Case study:Burn of Balmaleedy Restoration, Marykirk
Project overview
Status | In progress |
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Project web site | |
Themes | Flood risk management |
Country | Scotland |
Main contact forename | Gavin |
Main contact surname | Bissett |
Main contact user ID | User:Rbryan |
Contact organisation | Aberdeenshire Council |
Contact organisation web site | http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk |
Partner organisations | |
Parent multi-site project | |
This is a parent project encompassing the following projects |
No |
Project summary
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)
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