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L
The upper most part of the rivers Lugg and Arrow rise in east Wales, before flowing through the border towns of Presteigne and Kington. At this point, both are quite substantial rivers and since these upper reaches qualify for funding from East Wales European Regional Development Funds, and are in urgent need of restoration, we designed a project focussing on habitat restoration and fisheries development. Building on work delivered by the Foundation and its partners within the Leader + Projects downstream in Herefordshire (which established fish access within the lower Lugg and Arrow), the project's aims are: restoring the riparian habitat so that fish populations become self sustaining and encouraging the diversification of rural businesses to meet the growing demand for 'wild' fishing, thereby enhancing the rural economy of Radnorshire.
This will be achieved by implementing the following measures:
• A comprehensive survey of the environmental/ecological issues within the Lugg and Arrow catchments.
• Targeted restoration of 25km of riparian habitat, directly ourselves and in association with landowners and other conservation organisations such as the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust.
• Restoration of riparian habitat, using our own workforce and in association with landowners and other conservation organisations such as the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust.
• Restoration of fish access especially for brown trout within the sub catchment by removal of barriers.
• Supporting local fisheries through marketing initiatives (The Passport) and increasing business for local accommodation providers, pubs etc.
Work commenced on the Gladestry Brook, an important tributary of the Arrow, where coppicing and fencing was completed on 3.5km of river. Other sites completed during the project included the Lugg at Pilleth, Dolly Green, Litton, Rock Bridge and Achill, the Arrow at Wernol and Upper Hergest, the Cascob Brook and the Builth Road Dulas. Most encouraging of all was the response from landowners, who realise the rationale behind the work and the undoubted benefits that accrue.
The upper reach of the Lower Woodsford Channel has been historically straightened but there are now signs of recovery. The option for this reach is for ‘Assisted Natural Recovery’. Riffles and berms are developing which are improving the channel condition.
Dredging in the lower reaches has removed in channel features such as riffles and glides resulting in a low variety of flow patterns. This also limits the range of habitats and species that the river can support.
A deep drainage ditch had been created in the 1970’s running parallel and south to the river for nearly 1800m’s. The material this generated was used to embank the river to reduce flood flows.
There’s a lack of riparian trees and shrubs in this management unit. Trees provide habitat at the river banks for insects and birds. Trees also provide shade which helps reduces the river temperature creating better conditions for fish.
The majority of floodplain land to the south of the river has been in arable production since the drainage activities. This limits the river corridor habitat value and allows sediment runoff to enter the river affecting in channel ecology. Soils and silts enter the channel covering gravels that Salmon and Trout spawn on, which reduce their reproductive success.
Proposed works will consist of:
• riparian tree planting
• introduction of large woody debris
• embankment removal
• removal of hard bank protection
• ditch reprofiling
• channel and scrape creation +
W
The upper reaches of the West Allen have been mined for mainly lead, but also zinc and barium, with the main sites at Coalcleugh at the head of the river and Barney Craig and Scraithole mines at Carrshields about 2kms downstream. Most mining activity took place between the late 1700s and 1920, although a small amount of mineral was extracted from Scraithole mine in the 1980s.
An extensive legacy of mining remains in the West Allen valley. At Coalcleugh there are wide areas of spoil which have become vegetated but still pollute the river and are listed on the MINING WASTE DIRECTIVE INVENTORY. At Carrshields, the west side of the river is bounded by steep spoil heaps from Scraithole mine and these are being gradually eroded by the river. The east side of the river has the retaining wall for the Barney Craig tailings dam as its boundary, and this wall is gradually collapsing into the river. It is only a matter of time before large volumes of metal rich fine material enter the watercourse.
The tailings dam is a Scheduled Ancient Monument that English Heritage have identified as being "At Risk". All three mines have adit discharges with water containing high levels of cadmium, lead and zinc entering the West Allen. The Barney Craig discharge causes the most significant pollution in the river.
A number of studies have been carried out on metal pollution in the West Allen. In 1997, a report by ENTEC for the Environment Agency recommended stabilisation of the spoil heaps at Barney Craig and Scraithole mines; no action was taken due to lack of funds. A PhD study by Emma Gozzard (Newcastle University) in 2008 showed how the mines, particularly the Barney Craig discharge, impacted the whole West Allen, River Allen and South Tyne. This study showed that in higher flows the diffuse sources of metals such as run-off from the tailings dam and re-suspension of contaminated sediments become much more significant in the overall metal loading to the river.
The Environment Agency are working with the Coal Authority and North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty to look at options for remediation and reduction of metal pollution in the West Allen. This work is funded by Defra. The first priority is stabilising the Barney Craig tailings dam to prevent a catastrophic collapse. If it happened, this would deposit up to 48,000 cubic metres of spoil into the river, containing an estimated 47 tonnes of lead and 62 tonnes of zinc. At the same time, work will be carried out to limit water ingress to the mine workings - making treatment of the adit discharge easier. This mine is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and we're working closely with English Heritage to preserve the integrity of the site as well as reducing the pollution risk.
Investigations by Newcastle University indicate that the West Allen catchment alone contributes about 20% of the total load of metals reaching the Tyne estuary every year. Reducing the inputs from mines in the West Allen would improve the water quality of the River Allen and help reduce the risks sediment quality in the Tyne estuary.
Impact of the Barney Craig discharge:
• Length of watercourse affected = 20km (three water bodies)
• Average metal concentration: Zinc = 2.0 mg/l; Cadmium = 3 ug/l
• Average flow = 25 l/sec
• Load of zinc discharged per annum = 3.5 Tonnes
• Water body ecological status = Moderate
Benefits of remediation
• The River Tyne will be protected from a major pollution source
• A scheduled ancient monument will be prevented from being damaged by high river levels
• Risk of a catastrophic collapse of a tailings dam is reduced, preventing 47 tonnes of lead and 62 tonnes of zinc entering the river.
• We're developing partnerships with important stakeholders and using our position as an influential advisor to secure shared environmental outcomes
• Contribute towards achieving Good Ecological and Chemical status
• 3.5 tonnes of zinc would be prevented from entering R Tyne every year
H
The upstream part of the Hierdensebeek is called the Leuveumse Beek, which is where Building with Nature measures were implemented. The main stream (upstream and downstream part) has a total length of approximately 17 km. Since 1993, efforts have been made to improve spatial planning, water quality and ecology by reconnecting an old meander. In 1996/1997 there has been large-scale maintenance to the stream. The first Building with Nature activities involving dead wood started in 2011 and ended in 2013. The wood that was used came from the woods directly adjacent tot he stream and was introduced in a braided pattern to allow for optimal throughflow. In addition to the usage of dead wood, the Syngery project started in 2014, in which various BwN measures are combined, like shading, altered mowing regimes and sand suppletion. The University of Amsterdam researched the effect of the wood that was introduced on the flora and fauna.
This experiment is being performed within the WFD innovation programme ‘Beekdalbreed hermeanderen’ (En: Re-meandering accross the stream valley’). As part of this directive, water and nature managers work together to make stream restoration measures as effective as possible. Other partners involved in the project are Natuurmonumenten, Landschap Overijssel, Wageningen University, Wageningen Environmental Research and Utrecht University. The programme was originally initiated by STOWA (Stichting Toegepast Onderzoek Waterbeheer). The Dutch ministry of Infrastructure and environment (Infrastructuur en Milieu) subsidises 70% of this project.
Source: https://www.sprengenbeken.nl/hierdense-beken/#Leuvenumse%20Beek +
The valley of the Kleine Netearea is unique in western Europe, featuring heathland and moors in higher areas and valley ecosystems along the upper, middle and lower stream. It contains several types of habitats and species under threat which are listed in the annexes of the Habitats Directive. Habitat and biodiversity loss is mainly due to the land use changes (afforestation and intensive agriculture)over the last decades.
The project aimed to improve the conservation status of the habitats and species in the Kleine Net Valley, as well as the development of three integrated conservation plans based on a detailed vegetation map and field research and an after-LIFE conservation plan.
In the long term, the results of the project will show the extension and establishment of the targeted habitats, as well as increased populations of the species linked to these habitats. Further outcomes to be placed are better visitor facilities and more information (brochures, leaflets, flyers) about the area, encouraging socio-economic support for the Natura 2000 area and the LIFE project. +
L
The villages of Lambley and Lowdham are situated on the Lambley Dumble/Cocker Beck and currently have 200 homes at significant risk of flooding. Several flood events in both villages have taken place in recent years. The watercourse is extremely flashy draining surface water from the edge of Nottingham. It flows in general within a steep sided wooded valley locally called a dumble, opening up as it approaches the villages.
As part of the Defra funded Natural Flood Management (NFM) Community projects, TRT have been asked to introduce Natural Flood Management (NFM) works which will complement the Environment Agency flood relief scheme for Lowdham in Nottinghamshire.
TRT have been able to determine areas suitable for NFM features in a lowland setting on both watercourses and overland pathways. The aim was to reduce peak flood flows, enhance biodiversity, improve water quality and increase community awareness and involvement.
Measures included a number of attenuation bunds, leaky barriers, tree planting, de-culverting and floodplain reconnection. Work commenced in January 2018 with landowner engagement and walkovers on the Lambley Dumble and Cocker Beck. Construction commenced in November 2018 with 18m of concrete culvert being removed allowing the creation of a new section of sinuous channel. +
G
The water system in Grovelands Park, Enfield, has been artificially engineered over time, with a long stretch of the stream being contained in an underground pipe, hidden from view and useless to wildlife. Here beneath the ground two surface water drains from local roads and homes washed pollutants straight into the stream every time it rained. Plumbing misconnections added to the problem.
In spring 2014 we worked with the London Borough of Enfield to 'rewild' the water system in Grovelands Park. We created wetlands to intercept pollutants entering the stream in Grovelands Park. Flows in the surface water drains were diverted into shallow ditches, known as swales, and then into a wetland basin. The swales and basin were planted with sedges suitable for the semi-shaded woodland conditions. The plants use excess nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates to grow, preventing them building up in the water which causes the toxic algal blooms. The plants also oxygenate the water. Bacteria growing in the sediment and root systems break down oils and some bacteria can even reduce levels of heavy metals in the water. The clean water then soaks into the ground, as it would naturally, or overflows back into the stream. Rainwater washing off an area the size of 11 rugby fields is cleaned in the wetland. As we completed this project Thames Water ran misconnection surveys on the urban catchment, a vital piece of the jigsaw to ensure optimal results in this project.
At the same time the London Borough of Enfield naturalised 200m of the stream, breaking it out of its underground pipe and allowing it to find its own course meandering through the woodland. These two projects restored the water system to its natural state, better able to cope with floods and slowing high flows of stormwater, as well as treating pollutants.
The lake in Grovelands Park, Enfield is the centrepiece of a beautiful and grand garden for the ‘Southgate Grove’ mansion, designed in the 18th century and now a well-loved and popular public park. Sadly the lake is afflicted with pollution from a number of surface water drains, and toxic algal blooms are common in summer. Rainwater running off local streets brings with it oils and heavy metals from the road, as well as detergents and other chemicals such as phosphates and nitrates from misconnected plumbing. This pollution load limits the lake’s potential as a wildlife habitat and its appeal for park visitors.
In June 2015 we created a reed bed in the south western end of the lake to naturally break down these pollutants and increase oxygen levels in the water, as well as providing a new habitat for birds and insects. Coir rolls and hazel faggots were used to create an area of suitable depth to establish the reed bed. Coir mats pre-planted with reeds, rushes, sedges and colourful purple loosestrife and yellow flag iris were installed across the reed bed area, protected from wildfowl grazing by netting. As in the wetland, the plants use excess nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates to grow, preventing them building up in the water which causes the toxic algal blooms. The plants also oxygenate the water. Bacteria growing in the sediment and root systems break down oils and some bacteria can even reduce levels of heavy metals in the water.
Å
The watercourse of River Rolfsån is one of the rare inland water areas in Sweden which has vivid salmon and sea trout populations. Besides Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and sea trout (Salmo trutta trutta) there are also lake (Salmo trutta lacustris) and stream trout (Salmo trutta fario). Also endangered species freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) and European eel (Anguilla anguilla) exist in the watercourse. To maintain these populations the fish need to be able to migrate upstream and downstream. This is why several bypass channels have been built in Rolfså River during last years.
The bypass channel to Ålgårda hydropower plant was finished in October 2012. After the bypass channel has been built, the fish and benthic invertebrates are now able to migrate upstream from the Ålgårda power station. At the same time the hydropower production is ongoing. During winter 2012-2013 also a technical fishway will be finished and by summer 2013 some low sloping bar racks for downstream migration will be completed. In addition a fishery management plan is being prepared in 2013.
Building of a bypass channel is the only option to enable migration for all fauna, also the benthic invertebrates. Bypass channels are also more recommendable than technical fishways because of their contribution to landscape. +
W
The weir of Camijanes was in obsolete, preventing proper connectivity of the river. The hydroelectric reservoirs are located upstream in the reservoir or the Cohilla and the dam Palombera, although there are many scattered water intakes that feed the river through mini-channels. Many of the abstractions are illegal.
The main objective of the project is recovering natural local continuity for the river through the removal of the weir of Camijares (90x5x3m³).
This project counts with the support of national institutions. The financing comes from the North Hydrographic Confederation and the Ministry of Environment. The total budget for carry out the rehabilitation is 93.779,55€. +
I
The wetland contract process was beneficial to the Verdier marshes. With over ten years of community based management, the site has faced some important questions concerning water management and participation. The collaborative effort to create a shared vision that was validated by the members allowed us to address these questions. The fact that the shared vision includes aspects of natural water management, now allows us to adapt the water pumping for the site which impacts various activities including hunting, pasture management and bird watching. The shared vision sets the framework for all of the activities proposed in the action plan and thus sets the basis for the management plan. Given that the members of the Association are volunteers, a formal contract could not be signed, but to resolve this problem, each of the members signed the membership card with the shared vision and the action plan was validated by the board of the Verdier marshes which includes members of the Association and the Tour du Valat.
The vision for the site was: A mosaic of wetlands that is representative of the natural environments typical of the Camargue and respectful of the natural water cycles. The site supports community engaged events that stimulate social links and well-being. The site, managed by a village association in a collective spirit and is freely accessible to all.
The main activities included in the action plan were:
• Maintain infrastructures so that they remain functional and appealing to the public (shed, tables, dry toilets, etc.).
• Develop new artistic activities (drawing classes)
• Continue control of invasive species;
• Maintain the South dike
• Respect the natural hydrological functioning of the South basin (rain fed) to favor the installation of a vegetation characteristic of temporary low-salt marshes and vegetation of salt meadows;
• Edit a site and event program attached to a newsletter.
• Add signage and interpretation on birds in the observatory;
• Organize meetings with site users and children to discuss and promote local know-how;
• Find referents and perpetuate monitoring in places (water levels, breeding birds, hunting boards, botany);
• Ensure compliance with hunting regulations (ensure guarding)
• Schedule a quarterly activities that take place over a weekend to mobilize people in professional activity and allow them to participate in construction sites;
• Empower a referent for each task for the organization of workdays. He/she will have to inform all the members about the progress of the building sites;
• Maintain the monthly meetings of the association.
M
The whole of the Moreton channel reach, downstream of the main house had been identified for re-profiling. A survey undertaken showed cross-sections of a fairly uniform profile, which could be improved. Works created a range of profiles along the reach including new pools and riffles and overall a more varied morphology. This has in turn enabled the river to support a more diverse ecology including a more varied habitat for 0+ up to adult salmonids. The works involved the use of a long reach excavator to move existing bed material within the channel. No material was brought on to the site or removed.
Reprofiling of channel bed to create more diverse habitat for aquatic organisms - eg. habitat suitable for fish throughout their lifecycle (spawning to adult). Some LWD debris dams installed, gravel berms and bankside gravel pinch points. +
H
The work along Howgill Beck extends along much of the rivers length from the headwaters through to the wide valley floor above Tindale Tarn and encompasses both instream, valley floor, valley side and tributary works to re-naturalise the system from its previously modified state. The project was completed in two stages with the ditched straightened channel close to Tindale Tarn being restored in 2022 followed by the upper catchment works in 2024 following the positive reception of the initial scheme. Works across the wide valley floor immediately above the Tarn included the rejuvenation of a previously disconnected anastomosing wetland area which is most likely its former natural state and the reprofiling of the main straight ditched channel draining into the Tarn. The anastomosing channel network interacts with several former scrapes which are now better connected and large dead wood has been used locally to improve pond habitat diversity. Works to the main channel included widenings, bifurcations, riffle reintroduction and gravel bar reinstatement to create a naturally more dynamic active sinuous channel with occasional split flows. Flow then enters a rejuvenated lake fan system which is now composed of a mosaic of distributary channels flowing between reed fen and willow/alder wet woodland. Higher in the system the watercourse steepens, and the bed coarsens, assuming a cobble/boulder character. Previously this too was rationalised into an over-deep monotonous ditched channel and the works along this reach reintroduced boulder rapids and live large wood to enhance local form and process diversity and the narrow valley floor was reconnected through widening and rejuvenation of inset berm areas. The use of live large wood is particularly innovative here, with trees being pushed into the flow to influence the hydraulics and sediment dynamics, whilst maintaining a partial rooted network that stabilises these features in this higher energy environment, allowing the tree to continue to grow in-situ. Ditched and culverted flows into the main channel were also disrupted by strategic blocking to reactivate valley fan areas recreating a multiple channel distributary network. Overall, the project has impacted 1.8 km of watercourse and wetting has extended to influence 15 ha of valley bottom seasonally and over 35 ha in flood conditions. All works were as resource neutral as possible reusing embankment river gravels to form riffle and bar units and utilising excavated scrape and pond arisings to facilitate the ditch blocking.
R
Restoration project in the stream of the Vall d'Horta and surrounds. Natural Park of Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac. +
The work carried out aims to improve the processes of regeneration and improvement of forest structure, minimize erosion, improve the social use, improve the drainage of the stream and the biological connection of a weir with a fish ladder and rehabilitate different habitats.
The main objectives of this project are improved post-fire forest structure with the removal of dead wood and selective pruning of some feet; improvement of plant diversity by planting species; improving the dynamics of the stream; promote the area as a recreation space the stream and the home environment of the Muntada; sort the area to prevent environmental deterioration (erosion, loss of soil and plant diversity, etc..); landscape integration of the work done.
The project has a total budget of 72.226 € and is financed by the Council of Barcelona and by the Natural Park Sant Llorenç de Munt i l'Obac.
Cutting or pruning health of individuals affected by the fire to accelerate natural regeneration. +
C
Creation of flood channels and restoration of exchanges between the flood plain and the low-flow channel on the Vezouze +
The work consisted of widening the river’s middle
water channel in some places. For this, a protective
levee has been levelled on the left bank. Two flood
channels, measuring one metre on average over
6 hectares, have been dug, involving the removal of
60,000 m3 of material. Within these flood channels,
wetland environments such as ponds and side channels
have been created. Trees have been planted on
the banks as well as helophytes in flood channels. In
addition to these actions on the environment, work
on the rainwater system has also been undertaken:
check valves and pumping stations have been set up.
The Vezouze maintenance syndicate manages the
removal of blockage and debris as required. +
T
The work was based on conceptual outline plans provided by Nigel Holmes and Allan Frake working for Casterbridge Fisheries interpreted and supervised the installation of in channel features and woody debris/flow deflectors.
The need for a more sustainable solution to the obstruction to fish passage at Manor Farm was identified, alongside opportunities to improve stream habitat and re-energise the watercourse. Habitat enhancements will create a faster, more variable flow regime and a more diverse habitat, which will help to promote a unique range of important animal and plant species. Physical habitat enhancements coupled with good land use management, including appropriate fencing and grazing regimes, will also contribute to achieving good ecological status under WFD. A better quality habitat may help species build resilience to the changes associated with climate change. +
R
The works completed by the Environment Agency contributed to the Stour achieving good ecological status under the Water Framework Directive.
Aims were to:
-increase flow and natural scouring, to encourage self-cleaning of gravels
-enhance existing spawning areas up and downstream of Glens Weir
-increase parr and barbell habitat
-re-instate collapsed banks, re-profile weir pool to increase pool habitats
-provide fly refuge area
-reduce cattle poaching
Dredging in the 1970’s removed thousands of tonnes of gravel to reduce flood risk. This eliminated large areas of spawning habitat for many species of fish. In some places the river has re-naturalised, however routine dredging still takes place downstream as part of the Christchurch flood alleviation scheme. The project aimed to provide new spawning habitat in a previously dredged area. The location was selected based on data gathered by the Environment Agency, The Barbel Society and Ringwood & District Angling Association.
Pre-project monitoring work was completed, with post-project monitoring taking place with the help of the RDAA and Barbel Society through catch data, electrofishing and red count data.
Around 600 tonnes of Portland stone was used to complete the works; bank stabilisation, old weir structure, flow deflectors and in channel re-profiling. The area was also fenced to prevent cattle poaching, with a gate to allow angler access.
The works have lead to increased flows over the spawning area, and the creation of holding features for larger adult fish. Over 100m of river habitat has been restored. In the past the Stour has often been seen as second best compared with neighbouring rivers but this is now changing. +
Restoring the river continuity of the Bresle River by returning it to its original bed in Sénarpont +
The works, done at the end of 2013, consisted of creating
multiple channels along the original bed, using
some of the former bypass channels of the abandoned
mill.
Some of the earthwork was done in the standard
manner with machines designed for wetlands. The
rest was done by the river itself which carved out its
bed in the former bypass channels. This hydraulic
earthwork was facilitated by the presence of gates
to adjust discharges and to create a bankfull, morphogenetic
discharge. Left to its own devices for over
a month, but watched over by the earthworks company,
the river redrew a perfectly natural bed. This
method, thanks to the natural erosion, redistributed
the coarse sediment of the banks and thus avoided
the high cost of trucking in material. This method
also avoided any compaction or damage to the alder
and ash stand, which maintained its functions.
The result was a more natural river bed. The leat,
was filled in with a soil and gravel mix brought in
from outside the area to stabilise the terrain, in compliance
with the commitment made by the project
manager to the land owners.
Additional works, such as putting up fences and creating
drinking points for livestock, was done in 2015
to maintain the farming activities while protecting
water quality. +
The ‘Felsőszentmártoni’ branch, situated in the region of ‘Felsőszentmárton’ settlement, is one of the left-side branches of River Dráva, which has completely cut-off from the main river by now and silted up significantly. The interventions done are the removal of overgrown salicaceae from the riverbed, the removal of silt along the whole length of the branch and it's deposition into the main channel of River Dráva. The reconstruction of the weir that now prevents proper water flow and thus water replenishment of the branch.
Works include:
*Dredging: removal of 47,735 m3 alluvium
*Reconstruction of the current weir - height reduction
*Pipeline laid in the lower parts of the weir
*Removal of the overgrown salicaceae trees +
S
The ‘Sediment Pathways Project’ aims to reduce the existing high levels of fine sediment entering watercourses, via roads, tracks and pathways, within two pilot sub-catchments (Bourne Rivulet & Cheriton Stream) of the Test and Itchen catchment.
The project builds upon the Environment Agency’s ‘Rural Sediment Tracing Project’ (RSTP), which identified and classified catchment sources of fine sediment inputs to streams and rivers within 11 priority catchments, including the Test & Itchen. +
B
There are many important points in this proyect: 1) Promote sustainable uses of marine techniques for human alimentation, 2) Develope many scientific investiagtion in this area, 3) Conservation of many species and habitats. +