Hundreds of tonnes of gravel will be added to a waterway at a village near Lichfield in a bid to boost wildlife.
Trent Rivers Trust said the work along a half-a-kilometre stretch of the River Mease at Edingale would provide spawning grounds for species such as white-clawed crayfish, Bullhead and Spined Loach.
With the introduction of the 220 tonnes of gravel, re-profiled banks and new wetland areas, the Environment Agency-funded project aims to create a more varied habitat thanks to ensuring slow-flowing water as well as variations in flow and depth.
Vicki Liu, from the Environment Agency, said:
“Restoring the lost riverbed, re-profiling the riverbanks and improving the wet woodland section will help mitigate the impacts of climate change and encourage the wildlife species and ecosystems to recover.”
Vicki Liu
The Trent Rivers Trust said the River Mease was currently “not in a good ecological condition” in part because of high levels of phosphate from sewage discharge.
The waterway originally had a gravel bed and spilled on to a flood plain, but modifications over the years have changed the habitat for creatures living in the water.
Ruth Needham, head of landscapes and partnerships, said:
“Our work on this stretch in the Mease is about creating a legacy for wildlife and people.
“By restoring habitat in and around the river, we’re reducing flood risk, improving water quality and providing a range of habitats.
“Looking at the work that has already taken place, we can already see a more varied habitat and a community of residents and landowners who are keen to further enhance the river and adjacent woodland.
“It’s a great thing to see here in Edingale and across other locations here in the Mease catchment.”
Ruth Needham
The work is part of a wider scheme adding to a total of 960 tonnes of gravel that have already been introduced to the river.
A major boost to native wildlife would be to prevent sewerage outflows into this watercourse. Unfortunately, continued new developments, extremes of weather and the failure of private water companies to deal effectively with current demand let alone future proof sewage disposal, will inevitably undermine these well intended initiatives.
It is an appalling situation that in the 21st century, raw sewage is being discharged into waterways and the seaside. You might expect this in parts of the third world that don’t have the necessary infrastructure, but in 21st century Britain? The privatisation of utilities sold this country down the river, if you’ll excuse the pun, and we’re now seeing the consequences.