]> 2026-04-29T01:37:28+00:00 Case study:Arborfield nature like bypass and weirs project 500 en Arborfield October 2012 photo update.pdf Arborfield Newsletter November 2011.doc Photo update from October 2012 (courtesy of Dominic Martyn) Newsletter November 2011 Approved Introduction of spawning gravels Riffle creation Weir lowering Yes Yes Yes No Awaiting results Yes No Fish,Yes,Yes,Yes,Yes,Yes,Awaiting results Invertebrates,Yes,Yes,No,Yes,No,Awaiting results Macrophytes,Yes,Yes,No,Yes,No,Awaiting results Fish Invertebrates Macrophytes Yes Bypass channel Improving fish migration Creation of backwater Environment Agency Great Britain Defra Environment Agency Flood and Coastal Risk Management Thames Water Barbel Society Yes No Yes false Yes Yes No Awaiting results No Channel pattern/planform,Yes,Yes,No,Yes,No,Awaiting results Quantity & dynamics of flow,Yes,Yes,No,Yes,No,Awaiting results Channel pattern/planform Quantity & dynamics of flow Yes P3200027.JPG PB150207.JPG PB110093.JPG PA120219.JPG RIMG0192.JPG P5250283.JPG Arborefield 3.JPG Arborefield.JPG Arborefield 2.JPG Small fixed-crest weir prior to lowering. Courtesy of Wild Trout Trust and the Environment Agency. Small fixed-crest weir after lowering. Courtesy of Wild Trout Trust and the Environment Agency. Backwater effect - 900m upstream of impounding weir structures. Courtesy of Wild Trout Trust and the Environment Agency. 900m upstream of lowered impounding weir structures. Note significant reduction in backwater effect. Courtesy of Wild Trout Trust and the Environment Agency. Channel 2900m upstream of impounding weir structures, prior to lowering. Courtesy of Wild Trout Trust and the Environment Agency. Channel 2900m upstream of lowered impounding weir structures. Note significant driop in water level and exposure of gravel riffle - now spawned on by chub. Courtesy of Wild Trout Trust and the Environment Agency. plan A mosaic of habitats was created in the new river channel, using many existing natural features The completed bypass inlet in September 2011 No 120 100 - 500 k€ 51.408040376161,-0.92426776885986 Dominic Environment Agency Martyn 2.16 1 - 10 m³/s Introduction of spawning gravels, Riffle creation, Weir lowering,,,Bypass channel, Improving fish migration, Creation of backwater, ,,Volunteer engagement,,Local support, Community engagement, 24 10 - 50 k€ Over 1 hectare of nationally important wetland habitats will be restored - benefiting wildlife such as otters, kingfishers and dragonflies. A key feature of the 400k project was the successful partnership with Thames Water, the University of Reading, Farley Estate and Arborleigh Angling Club. Over 60 volunteer days were given Yes Yes No Awaiting results Yes Habitat mapping,Yes,Yes,Yes,Yes,No,Awaiting results Yes Habitat mapping 1122 One of the five weir structures to be lowered during the project - pre-works. Courtesy of Wild Trout Trust and the Environment Agency. P5110148.JPG 2010-06-30Z 2455377.5 Complete In this reach, impassable flow control structures impounded the river by 1.4m, for over 4km upstream. WFD fisheries surveys determined moderate to poor ecological status upstream of the structures, with good ecological status downstream. Project objectives to improve WFD status upstream of weir structures from 'moderate' to 'good', along with flood alleviation. Works involved lowering of 5 structures along an 800m section of river, construction of a 200m nature-like weir bypass channel to create free fish migration status, in addition to two backwaters created towards the end of the bypass channel and directly downstream of its exit; as well as creation of 80m of new riffle habitat for spawning. After twenty years of work, a significant partnership project helping to deliver Water Framework Directive objectives has been completed on the River Loddon at Arborfield, near Reading. The problem: Arborfield weirs were highlighted as the most significant barrier to fish migration in the Loddon catchment limiting natural habitat types upstream. Local access and flooding issues were raised. The solution: Two hundred meters of complex channel and backwaters bypassing Arborfield weirs have been created. This will provide some 20km of free fish passage from the River Thames towards Basingstoke at certain times of year for a range of fish like sea trout, barbel and eels. The project delivers enhanced fish spawning and nursery grounds and restores impounded habitat. The new river channel will help the Loddon towards meeting 'Good Ecological Status' required by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and aims to be helpful as a case study for similar WFD-led projects around the country. Project Objectives: * Working with communities: anglers and local people shaped objectives and gave practical input; University of Reading and Cranfield University are helping with monitoring. * Allow free fish passage to enable fish to complete lifecycles. We have seen fish entering the channel from top and bottom, confirming the bypass is passable for a variety of small fish. * Improve Water Framework Directive status from moderate to good: create new fish spawning and nursery areas and monitor effects. * Restore impounded habitat: lower weirs to restore flow and habitats. Chub have been observed spawning twice on restored riffles upstream since the weirs were lowered. * Restore Biodiversity Action Plan habitat; construct wet feeds to key areas. * Provide national case study: ‘before’ and ‘after’ studies to inform others. * Improve site health and safety: better, safer access around site. * Local flood risk: lower weirs have reduced breaching to adjacent land. Works included: Thames Water weir lowering and repair work to four out of five structures - to lower upstream water levels and reduce overbank flow frequency. <br> Community Involvement - Presentations and meetings with local citizens. Volunteers involved in construction and future management of project. Arborfield nature like bypass and weirs project arborfield nature like bypass and weirs project No 800 Loddon Thames Loddon (Swallowfield to River Thames confluence) loddon (swallowfield to river thames confluence) Loddon at Arborfield loddon at arborfield Volunteer engagement Target fish species: sea trout eels dace barbel chub roach bullhead lamprey and pike. 100 - 1000 km² 99 Less than 100 m Loddon (Swallowfield to River Thames confluence) GB106039023160 Post-project ecological/hydromorphological monitoring assessments during 2011/12. Data should be available during 2012. Fisheries Flood risk management Habitat and biodiversity 596 more than 10000 k€ Low Medium Calcareous GB106039023160 Loddon (Swallowfield to River Thames confluence) Local support Community engagement 450 100 - 500 k€ 2011-07-06Z 2455748.5 2012-08-17T08:46:44Z 2456156.865787 2019-01-02T14:57:48Z 2458486.1234722 Arborfield nature like bypass and weirs project 500 1 plainlist 5 [[Category:Case study]] [[Project title::!Arborfield nature like bypass and weirs project]] [[Subcatchment title::Loddon (Swallowfield to River Thames confluence)]] Arborfield nature like bypass and weirs project# QUERYd2871d864a3c6ed7eebc79d80dd3b556