A Case Study of a Sustainably Restored River.
Objective of river estimation: To restore the natural beauty of the river, and make it accessible to the public. To reinstate the natural floodplain as the flood prevention technique, as part of a large catchments area.
To allow ecosystems to flourish and grow. After: The concrete channel in the river was replaced by a sediment channel, allowing easy access. It was cut to follow its path prior to constellation. Whilst cutting the channel old gravels were moved and sufficient space was left along the river corridor to allow or natural adjustment, such as meandering.
The margins of the channel were planted using a reputable source of native wetland plants (including iris, water mint and reeds), a wetland grass and wild flower mix was also sown, which gave the river CEO system a helping hand. One section downstream has not been planted since there was a request from the local people to allow natural colonization.
Flood storage ponds were included in the scheme and at the upstream section a boardwalk, pond piping and, educational area, were incorporated to attract local school children.
River Restoration Projects views: “This project is an excellent example of a partnership initiative that has not only restored the river and floodplain, but has also paid careful attention to improving the park amenities. Although the channel work Nas only completed in spring 2002 by September 2002 there had already been considerable movement of gravels and natural geomorphology features including a pool/rife sequence, gravel bars and steeper banks had formed.
The pond has already been colonized by invertebrates and the vegetation planted along the banks is beginning to provide good cover. Based on present progress it should be a continued success although some desisting of the dipping pond, which has not been linked to the main channel due to the location of a drain, may be necessary from time to time and it is predicted that the unplanted area downstream might be invaded by garden plants (some are already there). ” (September 2002) bibliography: river restoration centre
