Case Study
River Restoration Works Upper River Wensum (SSSI, SAC) Phase 1
Location
Raynham, Norfolk
Date
September 2015
Client
Norfolk Rivers Internal Drainage Board
Stakeholders
Natural England
Tasks
Restoration of two kilometers of the River Wensum SSSI/SAC, six weeks on site creating over sixty features including:
- Creation of pools and sediment traps
- Bank scalloping
- Bed level raising
- Low level berm installation
- Installation of large woody debris (LWD) and coarse woody debris (CWD)
- Embayment creation
Key remarks
- Five Rivers worked with Atkins designers to make best use of onsite materials, and to link features where possible
- No materials brought into site, ensuring very cost effective construction
- Our on-site team worked closely with Atkins and the Norfolk Rivers Internal Drainage Board to ensure that impacts on protected species (notably Water Vole and White Clawed Crayfish) we’re minimised
- By using our own plant utilising biodegradable hydraulic oil and adhering to strict bio-security procedures we ensure that this sensitive habitat is protected during the works
- This project showcases many of the techniques we use on Rivers and Wetlands. Please Contact Us to discuss how we can apply these restoration methods for your scheme
Effects
- Naturalise the morphology of the river and enhance its connectivity with the floodplain
- Improve annex I habitat for River Wensum SAC, and improve habitat for dependant species
- Delivering improvements that will help improve the ‘ecological quality’ of this Water Framework Directive (WFD) waterbody
- Improvements in in-channel heterogeneity will increase ecological resilience in a wide range of flows
