WHIT BECK RIVER RESTORATION STRATEGY (RRS)

Ian CreightonWest Cumbria Rivers Trust (WCRT)

INTRODUCTION

• European Union driven initiative (Water Framework Directive)

• RRS aim is to restore modified stretches of SSSI rivers (Sites of Specific Scientific Interest) rivers back to a more natural plan form

• There are four SSSI rivers in Cumbria, the River Derwent and Tributaries being one

INTRODUCTION (cont.)

The Protected Species in the Derwent SSSI include:-

• Atlantic Salmon• River Lamprey• Brook Lamprey• Sea Lamprey• Otter• Floating water-plants• Vendace

RIVER RESTORATION STRATEGY

• The West Cumbria Rivers Trust (WCRT) is acting as the facilitator for both Natural England and the Environment Agency

• The pilot schemes are entirely voluntary• Whit Beck was chosen since it is a very

unnatural ‘raised channel’ – up off the valley floor

RIVER RESTORATION STRATEGY

• Without maintenance (now responsibility of the landowner) this channel will ultimately fail and the stream will divert back to a more natural course

• With the farmers being involved with the project from the outset, they have had a say in how it is returned to its more natural course

• NB – each pilot project takes a long time and a lot of effort to get it through to completion!

ENGINEERED CHANNEL

FAILING REVETMENT

SYPHON

SYPHON

DRAINED FLOODED LAND

WHIT BECK CURRENT PLAN

WHIT BECK PROPOSAL (Schematic)

WHIT BECK PROPOSAL (Aerial)

WHIT BECK – Flood Risk

• To confirm Jonathan’s earlier presentation findings - the draft FRA modelling found there to be no increase in flood risk to property from this project

BENEFITS WILL INCLUDE:-

• Stream re-naturalised, protecting good quality farm land

• Stream to be three times longer – provide excellent juvenile habitat for our declining salmon stocks & for other species

• Stream features to be re-established in order to provide the necessary habitat for our native fish to complete their various life stages

• Gravel deposition zone in Hullary Wood will help to reduce the build up of gravels in the River Cocker

Thank You!

Ian CreightonTel: 017687 44347

www.westcumbriariverstrust.org