Case Studies

Turf Translocation at Quarry Extension, Leicestershire

Translocation of 8000m2 of lowland wet grassland at a large quarry site in Leicestershire.  Five Rivers used our extensive experience of turf translocation to ensure as much of this species-rich grassland was retained as possible.  We also carried out works to enhance and connect a river diversion on site.

Wilsford and Great Durnford River Restoration

Five Rivers worked with Amco Engineering to complete this challenging habitat improvement project on a 1.4km section of the River Avon.  Works included a range of river restoration and light civil engineering solutions to improve habitat and fish passage.

Urban River Restoration River Cherwell, Banbury

Working with BBOWT and Banbury Town Council we carried out habitat improvements on this 300m reach of the River Cherwell running through an urban park in Banbury.  Tree thinning, bank re-profiling and installation of woody debris was significantly improved freshwater and riparian habitats as well as making the River Cherwell more accessible to park users.

River Restoration on the Upper River Arun, Sussex

Working for the Arun and Rother Connections (ARC) project we carried out in channel and floodplain works on this low gradient, deeply incised clay river in West Sussex. River restoration works were carried out on a 3.5km stretch of the Upper Arun using a range of techniques focusing on channel narrowing, tree clearance and woody debris installation.

River Restoration Works Upper River Wensum (SSSI, SAC) Phase 1

Five Rivers implemented this river restoration scheme designed and managed by Atkins to reinstate natural form and flow function to two kilometres of the River Wensum SSSI/SAC by utilizing site won materials.  On this first year of a three year scheme we worked with Atkins Ecologists and the Norfolk Rivers Internal Drainage Board to ensure we made best use of available materials giving maximum benefit for minimal cost.  We worked closely with Atkins ecologists to ensure that all works were done sensitively with minimal impact.

Acid Grassland Translocation for Development Site

Five Rivers Environmental Contracting Ltd. carried out translocation of 1250 square metres of acid grassland for this development site in Hampshire.  Our experienced staff carried this grassland translocation project at very short notice ensuring this important grassland is retained while limiting the disruption to on site construction.

River habitat creation on the Hampshire Avon SAC

Five Rivers  has recently finished a two week river habitat creation project at Avon, Hampshire.  We worked with the Wessex Chalk Stream and Rivers Trust to improve fish habitat on a 2km reach of the lower Hampshire Avon, building on previous work carried out at Ringwood.

Using a combination of live woody debris features and fry bay creation, we have improved the habitat for a wide range of fish species and life stages.  This increased habitat heterogeneity will also benefit other riparian species such as Water vole and Desmoulin’s whirl snail.

Innovative River Bank Protection on River Avon SAC

Working for a private client we ensured this property was protected from high flows while creating vital habitat on the River Avon SAC.  Banks were eroding causing trees to be washed into the river, increasing flood risk downstream.  By utilising large woody debris on site and re-profiling banks we ensured that the property will be protected while retaining aesthetic appeal and enhancing conservation value.

Funges Pond Habitat Enhancement

The main aims of this project were to enhance existing and create new marginal habitat in and around the pond. This was achieved by excavating shallow scrapes to provide ephemeral ponds and wetland areas and then using this excavated material to create earth bunds in the pond. Once graded, these bunds created new marginal habitat and acted to segment the large pond into a series of interconnected ponds of different sizes.

Plants were translocated to the new bunds to help re-establish marginal vegetation. Tree works allowed more light into the area and timber, sourced from site, was used to construct new dipping platforms.

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) and Floodplain Enhancement

The River Wensum River Restoration and Floodplain Enhancement Project had three main themes to the project: 1. River restoration – Improve the physical habitats and biodiversity of 2.5 km of the River Wensum SSSI/SAC. 2. Floodplain reconnection and enhancement – Improve the functionality and connectivity of the floodplain and restore and develop wetland habitats, notably in excess of 10 ha of reedbeds and other wetlands, in order to support key biodiversity indicators such as bittern and bearded reedling. 3. Diffuse pollution treatment – Address diffuse pollution water quality issues arising from unattenuated surface water run-off from the town of Fakenham and from the agricultural catchment to the north of the site.