Edit project overview: Case study:River Wensum Restoration, Reach 3a Costessey

Please enter a description of the project: Reach 3a of the River Wensum Restoration Strategy involved restoring 1.2km of SSSI & SAC designated river at Costessey, west of Norwich, Norfolk. Improvements to morphological diversity were achieved here through the installation of gravel glides, pools and berms and woody material. Informal cattle drinks were enhanced to reduce poaching and sediment input whilst still providing water to the landowner's livestock. These cattle drinks also acted as fry bays whilst fields were not being grazed. Tree planting was also carried out in exposed stretches of the river.

Monitoring surveys and results: Analysis of monitoring results pending. Post-restoration water vole surveys suggest that fenced tree enclosures which were no longer grazed provided additional habitat for water voles. Field signs (latrines and food stores) were observed in areas where they hadn't previously been seen.

Lessons learnt: Natural un-milled and untreated timber for use as woody material was difficult to source at this location. Sourcing material for future schemes needs to be a consideration in the design. After an exceptionally dry summer the river level had dropped such that the fenced cattle drinks no longer allowed livestock to reach the water to drink (see photos). The scheme also included un-fenced drinks which the livestock could use. Consideration for livestock watering provisions in the event of low water levels must be included in future designs.