Case study:Syston and Barkston Restoration
Project overview
Status | Complete |
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Project web site | |
Themes | Fisheries, Habitat and biodiversity |
Country | England |
Main contact forename | Matt |
Main contact surname | Parr |
Main contact user ID | |
Contact organisation | Environment Agency |
Contact organisation web site | http://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency |
Partner organisations | Wild Trout Trust; Grantham Angling Association Fly Fishing Section |
Parent multi-site project | |
This is a parent project encompassing the following projects |
No |
Project summary
The habitat in the Barkston Reach was also poor due to the effects of straightening, dredging and impoundment. Siltation of the over-wide riffles and the lack of cover for juvenile and adult fish were identified as key issues and addressing these was the main focus of the enhancement work.
Project Objectives
- To modify the bed structure and improve in-stream habitats for fish and invertebrates, including native white-clawed crayfish.
- To stabilise eroding riverbanks and reduce fine sediment inputs caused by fluvial processes.
- Trap mobile fine sediments from agricultural and other sources.
The enhancement works were planned in two phases and designed by Environment Agency staff in consultation with Grantham Angling Association Fly Fishing Section (GAAFFS) and the riparian landowners.
The Enhancement Schemes The principal function of the works is to create sections of 2-stage channel where the river has been widened and deepened. Here a variety of channel narrowing structures have been installed just above the normal water level to create a low flow channel, but are readily over-topped as the water level rises to ensure that the capacity of the channel is not compromised. Techniques include brushwood mattresses and enclosures, log flow deflectors and vanes and tree management.
Monitoring surveys and results
A variety of monitoring techniques have been employed to assess the impacts of the works. These include fixed point photography, along with regular visual inspections to monitor the integrity and performance of the in-stream structures. An annual programme of fine sediment and gravel sampling to monitor changes in the bed substrate has been established and native crayfish surveys will be repeated on a 2 years cycle. Annual fish surveys are already undertaken and show that the brown trout stocks are currently healthy.
Lessons learnt
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Catchment
Subcatchment
Other case studies in this subcatchment: Aubourn Rock Ramp and Habitat Works, Belton Floodplain Reconnection and River Restoration, Dysart Park, Grantham Habitat Improvement, Grantham Blue Green - Urban Reach, Little Ponton, Manthorpe Floodplain Reconnection, Papermill Weir Section in-channel restoration, River Witham Great Ponton, Stainby Road, Colsterworth, Upper Cringle Floodplain Restoration Project... further results
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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