flow (which in turn would supply additional LWD for dam creation. LWD dams also increase the frequency of pool-riffle sequences - improving bed complexity.
Many aspects of the projects were deemed to be a success, with a clear increase in delay of the flood peak, post-restoration. The frequency and duration of overbank flow was also observed to increase appreciably.
Monitoring surveys and results
Lessons learnt
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Catchment
Subcatchment
Other case studies in this subcatchment: Highland Water at Warwickslade Lawn
Site
Project background
Cost for project phases
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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