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Case study:Twineham Weir Removal & In-channel Enhancements + (A number of valuable lessons have been lea … A number of valuable lessons have been learnt through the process of this project, one of the most important being that previous lessons learnt were implemented into this scheme, cutting down on the time it takes to develop and deliver projects. In addition the following form the additional lessons learnt from this project.* It is not always necessary to engineer river restoration project or provide detailed construction designs, especially in the case of demolition of weir structures in areas of no perceived flood risk.* Building relationships can lead to cost effective methods of undertaking a variety of river enhancement work, however, all partners must be willing to think a little “outside the box” when discussing delivery options.* Angling club concerns remain centered around access to the river when water levels are reduced, the creation of berms which slope into the water not only constrict the channel and create flow diversity but also provide year round access to the water irrespective of the water levels.he water irrespective of the water levels.)
Case study:River Wensum Restoration, Reach 10 Lenwade + (Access was very limited due to the presenc … Access was very limited due to the presences of fishing lakes adjacent to the river. Most works had to be completed by hand. Some work was carried out by amphibious excavator where the benefits outweighed the potential damage to the gravel bed from the excavator tracks. Additional tree works were required due to periods of high winds and the need to make the area safe for construction work to be carried out.Re-profiled river banks with bare soil were exposed during high flows and could have lead to erosion and sediment input. Seeding and the installation of a biodegradable jute matting was carried out to minimise erosion. (This had not been anticipated in the design. Ideally work would be carried out early enough to allow bank vegetation to re-establish from the existing seed bank.)re-establish from the existing seed bank.))
Case study:Abbotts Hall Managed Realignment Scheme + (According to the Essex Wildlife Trust (200 … According to the Essex Wildlife Trust (2005), the scheme has been effective in safeguarding the local natural environment of the Salcott Channel and the West Mersea Oyster Fishery downstream of the realignment site. The additional monitoring works undertaken at the request of the local oystermen have demonstrated no noticeable effects on their activities.The natural slope of the site has benefited small fry which have been observed rising through the vegetation with the tide. The gradual slope allows for the zonation of vegetation and provides a mosaic of habitats for a range of sizes and species of fish. The semi permanent pools, which are inundated on high tides, serve as feeding and refuge areas over a tidal cycle. On one occasion, 2000 herring/sprat were caught using a seine net in one tidal pool. This illustrates the value of the realignment site as being beneficial for both commercial and recreational fisheries in the Blackwater estuary.The tidal regime monitoring (Environment Agency, 2003) determined that no clear evidence of any significant change in upstream tidal levels following implementation was found, which is consistent with the predictions of change (these were of the order of a few millimetres). The general direction and phasing of flood and ebb flows remained unchanged (this was considered unsurprising given the generous configuration of the main drainage channel (Salcott Creek)). There seemed to be a slight increase in current speeds at the station closest to the realignment (as well as a 15% increase at another station). These increases were most marked on the ebb tide as water receded seawards. It was noted that the observed increase in current speeds compared favourably with anticipated increase. The absolute increase in velocity does not appear to have produced any significant erosion of the channel bed. No major hydrodynamic changes were observed in Salcott Creek in the period immediately after the breach (when potential changes would be expected to be most pronounced). By ‘restraining tidal outflow’ the main breach also promoted sediment deposition and accretion which consequently led to elevation increases and vegetation colonisation. The monitoring allayed local fears with regards to sediment concentrations that the realignment could generate ‘sediment plumes’ as no significant increase in sediment concentrations immediately after the breach were observed. This is consistent with little erosion being observed. Monitoring of suspended sediment concentrations was able to demonstrate that the realignment site was acting as a net sink for sediment (with sediment deposition described as ‘significant’) and not as a source and was thus able to dispel concerns associated with accumulations of fine sediment that were reported to occur downstream. The Essex Wildlife Trust(2005) states that ‘it turned out that the ‘problem’ was caused by a new colony of tubeworms and was unrelated to the Abbotts Hall realignment’.nrelated to the Abbotts Hall realignment’.)
Case study:Beltringharder Koog Regulated Tidal Exchange Scheme + (Accretion: Hagge et al. (1997) note that s … Accretion: Hagge et al. (1997) note that sediment accretion was not measured as such but it was generally observed that sedimentation was taking place, and that the sinks (i.e. the ring channel and the two depressions created by the sand dredge) were slowly being filled with mud (ca. 5m in the depressions over 10 years). The pensinsula created with the material excavated from the ring creek became an island in 1991 through natural creek evolution.Fish, benthos and plankton: The fish present in the lagoon were found to be typical of the Wadden Sea, which means that theycan pass through the culverts (which experience average current speeds of up to 4m/s). The benthos and plankton composition was also found to be typical of the fronting intertidal by 1994. The relatively long duration of this establishment period was firstly attributed to the size of the area, but more importantly to the sub-optimal, varying conditions over the first years of the site’s existence (i.e. testing of various tidal regimes and malfunctions of the sluice gates). By 1997, only a few species present on the fronting tidal flats were not found within the site. There were however clear differences between species densities – especially for molluscs. Molluscs were relatively rare in the site, which the authors thought was most likely due to a high predator pressure, who found the habitat to be favourable (young mollusc specimen were found). For polychaetae, the predator pressure seemed lower, as their larvae are produced year round (Hagge et al., 1997).Birds: With regards to general shorebird use after the land claim when compared to the period prior to it, Atkinson et al. (2001) summarised a report by Hotker (1997) as follows: It appears that only the herbivorous species wigeon and barnacle goose showed increases in the RTE and, even with the remaining intertidal habitats, shorebirds showed a large decline. Only redshank used the RTE for feeding at high tide and the reduction in tidal range, reduced invertebrate densities and enclosure by tall embankments rendered the remaining area unsuitable for shorebirds. As a result of the embankment, the numbers of Brent geese, shelduck and most shorebird species decreased in the area surrounding the embankment compared with pre-embankment numbers. Most species elsewhere in the German part of the Wadden Sea increased or were stable over the same period. Hotker concluded that ‘the lost feeding opportunities due to the land claim could not be compensated in the immediate surroundings of the study site’.Breeding bird data is available from the site managers’ website (Naturschutzstation Arlau, 2011). The islands in the lagoon have apparently become home to established breeding colonies for several rare birds, including terns, pied avocet and plover. The graph from the image gallery shows how the nine most numerous breeding bird species present in the RTE (excl. gulls) have developed since 1987.Site functioning/operation: Hagge et al. (1997) concluded that the appropriateness of the saline lagoon as compensation forthe lost habitats had been limited. Apart from it not constituting like-for-like compensation, the system is very sensitive, and requires constant maintenance. For example, scour caused a substantial depression to develop immediately behind the southern culvert, which connects with a more substantial tidal creek than the northern culverts (maximum flow velocities of 5.5m/s occur). Remedial action involved filling this hollow with a mix of 0.5-1.5-tonne boulders and stones (personal communication with sluice manager in 2007). Furthermore, the system is sensitive to long periods of low water levels; these are however frequently required to maintain the embankments to the neighbouring reservoirs and the sluices. The following recommendations were made for successful on-site water/tide level management, to ensure the area does not suffer from oxygen starvation or extensive algae coverage, and supports a range of habitats and fauna:* enable maximum, simultaneous, water exchange through both gates;* enable natural tidal rhythm throughout the whole year;* enable uncontrolled water exchange to lengthen the life of the sluice technology, and* simulate a storm surge once or twice a month during the winter months - by dammingwater over a maximum of three tidal cycles.ater over a maximum of three tidal cycles.)
Case study:Chowder Ness Managed Realignment Scheme + (Accretion: In order for the site to suppor … Accretion: In order for the site to support both mudflat invertebrates and saltmarsh plants, it was important that fine marine sediments would be imported into the site, as these would provide the ideal environment for intertidal flora and fauna. Furthermore such sediment import would ensure that the site would continue to increase in elevation as sea levels rise. Observations from previous managed realignments have shown that sites can accrete relatively rapidly immediately after a breach, but that elevation increases then tend to level off. At Chowder Ness, site elevation monitoring has so far followed a similar trajectory. To date, overall, the site has increased in elevation with the main change in elevation occurring in the initial two years following the realignment.*Invertebrates: The monitoring has shown that invertebrates have colonised this new sediment. In 2009, between 571 and 15,429 specimens were found per m² (belonging to between 2 and 6 species). The abundance, diversity and biomass of species in the mudflat have been increasing since the realignment has been implemented, and are now similar to the fronting, pre-existing, mudflat sites; in fact, average abundance within the samples collected in 2008 was greater than the fronting mudflats.*Birds: Shorebirds are making good use of the site; for example, a total of 16 different waterbird species were recorded using the realignment site between September 2008 and March 2009. Species observed in the highest numbers on the site included shelduck, golden plover, lapwing, dunlin, curlew, black-headed gull and common gull.*Saltmarsh and Grassland: With regards to the development of other habitats, there was a requirement to also create saltmarsh and terrestrial habitats. By 2009, as expected, a small proportion of the site had developed into saltmarsh; this is concentrated along the eastern edge of the site. This saltmarsh is mostly dominated by sea aster, although this is interspersed by other saltmarsh plants commonly associated with the lower marsh, such as spear-leaved orache and sea milkwort. With regards to terrestrial habitats, these were created to support a range of farmland bird species at the top and landward side of the new flood embankment, and along a grassland berm between the base of the embankment and the soke dyke. Within the 2009 surveys, eight bird species were seen to use the grassland, of which six were definitely breeding. These species included moorhen, skylark, meadow pipit, pied wagtail, reed bunting and grasshopper warbler.ail, reed bunting and grasshopper warbler.)
Case study:Weir Road + (Achieved outlined hydromorphological and ecological objectives)
Case study:Stainby Road, Colsterworth + (Allow plenty of time for the development a … Allow plenty of time for the development and delivery of a large project such as this where the ecological window for delivery is very limited. Involve all stakeholders at the earliest possible stage of development. Due to the sensitivity of the site, archaeology was a major factor and where this is the case adequate funding should be accounted for to the help manage this risk. Future management of the site is very important to ensure that high quality floodplain habitats are created. Here, the tenant farmer will continue with low density, conservation cattle grazing. The project was carefully designed to not back up any water onto the field immediately upstream.water onto the field immediately upstream.)
Case study:Marswetering + (Although the dead wood method yielded no r … Although the dead wood method yielded no results in this particular location, it has since been applied in various other projects and is generally well received by society. An important lesson is that a sufficiently high discharge is required for this measure to function. Projects such as this one can be complicated by a shortage of available wood and problems cleaning out debris. It has also been noticed that willow wood is less suitable for this measure, as it degrades quickly and is likely to sprout. degrades quickly and is likely to sprout.)
Case study:Zandwetering + (Although the method yielded no results in … Although the method yielded no results in this particular location, it has since been applied in various other projects and is generally well received by society. An important lesson is that a sufficiently high discharge is required for this measure to function. Projects such as this one can be complicated by a shortage of available wood and problems cleaning out debris. It has also been noticed that willow wood is less suitable for this measure, as it degrades quickly and is likely to sprout. degrades quickly and is likely to sprout.)
Case study:Tichborne River Restoration Project + (An early challenge for this project was to … An early challenge for this project was to influence the owners to agree to a major landscape change within the Grade 2 listed site. This was achieved by presenting to them the advantages of creating a natural and sustainable river system and the abandonment of an unsustainable and ecologically impoverished ornamental lake. Lesson learnt - engage early with the landowner.The next challenge was to deal with the constraints of the site including:• Funding• Heritage• Ecology / SSSI features• Planning / permitting process• The moatThe planning process added approximately 6 months to the project. We did not foresee the challenges made during this process nor the length of time it would take to bring the process to a close. Conditions imposed added time and costs to the project. Funding presented a challenge as is always the case with restoration projects. Funding was sourced from the EA, NE and the Trustees of the Tichborne Estate. The ornamental moat previously relied on an outflow from the lake. This project incorporated a major restoration of the moat to isolate it from the Cheriton Stream. The heritage and ecological requirements were dealt with by engaging suitably qualified consultants so that the designs were suitable to achieve the necessary permits and permissions.eve the necessary permits and permissions.)
Case study:2e Lower Woodsford River and Floodplain Enhancement + (Applying an ecosystems approach form the start could have attracted more partners funds and benefits and avoided any negative impacts.)
Case study:Riverlands Porlock Vale Streams + (Applying nature based solutions in the cur … Applying nature based solutions in the current consenting and permitting environment is not easy. Water and wildlife need space and the current land management payment systems and permitting and consenting process needs to be changed and/or adapted to reflect more dynamic river systems that are given space to evolve. In certain places within our river systems we need to move from drainage to habitat and the regulatory and funding environment needs to be changed to enable this to happen.ds to be changed to enable this to happen.)
Case study:West Amesbury + (Archaeological considerations and heavy ra … Archaeological considerations and heavy rainfall/flooding both caused considerable delay and a change in the scope of this project. Due to the proximity of the Stonehenge World Heritage site, English Heritage was not happy with the original restoration plan, so the project was delayed to re-plan. During this time the area received record rainfall, leading to flooding which prevented work from being undertaken. For future projects, further time should be allowed to fully investigate potential archaeological issues and allow for bad weather/environmental delays.llow for bad weather/environmental delays.)
Case study:River Frome Rehabilitation Plan + (As a strategic catchment plan ecah individ … As a strategic catchment plan ecah individual project allows for lessons to be learnt for future projects. Thes einclude amending in channel technqiues to more effective way of bringing gravels to site to more innovative ways of utlising material son site to reduce waste.tlising material son site to reduce waste.)
Case study:River Nar Castle Acre Common WEG project + (As described, the diverted, perched and im … As described, the diverted, perched and impounded pre-existing channel form at this project site (typical of mile after mile of English chalk stream) disables natural fluvial and ecological process, by a) greatly reducing gradient (and therefore flow velocity) and morphological heterogeneity and b) by divorcing the stream from the floodplain. Natural processes are a function of natural channel shape and gradient and consist of a two-way relationship between the physical form of the river and the ecological engineering that form enables. A simple example would be how a restoration of gradient will restore ranunculus, which provides habitat for the blackfly larvae which scrub the water of diatoms: thus a change to the physical shape of the river can improve the water quality along it. In consultation with NE we took the decision to introduce nothing to the site except the changes made to the physical form, allowing the form to shape the habitat and later the plant and animal occupants of that habitat to shape the form. The in-stream plants established within one year of Phase 1 included extensive beds of starwort, berula and ranunculus, but rare marginal plants too, including bog-bean. It is notable too (at the time of writing April 2022) that benthic algae is more or less absent from the substrate of the new channel but prevalent in the side, spring-fed channel, suggesting the new channel will favour rheophillic invertebrates as well as plants. An unexpected impact has been the way in which the Konik ponies interact with the meander planform to improve the biodiversity of the plant communities: they graze (and poach) the point-bars on the inside of the meanders, but not the banks above the undercuts on the outside of the bends (see pictures in accompanying folder). Another impact of note is the way in which a stream returned to its natural level in the floodplain creates a scour line at the margin between the gravel floor of the river bed and the clay-peat banks above. On the outsides of bends this scour line becomes a significant undercut, as the stream nibbles away at the motile gravel and sand but not the cohesive upper layer. These undercuts provide fantastic refuge habitat for larger fish. Early results of NRT monitoring suggest a very healthy fish community, with all the size classes from juvenile 0+ and 1+ to large 5+, whereas in the pre-exiting channel the size range was more restricted to 2+ and 3+. This suggests that the fish have responded well to the increased heterogeneity of habitat in the new channel. Interestingly, the Stage Zero flooded woodland is already populated with bullheads and some juvenile trout. Also of note is how in the Stage Zero area the diversion of flow from the perched leat to the base of the floodplain has resulted in a matrix of flooded channels and backwaters: the river has cleared it’s own pathway along a course from which it was diverted centuries ago. from which it was diverted centuries ago.)
Case study:Glenbrook Wetlands + (At this site in particular we came across … At this site in particular we came across some levels of reticence from the local community to the project, mainly due to the significant changes to the landscape and lack of familiarity around SuDS, as well as a lack of understanding of why they were desperately needed. We overcame this by being very transparent and available, and in taking care of the site and the stream and making obvious improvements to its health and potential as a wildlife habitat. Regular communications in many forms were key. This became the site at which volunteer days were best attended by local residents. In future projects it would be ideal to spend a time in the build-up to the project engaging the community about water quality issues, rather than to do this simultaneously with planning the SuDS. Water quality issues were far more significant than we had anticipated on commencement of the project, particularly in relation to domestic misconnections. Serious pollutant levels damaged the beginning of our SuDS system as Glenbrook. We also found that although we proved our systems had a beneficial impact on water quality, just downstream of each project were outfalls which would bring in yet more pollutants. Therefore SuDS alone could not demonstrate catchment level water improvements needed under WFD. Small scale SuDS have a place in a suite of wider measures that need to be tackled with more drive, especially pollutant impacts from misconnections and vehicle use. We experienced some design issues which resulted from a lack of quality data pre-project, for example on flows. It would have been prohibitively expensive for us to get the data needed on this project budget, but it meant that some SuDS elements such as weirs required some costly remediation work.irs required some costly remediation work.)
Case study:Ravensbourne/Pool confluence weir bypass channel + (August 2012 update - Confluence bypass cha … August 2012 update - Confluence bypass channel is not complete, due to the presence of Japanese Knotweed the project could not be totally completed, a deflector was put in and the channel dug but it is not working. In base of visit in August: the channel is dry.se of visit in August: the channel is dry.)
Case study:Teglverksdammen + (Based on studies of the first year after o … Based on studies of the first year after opening, colonization of invertebrates mainly appeared to be from species drifting from upstream, rather than (except perhaps to a very small extent) from the other Oslo streams. (Refer to David Arnott's master thesis here) Benthic algae, the first two years after opening, were a mixture of diatoms (mostly early spring and late fall), green algae and cyanobacteria. The main pond (Tegiverksdammen) had an extensive growth of filamentous green algae (Spirogyra) during the warm summer months, which also flourished after mechanical removal in July. The shallow parts of the upper stream reach also had a high production of benthic cyanobacteria, which broke off and flowed massively into the main pond as brown-black lumps on the surface. Whether these were temporary conditions due to the recent opening of the facility, or simply an effect of low water flows and depths remains to be seen. (Refer here to Karoline Dahl Myrstad's Master's thesis) Due to maintenance requirements during the first summer after opening, the flow of water was shut down for approximately one month. During this period, the pools and ponds had stationary water, while the riffles dried out. The result of this was a massive increase in phytoplankton biomass in the main pond (Teglverksdammen). Other than that, biodiversity did not change significantly between the first two full years after the facility opened. (Refer here to Susanna Birgitta Diana Burgess's Master's thesis) Monitoring of water chemistry at the inlet and outlet of the system during the first two summer seasons after opening showed the potential of the facility for some purification of the water, but it was partly dependent on time of year, on whether the water was flowing and on the nutrient concentrations of the water entering the system.trations of the water entering the system.)
Case study:Knock Burn low flow channel + (Be opportunistic. The upper stretch of th … Be opportunistic. The upper stretch of the work has been more successful than the lower reach, probably due to a backwater effect from a pond at the downstream end, and partially due to the reduction of energy through the full reach. Since completion in 2011, no further maintenance work has been required (up to 2014), which is a cost savings for the Agency.The technique will be used again in future projects.que will be used again in future projects.)
Case study:Yeading Brook Fields/Meadows + (Biffaward secured, with potential for grea … Biffaward secured, with potential for greatly increasing the scale of the project through an HLF bid. Part of River Crane Projects: 3 sites: Roxbourne Park, Yeading Brook Fields/Meadows, and Crane Park. Cost total value: £230,500; project length (m): 8000m; main funding org: Biffaward (£148,500)0m; main funding org: Biffaward (£148,500))
Case study:Bristol Frome Diffuse Pollution Project + (Both the Ladden and the Bradley Brooks are … Both the Ladden and the Bradley Brooks are suffering biologically and physico-chemically due to agricultural run-off. Whilst the improvements made during the course of this project will help to reduce these issues to some extent, the catchment requires a much larger programme of improvements in order to make a measurable difference. in order to make a measurable difference.)
Case study:Flood management and ecological restoration in the Dijle valley + (Building on this comprehensive eco-hydrolo … Building on this comprehensive eco-hydrological assessment of the valley, a management plan was produced by the project covering all land within the Doode Bemde perimeter of 500 ha, whether it was owned by the beneficiary or not. This is quite innovative in comparison to the traditional Natuurpunt management plans, which only cover land owned by the NGO. The target set in the management plan is to have 50-60% open land (grassland, swamp, pond) and the rest as succession landscape evolving to ash-alder woods. Land purchase targets changed markedly during the project, as the competent authorities began acquiring land originally earmarked for purchase by the beneficiary. 54.3 ha was bought by Natuurpunt within the LIFE project - mostly former grasslands planted with poplars or overgrown as a result of abandonment, fish ponds and patches of degraded woodland. In parallel there were other land acquisition initiatives: 44.8 ha was expropriated by the competent authorities (AMINAL-Natuur and AMINAL-Water) and leased to Natuurpunt to manage, while a VLM (agri-structural authority) project for nature rehabilitation acquired another 10 ha which was also leased to Natuurpunt to manage. So altogether during the LIFE project over 109 ha came under conservation control. The beneficiary now owns or manages the most important 'depression areas’ in the project area. These are the Doode Bemde, the Dijlebroek-Leigracht area and the Grote Bron, the depression zone with the Langerodevijver. Before the LIFE project Natuurpunt only managed 99 ha (20% of the project area), this has now gone up to 208 ha (42% of the project area), mainly in large coherent blocks. The land purchase and acquisition allowed the competent authority (AMINAL-Water) to block a culvert bringing a drainage ditch (the Leigracht) under the IJsse river. This action, done parallel to LIFE, allowed the retention zone to fulfill its natural function. Since then, the drainage of the alluvial woods has stopped and wintertime flooding of the Dijle valley in the project area has started again. The project itself undertook an extensive list of one-off restoration works. - Whereas 20 ha were foreseen, in total 43 ha poplars have been removed by the LIFE project. On 18 ha of this, stumps were totally removed as well. - Four weekend cottages were demolished. - 4 ha maize field was converted into extensively managed grassland, 7.6 ha of production grassland was restored to Annex I habitat status by appropriate recurring mowing and grazing and shrubby overgrowth removed to restore 3.4 ha of former habitats for the benefit of the species Vertigo moulinsiana. - 4 km fences were installed to expand grazing management: 10 ha of the Doode Bemde is now managed by grazing and 40 ha by hay mowing followed by grazing. This recurring management is done by local farmers. - The banks of the 24 ha Langerode pond were cleared of trees and bushes and graded in order to stimulate reed growth. A small pond was restored in order to act as amphibian habitat and as a nature education site. - 5 ha of degraded woods were taken out of use and poplars ring-barked to provide standing dead wood. 400 metres of ditch draining the Langerode wood was filled in. This work was done by own staff (4 labourers were hired), a local employment initiative for disadvantaged youth and volunteers (regular camps were organised). Equipment was bought for the staff and volunteers using LIFE funds (tractor, trailer, shredder). The beneficiary and its partner, the NGO Vrienden van Heverleebos en Meerdaalwoud, are working closely with local farmers on recurring management – the farmers market the meat from their grazing livestock through a local cooperative, Veeakker cvba, as “nature meat”, thereby getting premium prices. This collaboration is one of the case studies in the LIFE-Focus report “LIFE and agri-environment supporting Natura 2000”. In terms of PR and awareness raising, and to channel the growing recreational use of the area, the following was done: - A folder ‘Welkom in de Doode Bemde’ explaining LIFE and the project, was distributed door-to-door in surrounding villages. - Open door day of May 30 1999, to which 1800 people came. - 6 information panels, a 300 m boardwalk, a hide and two bird observation huts were installed on site. - To create a trail across the site, an old tramway was cleared. The footbridge needed to cross the river was built by the Belgian military (Ecole du Génie) as goodwill gesture. The LIFE project was active in networking. The LIFE-Nature projects Obere Drau (Austria) and Alzette (Luxemburg) visited the site, as well as the Dutch NGO Natuurmonumenten involved in several LIFE projects. The project was presented to an international symposium on water retention (Leiden, 2001)and collaborated with a research project by the University of Cardiff on the role of LIFE in Natura 2000 sites. There were also contacts with the Schelde Convention.also contacts with the Schelde Convention.)
Case study:Nigg Bay Managed Realignment Scheme + (By 2005 the area had developed into three … By 2005 the area had developed into three distinct zones: (i) an upper zone, which is rarely inundated and retains terrestrial grassland; (ii) an intermediate zone, which has been colonised by salt marsh species; and (iii) a lower zone, which experiences regular inundation and in which terrestrial grassland has been replaced by fine sediments. Nineteen species of waders and wildfowl were recorded using the site during winter 2004/05, the commonest of which were redshank (RSPB, 2005).onest of which were redshank (RSPB, 2005).)
Case study:River Avon Our Water Environment + (Cash flow was an issue as sizable sums req … Cash flow was an issue as sizable sums required up front – project partner supported cash flow but the project could have been wider-reaching without this problem.Significant up-front investment is required to carry out initial survey work required to be able to inform land owners / managers about risks involved and allow them to decide if this is something they can accommodate.Lack of understanding about green engineering techniques means significant engagement is required early on to gain buy-in & permissions.Scottish Rural Development Programme's Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) can be a good source of funding to deliver river restoration projects, but involves upfront payments which can subsequently be reclaimed.Sourcing the tree trunks (250 in total) from a near-by plantation considerably reduced costs.near-by plantation considerably reduced costs.)
Case study:River Wandle: Silt & SuDs + (Challenges: *Identify spaces for DDs unde … Challenges:*Identify spaces for DDs underground amongst utilities.*Each defender had to be custom made to match the angle of the various outfall pipes allowing them to integrate with the established system.*Getting commitment from parties to empty the DDs. commitment from parties to empty the DDs.)

Case study:Hogsmill River Connectivity Project + (Challenges: -Access to site with machinery.)

Case study:Tweed Catchment Management Plan + (Challenges: Landowner engagement and persu … Challenges:Landowner engagement and persuading farmers to lose productive ground or change the way they do things. Tweed Forum is able to overcome such barriers because it has become known as a trusted intermediary. We have no statute and can only do things through good will, persuasion, education and enthusiasm. We can speak the language of and know how to integrate restoration measures without impinging on the farm business and cut through the paperwork and manage the works.Working at a bigger scale also can prove challenging. For example the re-meandering at the Cringletie and Lake Wood involved 6 different landowners with the river acting as the boundary. Thus, moving the physical entity that acts as the property boundary is more than just a practical problem.Regulation – For example, re-meandering requires consent from SEPA under the controlled activity regulations, consent from SNH due to it being a designated site, planning permission from the local authority because it is deemed an engineering operation. All of these come with a raft of assessments for impact on flood risk, salmonids, ranunculus, otter etc. Funding – an ever present challenge. Some of the works are expensive and often there are no bespoke funding streams.ften there are no bespoke funding streams.)
Case study:Wandle River Restoration Project: Hackbridge + (Challenges: - Very urban nature of the site. Complex flood modelling and design was required. - Multiple underground utilities which had to be identified and avoided during the works. - Many and varied stakeholder needs and opinions.)
Case study:Glaisdale Beck diversion scheme + (Channel reconfiguration can be effective i … Channel reconfiguration can be effective in mitigating fine sediment flux in headwater streams but the full value of this may take many years to achieve whilst the fluvial system slowly readjusts.The channel is continuing to adjust to the diversion with evidence of continuing local instability. It is therefore recommended that this approach to reducing the fine sediment flux of upland rivers should not be adopted as standard practice.However, where significant modifications to upland channels are made, comprehensive in-stream monitoring and geomorphological assessments should be regularly conducted to evaluate the response of the river to the new conditions. This research has highlighted the importance of ensuring appropriate controls on sediment release during in-stream works and effective installation and maintenance of grade control (drop) structures. If these measures had been rigorously applied the overall goal of reducing fine sediment flux through the fluvial system could have been achieved in a more timely fashion.ve been achieved in a more timely fashion.)
Case study:River Colne Riparian Tree Planting + (Close liaison with permitting and enforcement colleagues is essential to establish suitable restoration sites, and ensure that flood risk is not increased.)
Case study:Long Preston Deeps Flood Plain Project + (Communication: - Consultation and commu … Communication: - Consultation and communication of the vision and the business plan iskey to success.- Groups of individuals representing a stakeholder interest do not response tocommunication events equally. The communication style must be chosen to reflectdiffering responses to change and different personalities types- Professional communications teams should be used to establish methods. - Use experts within the project team for example an agricultural expert to work with the farming community to assess pros and cons of project for the land owners; - Detailed records of events and outcomes of consultations should be kept and widelyshared.- More than one consultation event should be held and tailored to the required outcome.The event should specify what it is not consulting on as well as what it is.Techniques used:- There may be the need to revisit if monitoring results indicate methods have not beensuccessful in delivering specified outcomes. Partners have a duty of care to landownersand riparian rights owners to ensure that if a risk based approach has been used andaccepted, future tweaking may be required to achieve the desired outcome.Localism and Trust:- Those affected by the project need to trust those carrying out the project. They will still be farming the land in 20 years or fishing the banks. Trust is incredibly important. Localpeople should be utilised on the steering group and through the delivery of the project.Doing too much too quickly:- Delivering too much too quickly could cause problems for benefits realisation and local trust in the project. River restoration is mostly constrained to seasonal work in channel and on the flood embankments due to ecology, social and working conditions. Establish working window and ensure if work cannot comfortably be completed before the window ends; complete itnext year or when funding is available. Changing opportunities:- Constantly review opportunities of outcomes and funding options. New schemes, politicalagendas and ways of working rapidly change. Funding may not be available for someopportunities but working with a wide range of partners enables shared use of skills andresources.nables shared use of skills and resources.)
Case study:Chinbrook Meadows Wetlands + (Community engagement - Early and consist … Community engagement - Early and consistent community engagement is key- Posters aren’t enough. Leaflets, presence at community events, word of mouth and meeting with councillors are all useful engagement techniques. - Communicating nuance is difficult. Conversations around flood risk, biodiversity and water quality require care and patience. The importance of using language that is easily understood cannot be understated. Logistics - Construction site difficulties/ break ins. Securing the site was difficult with frequent break ins and vandalism. - Deliveries to parks are difficult, especially here as a tunnel under the railway track restricts the vehicle size. - Close relations with the council and contractors is key for support.ouncil and contractors is key for support.)
Case study:Dumbreck Marsh & Garrel Burn Restoration + (Complex "post industrial" zones, despite a … Complex "post industrial" zones, despite appearing to be greenspace can be complex locations to undertake engineering due to subsurface utilities, contaminants and historic refuse material. However by careful design and management natural river form and function can be achieved providing more resilience for the river and its wildlife.resilience for the river and its wildlife.)
Case study:River Worfe Restoration Initiative + (Complimentary catchment walkover and remot … Complimentary catchment walkover and remote sensing approaches are increasingly being used to understand the issues facing a failing catchment. The most challenging aspect of the River Worfe Restoration Project has been the survey logistics, whether on the ground or in the sky. In order to survey such a large area in a relatively short space of time, good preparation is vital. To ensure successful capture of all potential sources at the walkover stage, the entire catchment must be surveyed, which can be supported by the use of high resolution imagery. GIS software is used along with detailed maps at the preparation stage to ensure that all of the watercourses within the catchment are covered, before leaving the office. This approach enabled large areas to be covered systematically and efficiently. There were also logistical challenges at the sampling stage of the process, as not only was a large team required to sample 51 individual sites throughout the catchment in the space of a few hours, but also the weather conditions had to be favourable.Gaining the trust of stakeholders and land owners to make changes was key. It took time to build trust with them and this only occurred when we had credible evidence, presented in an understandable way which demonstrated clear improvements. Understanding the business of arable farming in the Worfe catchment and the practical challenges was key to gaining the trust and respect of stakeholders. High resolution digital imagery from APEM’s aerial surveys of the entire Worfe catchment proved to be a very effective tool for engaging interest and understanding among stakeholders. We also spent time developing an ongoing relationship with stakeholders using a continuity of people in contact with them.continuity of people in contact with them.)
Case study:Cumbria River Restoration Program - Whitbeck restoration project - West Cumbria + (Consideration of weather conditions during construction and possible delays Consider public access once the new channel is completed Need to monitor to analyse success in the future)
Case study:Wye Herefordshire Improvement Project + (Correcting diffuse pollution is best achie … Correcting diffuse pollution is best achieved by working at the appropriate scale (farm by farm) in a catchment context. This delivers real and measurable benefits to WFD status as well as improving farm profitability.Our revised SCIMAP is proving an invaluable tool in addressing problems of excessive overland flow and top soil loss to water. overland flow and top soil loss to water.)
Case study:Greatham Managed Realignment Scheme + (Cumulative benefits can be achieved through undertaking managed realignment schemes for habitat improvements which also form part of the local areas flood risk management strategy.)
Case study:Grantham Blue Green - Urban Reach + (Delivery of a large programme of works to … Delivery of a large programme of works to deadline through COVID has been challenging but works came in within budget. Working in an urban environment is difficult and successful project delivery relies on engagement with the many stakeholders from the outset, particularly the local community. If new project officers are picking up the delivery of works and were not involved in the initial project development, then it is important that a through handover of work takes place.at a through handover of work takes place.)
Case study:Source to Sea Programme – 6. Roeburn Ford easement + (Despite all approvals and permissions bein … Despite all approvals and permissions being in place it was only when the contractors came to the site it was discovered that the only viable access to the site was over bridges with a limited weight capacity. this meant changing designs from six 3-metre square culverts to twelve half-size ones. All approvals and permissions then had to be re-sought against tight time limits, and with the weather deteriorating - the River Roeburn can rise extremely quickly. River Roeburn can rise extremely quickly.)
Case study:Habitat Enhancments, Reepham Stream, River Blackwater, Norfolk + (Discussions with partners can often identify opportunities for projects giving multiple benefits- continuous work with the IDB on similar restoration schemes.)
Case study:Chelmer Valley Local Nature Reserve + (Early communication with permitting bodies and involvement of local communities is essential to deliver successful projects in a short timescale.)
Case study:LIFE IP IRIS Enns Mandling Restoration + (Early negotiations with landowners are crucial!)
Case study:Thames Lock Weir, Brentford eel pass + (Eel tiles not strictly needed, as tide over-tops weir, so the aim was to allow eels to pass when the water level is below the weir crest. No formal monitoring but no issues, so far, apart from accumulating debris (August 2013).)
Case study:River Soar fish refuge and wetland scrape + (Ensure that all soil testing is undertaken months ahead of any scheduled groundwork.)
Case study:Rodley weir by pass channel + (Equipment and materials are highly vulnerable to storms during construcion and their storage must account for 100 yr storm events.)
Case study:Restoration of R. Odelouca + (Expect the unexpected: Planting carried ou … Expect the unexpected: Planting carried out in the winter of 2011 was followed by an exceptionally dry spring and summer, which placed the planted native species under considerable hydric stress and presented a real threat to their survival during the 1st year. However, surveys carried out in 2013 show that although the plants had a “rough start”, most of them have survived. The Mediterranean climate is characterised by notable annual and interannual variation in precipitation levels as a result of different phases of the North Atlantic Oscillation or NAO (Hughes et al., 2012; Trigo et al., 2004). Negative phases result in higher precipitation levels while positive phases result in higher temperatures and lower precipitation levels. Although these large scale climate patterns are beyond the control of any rehabilitation or NWRM project, they must be taken into account as part of the programme of measures.Poor local stakeholder engagement: The implementation of the characterisation programme and subsequent rehabilitation programme along the river banks was initially met with much suspicion and some resistance by local farmers and land owners. The local farmers’ general perception was that land that was subject to intervention was being taken away from them, that risk of flooding would be increased, that project personnel were “trespassing” although, according to Decreto–Lei 54/2005 (República, 2005), the river banks and channel are in the public domain (although access has never been refused, local residents and land owners remain suspicious) and that the native plants planted along the intervention zones were of no commercial value and should be replaced by fruit trees, for example. Future actions to alert and educate locals to the value of lotic ecosystems, the presence of threatened species and NWRM must be more effective and interactive.RM must be more effective and interactive.)
Case study:River Wensum Restoration, Reach 9 Attlebridge + (Felled poplar trees provided locally won w … Felled poplar trees provided locally won woody material but required substantial fixings to prevent their movement due to the porous and buoyant nature of the wood. Cattle were observed to avoid the reject gravel ford crossing and walk across the existing softer bed material, causing erosion and mobilising silt. Formal cattle crossing designs and drinking points need fencing to prevent livestock from choosing their own routes. livestock from choosing their own routes.)
Case study:Welton Farm Landfill/Riverbank Works + (Firmly secure willow tubing; approx. 5% lost during spate event. Willow whips to be planted from Autumn - early spring. Willow pots installed thereafter. Waste to be protected by netting to prevent windblown pollution.)
Case study:Bijloop + (Flow dynamics are important to the success … Flow dynamics are important to the success of stream-parallel vegetation planting. In streams with a low discharge, fallen trees and leaves can cause backwater effects and obstruction. If a high flow velocity can be maintained, this will not tend to be a problem. If vegetation does not develop quickly enough, there is a risk of bank instability.ough, there is a risk of bank instability.)
Case study:Fairham Brook Restoration Project + (Further elements were planned to be completed as part of the project but the landowner pulled out due to timing issues and weather, which may have affected his livery business.)
Case study:Gunville Phase I + (Future projects should incorporate time for delays such as flooding, water vole mitigation and other potential difficulties. Despite not being public land, improved communications with local residents would have made progress much smoother.)

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