2. River Restoration at Waters Place Farm
Theme: Ecology and biodiversity
Objectives:
- Enhance the river’s morphology
- Improve the ecological health of the river bed and banks
Project description
A series of flow deflectors were introduced to create flow and habitat variation in the channel.
The River Ash was historically straightened near Waters Place Farm when a railway line was built. This removed the river's natural features, like its gentle meanders, and created a channel that is overly straight and deep. This has affected the way the river functions, resulting in uniform flows and impacting the way sediment can move through the river system.
To help re-create the natural form and function of the river, a series of flow deflectors were installed by the Environment Agency in 2012 with help from the Easneye Estate. Deflectors are large pieces of wood, secured in the river at an angle to force the river to adopt a more winding course. This creates areas of faster flow which helps scour silt from the riverbed, exposing the gravels and improving conditions for water plants to grow in.
Project lead: Environment Agency
Project partners: Easneye Estate
Funding source: Environment Agency
Project start: 2012
Project end: 2012
