8. River Lee Restoration Kings Weir through Fishers Green

Themes: Water quality; Ecology and morphology

Objectives:

  • Reduce input of sediment to the river channels
  • Improve riverine and riparian habitat
  • Improve river function and sustainability

Project description

This project aims to improve a section of the old River Lea through Kings Weir Fishery and Fishers Green.

The Lee Valley Regional Park is working with Kings Weir Fishery, fishers Green Consortium, Environment Agency and other partners to restore approx 2km of the old River Lee.

The river is a historic site for barbel fishing and is mentioned in Isaak Walton's iconic 18th century book 'The Compleat Angler'. In recent years however, the quality of the river's habitats has declined and in places is it threatened by bank erosion, which in turn has had a knock on effect to fish stocks and juvenile recruitment through the fisheries.

Phase 1 of this project was completed in 2019. Soft-bank protection was introduced at several key points to prevent excess erosion occurring on the banks. It also incldued some light tree management as well as introducing in-channel features including berms, woody habitat and gravels.

Phase 2 of the project will seek to work with the anglers on other ideas to improve the fisheries.

Project lead: Lee Valley Regional Park
Project partners: Environment Agency, Kings Weir Fishery, Fishers Green Consortium
Funding source: LVRP, The Barbel Society
Project start: March 2015
Project end: 2019
Contact for more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Design by LTD Design Consultants and build by Garganey Consulting.