We are excited to share the news that we are returning to our rivers and streams during June. Thanks to the flexibility shown by project funders during this unprecedented time – we are now looking forward to resuming projects and contributing towards protecting and enhancing our rivers. Below is a summary of the projects BART will be progressing through June.
Winford Brook “Working with Natural Processes” Project Delivery following BART’s 2019 survey work
BART has adopted an approach of “Working With Natural Processes” (protect, restore and emulate the natural functions of catchments, floodplains & rivers) for Winford Brook to develop a series of projects that will improve water quality, reduce sediment delivery and contribute towards “slowing the flow” of high flows in response to rainstorm events.
The particular project aims to “slow the flow’ and reduce the quantity of sediment being lost from an agricultural field and bridleway which at present directly enters the watercourse. A series if attenuation ponds, scrapes and in field bunds, along with fencing to reduce the impacts of livestock. Improved road drainage will also be incorporated. This work is scheduled for delivery during June 2020 and forms one of several schemes identified to deliver for multiple benefits for both people and the environment.
Please watch this space for project updates – we’re looking forward to getting back out in the field and doing what we do best! If you’d like to learn more about the project, please get in touch with project manager Simon Hunter: simon@bristolavonriverstrust.org
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- Proposed scheme
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- Proposed location for attenuation feature
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- Flow pathway transporting sediment out of the field and directly into the watercourse
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- Sediment source from gateway
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- Road flooding above the field – drainage grips will help to reduce water pooling on the road
Congresbury Yeo
BART has resumed river survey work on the Congresbury Yeo with the intention of identifying opportunities to reduce sediment and nutrients entering the river along with exploring options for Natural Flood Management (NFM). We will continue to explore funding opportunities to develop recommended schemes. This work is part of a catchment wide project to improve the Congresbury Yeo for wildlife and people.
South Brook
The South Brook catchment, near Melksham, Wiltshire has been identified as a priority flood risk area by both the Environment Agency and Wiltshire council. Schemes have been identified via BART’s previous river survey work during 2018/19 which may contribute towards reducing these impacts. Prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, BART had carried out site visits and discussed options with landowners within the South Brook catchment for the delivery of the Natural Flood Management (NFM) works.
BART is currently finalising plans for the delivery of some of the NFM measures in the South Brook catchment, which we plan to deliver this Autumn. If you wish to find out more about this project contact project manager Lauren Baxter: lauren@bristolavonriverstrust.org Watch this space for further updates.
It’s important to note, that whilst BART are excited about getting back to work on our local rivers, we will be taking all the necessary precautions to protect our employees and to reduce the spread of Covid-19 by following Government advice to ensure that we can carry out our work safely.
