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O
Water authority Vechtstromen has done several things to make the Oude Bornschebeek more natural. The stream was made narrower in several places, a meandering trajectory was designed and fish passages were created. This site was used as an experiment for building with dead wood. Half-cut trees were introduced into the stream. +
S
Water authority Vechtstromen took several measures to improve the ecological quality of this stream and improve its function as a link between the Boerskotten natural area and the river Dinkel. After a succesful experiment with sand suppletion in the upper part of the stream, they implemented the same measure further downstream. This makes this section more shallow. Locally, they created a less straight trajectory. Gravel suppletion was added to the sand suppletion in some locations. +
L
Water authority Vechtstromen wishes to restore natural river processes and create a pastoral landscape. This is supposed to contribute to WFD goals and Natura 2000 goals. To do this, the river was restructured in such a way that a great variation in substrate could exist without much maintenance. These substrates would inclde small riverside beaches, steep banks, carrs (broekbos), and abandoned meanders. +
C
Water vole Capital Works (Survey and physical works); reedbed creation; tree work and coppicing; toe-board removal. BAP habitat creation and improvement in river marginal vegetation for water voles, birds, invertebrates and fish. +
K
Waterboard De Dommel in cooperation with Foundation Brabants Landschap (Brabant Landscape) have restored the watercourse Kleine Aa (Small Aa) to improve landscape and ecological values.
The southern portion of this stream was restored some years ago, and in September 2011 the northern part, the area between the railway Boxtel - Tilburg and the outlet in the Essche Stream, was restored. At the moment the project Kleine Aa in the final stages of completion as the second fish passage is contstructed downstream. The work will probably be completed by summer 2013.
Between Kapelweg and Helweg in Boxtel, the stream is restored over a length of 1.5 km. The result is a natural, narrow, brook that winds its way through the landscape. Two fish passage allow fish like the Bitter Roach, Chub and Ide, to swim again between the Essche stroom and the Beerze, at the spot where dams previously prevented this.
The use of rubble in this fishways improves the habitat of protected bullhead. Also amphibians will be more at home in the area thanks to the pools on the banks of the stream. The scenery along the water is varied, with flowery meadows, willows and elms.
A hiking trail now also allows hikers to explore the area, crossing the stream at a location where a crossing was historically. +
M
We are a friendly, very informal and sociable network with a common interest in improving the river environment, mainly working downstream of Amersham and through Chalfont St Giles and St Peter although very much involved in groundwater and invertebrates studies along the full length. Our goals are to see the river flowing freely, the channel cleared and maintained in an environmentally friendly way and the river corridor free of litter.
We started our work in 2008 and made good steady progress all the way through to late summer 2011 when the many months of well below average rainfall caused an irresistible retreat of the river back above Chalfont St Giles. The last three years have been very successful with good flows for much of the time. We work closely with the Chiltern Conservation Board, the Parish Councils, Affinity Water and others to preserve and enhance the river environment in the longer term and with greater reliability of flow. We have undertaken numerous working parties to remove debris and undergrowth and generally ease and optimise the flow. We have secured interest and support for these aims through various publicity and involvement with, for instance, the Parish Councils, Chalfont St Peter Feast Day and Chalfont St Giles Fair. Rotary Club, The Scouts and schools. We don’t have meetings or “officers” but occasionally some of us gather for a chat - we call them " not-a-meetings" - in a pub. Regular, “organised” work parties happen on Sundays, sometimes Saturdays, every 5 weeks or so, while others prefer to meet up during the week or just to work on their own when the fancy takes them. Some people have volunteered to “adopt” a short stretch of river. We do have insurance, some tools, gloves, hi-vis, waders and use of a trailer. Our "membership" includes a delightful mix of people from ages 7 to 70(+).
Working with us involves giving up an hour or several, frequently or occasionally, to get dirty, often wet, sometimes scratched (brambles) or stung (nettles). Our e-mail circular goes to over 200 homes representing 300 supporters but, typically, a work day will see around twenty. We don't "require" any commitment - some people come for an hour once a year; some work for hours at almost every opportunity, and some are happy to support us from the sidelines or do the occasional litter pick. Recent circular e-mails can be found under "From the Riverbank" on the website - www.misbourneriveraction.org - where they are archived along with lots of other river stuff .
L
Weir Removal to improve fish passage and Hydromorphology of a Heavily Modified Water Body in an Urban Area +
U
Weir removal to restore bed gradient; channel narrowing and flow deflection to create flow variation and beneficial bed scour using log flow deflectors (vanes), open and enclosed log/faggot and brushwood mattresses (silt-traps) and earth, turf and silt filled log- or faggot-fronted enclosures; creation of sections of 2-stage channel and enhancing marginal wetland habitat by reprofiling eroded banks; excavation of pools in the river bed; increasing in-stream woody habitat by securing existing deadwood and hinging and pinning (layering) live riverside trees; and fencing to prevent bank erosion by livestock.
Project Objectives
The pre-project surveys and assessments led to the identification of the following objectives for the enhancement scheme:
Reduce the impact of sediment inputs as a result of erosion caused by livestock.
Repair eroded banks and protect them from erosion in the future.
Trap sediment already in the system.
Improve flows and natural cleansing of spawning gravels.
Improve light levels in over-shaded sections.
Improve habitat for trout, coarse fish and native white-clawed crayfish.
Ensure that historic features within the Grade II Listed Historic Park and Garden are protected.
Three separate schemes based on these objectives were prepared. +
W
West End Brook is a tributary of Foudry Brook, which flows in to Reading where it joins the River Kennet. The water body fails to meet WFD good status for fish. The project modified a perched culvert by adding rock and woody material into the stream downstream from the culvert. This both created habitat and refuges for fish and raised the head level through the culvert to remove the drop in water level. The culvert is now passable to fish and the stream offers a less uniform habitat for fish.
The project also addressed a difficult track, which was conveying water, sediment and nutrient from an equestrian business into the brook during wet weather. A series of 'sleeping policemen' now divert water from the track into surrounding wet woodland interrupting the flow and allowing sediment to settle out before it reaches the brook. +
Wetland scrapes for enhancement Reasons for enhancement:<br>Biodiversity +
R
What is the Nene Valley NIA?
Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs) were introduced by the government’s Natural Environment White Paper (June 2011) to “enhance and reconnect nature on a significant scale”. The Nene Valley NIA includes the River Nene and its main tributaries, plus a 3km radius on either side, from Daventry to Peterborough (41,350 hectares in total), and contains a fragmented network of statutory and non- statutory sites, such as SSSIs and SAPs. At 161km, it is the tenth longest river in the UK, and, being navigable from the Wash to Northampton (142km), is highly managed with locks and other infrastructure.
It is located in the UK’s second largest growth area and is therefore exposed to significant development pressure. These include built development, increasing inappropriate public access, and competition for water resources. Land management practices threaten ecosystem services and the connectivity of habitats.
Aims and objectives:
The NIA will reverse the decline in biodiversity and restore the ecological network in the Nene Valley. It will help meet the challenges of a growing population, changing climate, and need to produce food while realising complimentary benefits that create a naturally functioning interlinked landscape.
The NIA has 5 objectives, including: enhancing public access and awareness of the NIA; supporting development which will benefit the natural environment; engaging with farmers and improving ecosystems services. The Nene NIA is currently funded from 2013-2015 by Natural England.
Objective 3 of the NIA is to “improve the ecological status of the river and enhance ecosystem service provision”. Much of the Nene is in Water Framework Directive poor ecological status due to diffuse pollution, water abstraction, and heavily modified river morphology due to channel alteration for navigation and flood risk management. These issues account for approximately 75% of the reasons for waterbodies in the Nene catchment failing to meet good status or potential.
The Nene Valley NIA Partnership was formed by its stakeholders to enable a strategic and joined up approach to tackling these issues. The stakeholders form a coalition of experts including new partners and others well established in the valley. These include; River Nene Regional Park, the Environment Agency, the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust and the River Restoration Centre.
S
What is the value of a salmon? This varies according to who catches it. To a kingfisher or goosander a young salmon is a tasty meal. To a poacher or commercial netsman it is up to £15 per lb. To the rural economy each one caught on rod and line is worth £4,000+, whilst to a fishery's capital value it is worth around £12,000 per fish caught each year, whether kept or released. To someone caught with an illegally taken fish it is worth minus £1,000! To those concerned with restoring a depleted salmon run, a fish left in the river to breed is priceless.
With that last point in mind, what has the Wye & Usk Foundation done to conserve and increase the number of fish on the redds?
1. 2000 - we bought off the Severn Estuary drift nets for good with funding from owners, MSF (Orri Vigfusson's Migratory Salmon Fund), concerned trusts and fishermen.
2. Also in 2000 we signed up the Goldcliff putchers (upstream of Newport) to a five year moratorium.
3. 1998 - we launched a catch and release scheme to reward anglers who returned spring salmon alive to the river. This was superseded by the national byelaws 1999, which made the return of all salmon before 16th June mandatory.
4. 2003 - we introduced another River Wye Catch and Release incentive scheme from 16th June to the end of season.
5. 2003 - we pressed hard, despite the unpopularity, to have worming, shrimping and prawning banned on the Wye. They were later that year.
6. We joined with the Wessex Salmon Trust to provide evidence for the EU complaint against the Irish drift nets. In 2007, all legal Irish drift netting ceased.
7. 2008 - Environment Agency Wales permanently bought out Goldcliff putchers after extending moratorium
8. 2010 and 2011 - WUF and Environment Agency bought off the Lydney Park Putchers pending introduction of strict catch limits. From 2012, enabled by the Coastal and Marine Act, this is fixed at 30 salmon p/a.
9. 2012 - another byelaw made it compulsory to release all Wye salmon throughout the season.
The Benefits:
In the Estuary: Averaged over the last decade, over 2,000 salmon p/a will be freed to spawn the Wye & Usk rivers but in all probability, many more than that. For the first time since Roman times salmon have free access beyond the estuary nets and traps.
On the Wye, although voluntary catch and release rates rose from 7% in 1996, to over 70% in 2010, this was not enough to stave off a bylaw which was introduced in June 2012. The Wye's recovery will no longer be held back by legal exploitation.
On the Usk (June 2012) we urge that as many as possible Usk salmon are returned after the current mandatory catch and release period finishes on 16th June. The Usk is not reaching its conservation target. At the very least, all coloured fish and hens are returned after that date, pending whatever action Environment Agency Wales proposes for the future.
P
What’s important about PIP?
Great Britain contains a significant quantity of the known breeding populations of freshwater pearl mussel in Europe. The PIP Project has crucial implications for the whole of the EU. Without this project, it is likely that mussel populations in Britain will continue to decline with possible extinction in many rivers. Given the importance of the British populations in a European and global context, their loss would have a catastrophic impact on the overall survival of the freshwater pearl mussel in Europe.
It is essential that we work together to improve our water courses to give this amazing animal a chance of survival. This ancient and internationally protected species cleans our rivers and can live for over 100 years. Improving watercourses not only helps freshwater pearl mussel, it also benefits the whole river ecosystem. PIP will raise awareness of the issues and work with local communities, landowners and managers to make changes that will safeguard the future of the freshwater pearl mussel.
Who we are……
‘Pearls in Peril’ (PIP) is a UK wide LIFE nature project with 22 partners working together to restore river habitats benefiting freshwater pearl mussel and salmonids (salmon and trout). The project was approved by LIFE in September 2012 and will run until September 2016. A total of 48 actions will be delivered across 21 rivers designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for freshwater pearl mussel.
What are our aims.....
The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is declining dramatically throughout its range and is under grave threat within Great Britain. Mussel populations have been affected by multiple issues, including wildlife crime, habitat degradation and declining water quality. This project will help to safeguard the future of the most important pearl mussel populations in Great Britain by tackling these threats and implementing best practice conservation methods. The project has the following aims:
1. To RESTORE the habitat of freshwater pearl mussels and salmonids in selected river catchments within Great Britain.
2. To SECURE the long term survival of existing freshwater pearl mussel populations and prevent their further degradation.
3. To COMMUNICATE with local, national and international audiences to raise awareness of freshwater pearl mussel conservation issues.
What are we doing to RESTORE habitat......
We are promoting and facilitating the use of suitable agri-environment schemes by land managers and are using these schemes to implement riparian tree planting and the fencing of river banks to improve bank stability and reduce silt input to the water course.
Sites have been identified for in stream restoration that will most benefit pearl mussels and salmonids (Atlantic salmon and trout). This involves seeding river beds with gravel and removing artificial river structures such as croys and weirs to reinstate river bed habitat for juvenile mussels and fish.
In areas where commercial forestry takes place, and which was planted prior to the use of current good practice guidance, silt run-off can cause significant damage to potential freshwater pearl mussel and salmonid habitat. Riparian tree planting using native broadleaves will occur and man-made drainage ditches will be blocked to reduce silt and nutrient run-off and improve water quality.
Some catchments have high levels of silt and nutrient enriched water draining off the slopes into the river. A series of strategically positioned ponds and wetlands will be created to intercept enriched run-off before it reaches the river to improve water quality.
How do we SECURE the long term survival of freshwater pearl mussel.......
A seasonal Riverwatcher is employed to develop a ‘riverwatcher’ scheme in selected catchments within Scotland where illegal pearl fishing and unauthorised river works are still a threat. The scheme will raise awareness of the threats to the freshwater pearl mussel and will undertake coordinated action to prevent and report illegal activity.
In some rivers pearl mussel populations are too small for natural recovery to be guaranteed. The PIP project is collecting mussel larvae (glochidia) and introducing the larvae onto the gills of young salmon and trout (encystment) to mimic the natural lifecycle of the mussel and increase the juvenile freshwater pearl mussel population.
What tools are being used to COMMUNICATE........
To promote awareness of the freshwater pearl mussel amongst the younger generation an educational programme 'Pearls in the Classroom' is being delivered across selected catchments. This will also help to deliver the objective of securing populations by encouraging local families to recognise the damage that illegal activities can cause.
A range of dissemination events will take place throughout the project. These will focus on different audiences and will raise awareness of the actions taken during the project and how they can be applied more widely.
It will include the delivery of presentations, seminars and interpretation material and the organising of a final project conference.
Monitoring work is being implemented to ensure the project delivers its expected results as well as adequately monitors the project impacts. Monitoring will include:
•water quality;
•habitat;
•freshwater pearl mussels;
•host salmonids; and
•levels of uptake and implementation of habitat restoration measures.
LIFE Administrative data:
Project reference LIFE11 NAT/UK/000383
Duration 03-SEP-2012 to 02-SEP -2016
Total budget 4,617,398.00 €
EU contribution 2,293,990.00 €
SPECIFIC PROJECT ACTIONS ON MINGARRY BURN
- Implement improved riparian habitat in the Mingarry Burn - Native broad-leaved trees will be planted along river banks covering approximately 20 hectares of the Mingarry catchment.
- Implement in-stream restoration works in the Mingarry Burn - manual installation of woody debris at a minimum of four sites in the Mingarry Burn will be completed to improve habitat for freshwater pearl mussels and salmonids. A man-made weir at the upstream limit of the SAC has been identified as a barrier to fish passage (the weir is the impoundment that creates ‘Loch an Torr'). The installation of timber baffles on this weir will help improve the passage of migrating salmonids.
- Monitor changes in pearl mussel and salmonid populations - pearl mussels are very slow-growing. It is not expected that statistically significant increases in pearl mussel populations will be seen during the short life-time of this project. However, a number of 'proxy' measures will be used to ascertain whether conditions have improved for pearl mussels. Some baseline monitoring of mussel populations will take place, to ensure that meaningful comparisons can be made with data gathered in the future and to ensure that actions are properly targeted. Salmonids are much shorter-lived and their numbers can be expected to respond much more quickly to improvements in habitat conditions. Monitoring of freshwater pearl mussel and salmonid populations will take place prior to the implementation of the conservation actions. Repeat monitoring of salmonid populations will take place after the conservation actions to establish the extent of improvement.
What’s important about PIP?
Great Britain contains a significant quantity of the known breeding populations of freshwater pearl mussel in Europe. The PIP Project has crucial implications for the whole of the EU. Without this project, it is likely that mussel populations in Britain will continue to decline with possible extinction in many rivers. Given the importance of the British populations in a European and global context, their loss would have a catastrophic impact on the overall survival of the freshwater pearl mussel in Europe.
It is essential that we work together to improve our water courses to give this amazing animal a chance of survival. This ancient and internationally protected species cleans our rivers and can live for over 100 years. Improving watercourses not only helps freshwater pearl mussel, it also benefits the whole river ecosystem. PIP will raise awareness of the issues and work with local communities, landowners and managers to make changes that will safeguard the future of the freshwater pearl mussel.
Who we are……
‘Pearls in Peril’ (PIP) is a UK wide LIFE nature project with 22 partners working together to restore river habitats benefiting freshwater pearl mussel and salmonids (salmon and trout). The project was approved by LIFE in September 2012 and will run until September 2016. A total of 48 actions will be delivered across 21 rivers designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for freshwater pearl mussel.
What are our aims.....
The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is declining dramatically throughout its range and is under grave threat within Great Britain. Mussel populations have been affected by multiple issues, including wildlife crime, habitat degradation and declining water quality. This project will help to safeguard the future of the most important pearl mussel populations in Great Britain by tackling these threats and implementing best practice conservation methods. The project has the following aims:
1. To RESTORE the habitat of freshwater pearl mussels and salmonids in selected river catchments within Great Britain.
2. To SECURE the long term survival of existing freshwater pearl mussel populations and prevent their further degradation.
3. To COMMUNICATE with local, national and international audiences to raise awareness of freshwater pearl mussel conservation issues.
What are we doing to RESTORE habitat......
We are promoting and facilitating the use of suitable agri-environment schemes by land managers and are using these schemes to implement riparian tree planting and the fencing of river banks to improve bank stability and reduce silt input to the water course.
Sites have been identified for in stream restoration that will most benefit pearl mussels and salmonids (Atlantic salmon and trout). This involves seeding river beds with gravel and removing artificial river structures such as croys and weirs to reinstate river bed habitat for juvenile mussels and fish.
In areas where commercial forestry takes place, and which was planted prior to the use of current good practice guidance, silt run-off can cause significant damage to potential freshwater pearl mussel and salmonid habitat. Riparian tree planting using native broadleaves will occur and man-made drainage ditches will be blocked to reduce silt and nutrient run-off and improve water quality.
Some catchments have high levels of silt and nutrient enriched water draining off the slopes into the river. A series of strategically positioned ponds and wetlands will be created to intercept enriched run-off before it reaches the river to improve water quality.
How do we SECURE the long term survival of freshwater pearl mussel.......
A seasonal Riverwatcher is employed to develop a ‘riverwatcher’ scheme in selected catchments within Scotland where illegal pearl fishing and unauthorised river works are still a threat. The scheme will raise awareness of the threats to the freshwater pearl mussel and will undertake coordinated action to prevent and report illegal activity.
In some rivers pearl mussel populations are too small for natural recovery to be guaranteed. The PIP project is collecting mussel larvae (glochidia) and introducing the larvae onto the gills of young salmon and trout (encystment) to mimic the natural lifecycle of the mussel and increase the juvenile freshwater pearl mussel population.
What tools are being used to COMMUNICATE........
To promote awareness of the freshwater pearl mussel amongst the younger generation an educational programme 'Pearls in the Classroom' is being delivered across selected catchments. This will also help to deliver the objective of securing populations by encouraging local families to recognise the damage that illegal activities can cause.
A range of dissemination events will take place throughout the project. These will focus on different audiences and will raise awareness of the actions taken during the project and how they can be applied more widely.
It will include the delivery of presentations, seminars and interpretation material and the organising of a final project conference.
Monitoring work is being implemented to ensure the project delivers its expected results as well as adequately monitors the project impacts. Monitoring will include:
•water quality;
•habitat;
•freshwater pearl mussels;
•host salmonids; and
•levels of uptake and implementation of habitat restoration measures.
LIFE Administrative data:
Project reference LIFE11 NAT/UK/000383
Duration 03-SEP-2012 to 02-SEP -2016
Total budget 4,617,398.00 €
EU contribution 2,293,990.00 €
SPECIFIC PROJECT ACTIONS ON THE RIVER EVELIX
- Implement improved riparian habitat in the River Evelix - commercial forestry within riparian zones will be replaced with native riparian woodland and old forestry drainage ditches will be blocked.
- Reduce nutrient and sediment input from diffuse pollution sources in the River Evelix - the Evelix catchment will be surveyed, using established best practice methods, to establish potential diffuse pollution sources and their likely impacts on freshwater pearl mussel populations. The survey work will identify the key strategic points within the catchment where concrete conservation action to reduce nutrient and sediment inputs will be most appropriate. This will be delivered through SRDP schemes.
What’s important about PIP?
Great Britain contains a significant quantity of the known breeding populations of freshwater pearl mussel in Europe. The PIP Project has crucial implications for the whole of the EU. Without this project, it is likely that mussel populations in Britain will continue to decline with possible extinction in many rivers. Given the importance of the British populations in a European and global context, their loss would have a catastrophic impact on the overall survival of the freshwater pearl mussel in Europe.
It is essential that we work together to improve our water courses to give this amazing animal a chance of survival. This ancient and internationally protected species cleans our rivers and can live for over 100 years. Improving watercourses not only helps freshwater pearl mussel, it also benefits the whole river ecosystem. PIP will raise awareness of the issues and work with local communities, landowners and managers to make changes that will safeguard the future of the freshwater pearl mussel.
Who we are……
‘Pearls in Peril’ (PIP) is a UK wide LIFE nature project with 22 partners working together to restore river habitats benefiting freshwater pearl mussel and salmonids (salmon and trout). The project was approved by LIFE in September 2012 and will run until September 2016. A total of 48 actions will be delivered across 21 rivers designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for freshwater pearl mussel.
What are our aims.....
The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is declining dramatically throughout its range and is under grave threat within Great Britain. Mussel populations have been affected by multiple issues, including wildlife crime, habitat degradation and declining water quality. This project will help to safeguard the future of the most important pearl mussel populations in Great Britain by tackling these threats and implementing best practice conservation methods. The project has the following aims:
1. To RESTORE the habitat of freshwater pearl mussels and salmonids in selected river catchments within Great Britain.
2. To SECURE the long term survival of existing freshwater pearl mussel populations and prevent their further degradation.
3. To COMMUNICATE with local, national and international audiences to raise awareness of freshwater pearl mussel conservation issues.
What are we doing to RESTORE habitat......
We are promoting and facilitating the use of suitable agri-environment schemes by land managers and are using these schemes to implement riparian tree planting and the fencing of river banks to improve bank stability and reduce silt input to the water course.
Sites have been identified for in stream restoration that will most benefit pearl mussels and salmonids (Atlantic salmon and trout). This involves seeding river beds with gravel and removing artificial river structures such as croys and weirs to reinstate river bed habitat for juvenile mussels and fish.
In areas where commercial forestry takes place, and which was planted prior to the use of current good practice guidance, silt run-off can cause significant damage to potential freshwater pearl mussel and salmonid habitat. Riparian tree planting using native broadleaves will occur and man-made drainage ditches will be blocked to reduce silt and nutrient run-off and improve water quality.
Some catchments have high levels of silt and nutrient enriched water draining off the slopes into the river. A series of strategically positioned ponds and wetlands will be created to intercept enriched run-off before it reaches the river to improve water quality.
How do we SECURE the long term survival of freshwater pearl mussel.......
A seasonal Riverwatcher is employed to develop a ‘riverwatcher’ scheme in selected catchments within Scotland where illegal pearl fishing and unauthorised river works are still a threat. The scheme will raise awareness of the threats to the freshwater pearl mussel and will undertake coordinated action to prevent and report illegal activity.
In some rivers pearl mussel populations are too small for natural recovery to be guaranteed. The PIP project is collecting mussel larvae (glochidia) and introducing the larvae onto the gills of young salmon and trout (encystment) to mimic the natural lifecycle of the mussel and increase the juvenile freshwater pearl mussel population.
What tools are being used to COMMUNICATE........
To promote awareness of the freshwater pearl mussel amongst the younger generation an educational programme 'Pearls in the Classroom' is being delivered across selected catchments. This will also help to deliver the objective of securing populations by encouraging local families to recognise the damage that illegal activities can cause.
A range of dissemination events will take place throughout the project. These will focus on different audiences and will raise awareness of the actions taken during the project and how they can be applied more widely.
It will include the delivery of presentations, seminars and interpretation material and the organising of a final project conference.
Monitoring work is being implemented to ensure the project delivers its expected results as well as adequately monitors the project impacts. Monitoring will include:
•water quality;
•habitat;
•freshwater pearl mussels;
•host salmonids; and
•levels of uptake and implementation of habitat restoration measures.
LIFE Administrative data:
Project reference LIFE11 NAT/UK/000383
Duration 03-SEP-2012 to 02-SEP -2016
Total budget 4,617,398.00 €
EU contribution 2,293,990.00 €
SPECIFIC PROJECT ACTIONS ON THE RIVER NAVER
- Facilitate and implement improved riparian habitat in the River Naver - work with land managers to develop SRDP riparian planting schemes on the River Naver, focusing on the restoration of wooded riparian zones through a combination of natural regeneration and planting of native tree species.
- Implement in-stream restoration works in the River Naver - the targeted removal of man-made structures, which are known to be impeding natural sediment transport and flow patterns, will be completed in the main stem of the Rivers Naver and Mallart. In-stream restoration will be undertaken at six priority sites and will include developing detailed design plans, managing contractors to deliver the work and pre and post monitoring of the sites to assess their impact. The actions are likely to include the removal or disruption of weirs, the reconnection of flood flow channels, restoration of alluvial fans, and the removal of hard bank protection and in-stream croys.
What’s important about PIP?
Great Britain contains a significant quantity of the known breeding populations of freshwater pearl mussel in Europe. The PIP Project has crucial implications for the whole of the EU. Without this project, it is likely that mussel populations in Britain will continue to decline with possible extinction in many rivers. Given the importance of the British populations in a European and global context, their loss would have a catastrophic impact on the overall survival of the freshwater pearl mussel in Europe.
It is essential that we work together to improve our water courses to give this amazing animal a chance of survival. This ancient and internationally protected species cleans our rivers and can live for over 100 years. Improving watercourses not only helps freshwater pearl mussel, it also benefits the whole river ecosystem. PIP will raise awareness of the issues and work with local communities, landowners and managers to make changes that will safeguard the future of the freshwater pearl mussel.
Who we are……
‘Pearls in Peril’ (PIP) is a UK wide LIFE nature project with 22 partners working together to restore river habitats benefiting freshwater pearl mussel and salmonids (salmon and trout). The project was approved by LIFE in September 2012 and will run until September 2016. A total of 48 actions will be delivered across 21 rivers designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for freshwater pearl mussel.
What are our aims.....
The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is declining dramatically throughout its range and is under grave threat within Great Britain. Mussel populations have been affected by multiple issues, including wildlife crime, habitat degradation and declining water quality. This project will help to safeguard the future of the most important pearl mussel populations in Great Britain by tackling these threats and implementing best practice conservation methods. The project has the following aims:
1. To RESTORE the habitat of freshwater pearl mussels and salmonids in selected river catchments within Great Britain.
2. To SECURE the long term survival of existing freshwater pearl mussel populations and prevent their further degradation.
3. To COMMUNICATE with local, national and international audiences to raise awareness of freshwater pearl mussel conservation issues.
What are we doing to RESTORE habitat......
We are promoting and facilitating the use of suitable agri-environment schemes by land managers and are using these schemes to implement riparian tree planting and the fencing of river banks to improve bank stability and reduce silt input to the water course.
Sites have been identified for in stream restoration that will most benefit pearl mussels and salmonids (Atlantic salmon and trout). This involves seeding river beds with gravel and removing artificial river structures such as croys and weirs to reinstate river bed habitat for juvenile mussels and fish.
In areas where commercial forestry takes place, and which was planted prior to the use of current good practice guidance, silt run-off can cause significant damage to potential freshwater pearl mussel and salmonid habitat. Riparian tree planting using native broadleaves will occur and man-made drainage ditches will be blocked to reduce silt and nutrient run-off and improve water quality.
Some catchments have high levels of silt and nutrient enriched water draining off the slopes into the river. A series of strategically positioned ponds and wetlands will be created to intercept enriched run-off before it reaches the river to improve water quality.
How do we SECURE the long term survival of freshwater pearl mussel.......
A seasonal Riverwatcher is employed to develop a ‘riverwatcher’ scheme in selected catchments within Scotland where illegal pearl fishing and unauthorised river works are still a threat. The scheme will raise awareness of the threats to the freshwater pearl mussel and will undertake coordinated action to prevent and report illegal activity.
In some rivers pearl mussel populations are too small for natural recovery to be guaranteed. The PIP project is collecting mussel larvae (glochidia) and introducing the larvae onto the gills of young salmon and trout (encystment) to mimic the natural lifecycle of the mussel and increase the juvenile freshwater pearl mussel population.
What tools are being used to COMMUNICATE........
To promote awareness of the freshwater pearl mussel amongst the younger generation an educational programme 'Pearls in the Classroom' is being delivered across selected catchments. This will also help to deliver the objective of securing populations by encouraging local families to recognise the damage that illegal activities can cause.
A range of dissemination events will take place throughout the project. These will focus on different audiences and will raise awareness of the actions taken during the project and how they can be applied more widely.
It will include the delivery of presentations, seminars and interpretation material and the organising of a final project conference.
Monitoring work is being implemented to ensure the project delivers its expected results as well as adequately monitors the project impacts. Monitoring will include:
•water quality;
•habitat;
•freshwater pearl mussels;
•host salmonids; and
•levels of uptake and implementation of habitat restoration measures.
LIFE Administrative data:
Project reference LIFE11 NAT/UK/000383
Duration 03-SEP-2012 to 02-SEP -2016
Total budget 4,617,398.00 €
EU contribution 2,293,990.00 €
SPECIFIC PROJECT ACTIONS ON THE RIVER OYKEL
- Implement improved riparian habitat in the River Oykel - commercial forestry within riparian zones will be replaced with native riparian woodland and old forestry drainage ditches will be blocked.
What’s important about PIP?
Great Britain contains a significant quantity of the known breeding populations of freshwater pearl mussel in Europe. The PIP Project has crucial implications for the whole of the EU. Without this project, it is likely that mussel populations in Britain will continue to decline with possible extinction in many rivers. Given the importance of the British populations in a European and global context, their loss would have a catastrophic impact on the overall survival of the freshwater pearl mussel in Europe.
It is essential that we work together to improve our water courses to give this amazing animal a chance of survival. This ancient and internationally protected species cleans our rivers and can live for over 100 years. Improving watercourses not only helps freshwater pearl mussel, it also benefits the whole river ecosystem. PIP will raise awareness of the issues and work with local communities, landowners and managers to make changes that will safeguard the future of the freshwater pearl mussel.
Who we are……
‘Pearls in Peril’ (PIP) is a UK wide LIFE nature project with 22 partners working together to restore river habitats benefiting freshwater pearl mussel and salmonids (salmon and trout). The project was approved by LIFE in September 2012 and will run until September 2016. A total of 48 actions will be delivered across 21 rivers designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for freshwater pearl mussel.
What are our aims.....
The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is declining dramatically throughout its range and is under grave threat within Great Britain. Mussel populations have been affected by multiple issues, including wildlife crime, habitat degradation and declining water quality. This project will help to safeguard the future of the most important pearl mussel populations in Great Britain by tackling these threats and implementing best practice conservation methods. The project has the following aims:
1. To RESTORE the habitat of freshwater pearl mussels and salmonids in selected river catchments within Great Britain.
2. To SECURE the long term survival of existing freshwater pearl mussel populations and prevent their further degradation.
3. To COMMUNICATE with local, national and international audiences to raise awareness of freshwater pearl mussel conservation issues.
What are we doing to RESTORE habitat......
We are promoting and facilitating the use of suitable [[term:Agri-environment scheme|Agri-environment scheme]] by land managers and are using these schemes to implement riparian tree planting and the fencing of river banks to improve bank stability and reduce silt input to the water course.
Sites have been identified for in stream restoration that will most benefit pearl mussels and salmonids (Atlantic salmon and trout). This involves seeding river beds with gravel and removing artificial river structures such as croys and weirs to reinstate river bed habitat for juvenile mussels and fish.
In areas where commercial forestry takes place, and which was planted prior to the use of current good practice guidance, silt run-off can cause significant damage to potential freshwater pearl mussel and salmonid habitat. Riparian tree planting using native broadleaves will occur and man-made drainage ditches will be blocked to reduce silt and nutrient run-off and improve water quality.
Some catchments have high levels of silt and nutrient enriched water draining off the slopes into the river. A series of strategically positioned ponds and wetlands will be created to intercept enriched run-off before it reaches the river to improve water quality.
How do we SECURE the long term survival of freshwater pearl mussel.......
A seasonal Riverwatcher is employed to develop a ‘riverwatcher’ scheme in selected catchments within Scotland where illegal pearl fishing and unauthorised river works are still a threat. The scheme will raise awareness of the threats to the freshwater pearl mussel and will undertake coordinated action to prevent and report illegal activity.
In some rivers pearl mussel populations are too small for natural recovery to be guaranteed. The PIP project is collecting mussel larvae (glochidia) and introducing the larvae onto the gills of young salmon and trout (encystment) to mimic the natural lifecycle of the mussel and increase the juvenile freshwater pearl mussel population.
What tools are being used to COMMUNICATE........
To promote awareness of the freshwater pearl mussel amongst the younger generation an educational programme 'Pearls in the Classroom' is being delivered across selected catchments. This will also help to deliver the objective of securing populations by encouraging local families to recognise the damage that illegal activities can cause.
A range of dissemination events will take place throughout the project. These will focus on different audiences and will raise awareness of the actions taken during the project and how they can be applied more widely.
It will include the delivery of presentations, seminars and interpretation material and the organising of a final project conference.
Monitoring work is being implemented to ensure the project delivers its expected results as well as adequately monitors the project impacts. Monitoring will include:
•water quality;
•habitat;
•freshwater pearl mussels;
•host salmonids; and
•levels of uptake and implementation of habitat restoration measures.
LIFE Administrative data:
Project reference LIFE11 NAT/UK/000383
Duration 03-SEP-2012 to 02-SEP -2016
Total budget 4,617,398.00 €
EU contribution 2,293,990.00 €
SPECIFIC PROJECT ACTIONS ON THE RIVER BORGIE
- Implement improved riparian habitat in the River Borgie - commercial forestry within riparian zones will be replaced with native riparian woodland and old forestry drainage ditches will be blocked.
S
Shaping and protecting water-mud biotopes in Garwolin Forest division through development of small retention +
When the project in the Garwolin forest was designed, it was based upon the assumption that the design of the
previous water management programmes had been flawed, having negative effects on the forest. Bearing this
in mind, the aims of the new project were to improve water conditions by decreasing water outflow from the
forest area, and restoring the mid-forest water reservoirs and wetlands.
The project has a regional character and it covers wetlands situated at the borders of the Garwolin Forest
Division. The area is situated in the Vistula catchment and it covers lower sections of Wilga, Promnik
and Okrzejka rivers.
An important factor was to inhibit water outflow from the forest, collect and store water in reservoirs and in
soils, to minimise negative impacts of potential water deficit during the summer.
The basic objective of the project was to improve the water balance by constructing small retention reservoirs
that could collect snowmelt, and which also limit the fast runoff of rainwater. These measures will allow
restoration and maintenance of the protected biotopes of flora and fauna connected with the water – mud
environment. An additional aim of the project was to construct watering holes for forest animals. These
watering holes could also be used for water collection by fire fighters in case of there would be a fire in the
forest.
The effect of the
implementation of the project was restoration of nearly 50 reservoirs (aquatic ecosystems) and three wetlands
with the total area of 32 ha. Estimated retention capacity of the system is 523 000 m3. Retention reservoirs
and other investments are scattered on an area of approximately 10 000 ha. The key feature of the project is
twenty-three damming valves that aim to regulate water flows, and preserve as much water as possible in the
forest.
Special attention has been given to designing the damming valves in order to increase the biodiversity of
forests, and improve habitats. This has been done by ensuring that slopes are not to steep, but still allow access
to water for animals, creation of islands in reservoirs to serve as breeding sites for birds, and construction of
irregular shaped shore line that create favourable conditions for amphibians breeding.
Water reservoirs were located in terrain denivelations. Some of them were created by water damming and
flooding of the terrain, but most of them were excavated. The damming devices were commonly concrete or
wooden constructions, with valves made of wood.
W
Whit Beck was an ambitious major pilot river restoration project undertaken by West Cumbria Rivers Trust on the behalf of the Environment Agency and Natural England summer 2014. This project was undertaken on Whit Beck, a fast flowing spate tributary of the River Cocker (River Derwent SSSI) in the English Lake District. A 350m section of heavily modified raised river channel was successfully diverted to natural self-sustainable diverse watercourse.
The benefits include:
• Restoration of natural river processes and associated features (WFD requirement)
• Increase in stream length (over 3 fold - 1205m) and channel area (4/5 fold)
• Provision of a wider range of habitats enabling fish to carry out the various stages of their life cycles within the new reach
• Significantly improvement in floodplain connectivity (flood storage)
• Increased in channel storage for gravels
• The provision of wildlife corridors (plants, insects and animals)
• Increased flood proofing for fish redds
• New deciduous woodlands and woodland strips
• Enhanced landscape
There were four parties with a vested interest in Whit Beck, two farmers, one tenant and an independent landowner. The scheme was entirely voluntary and all parties had to be on board for the project to get off the ground and succeed. It took two years of planning, investigations and engineering to complete. The total cost over the life of the project is in the vicinity of £700k. Construction was completed by the end of September 2014. +
C
Willow pollarding; minor habitat improvements. Sympathetic landowner. Example of how enhancements could be carried out through rest of the catchment with limited investment. Implement management summary. +