37. River Restoration at Sherrardswood
Theme: Water Quality, Habitats and Wildlife
Objectives:
- That whatever the flow level, the river and its associated habitats, including banks and floodplains, are managed to support chalk stream species
- That water quality, temperature and river bed quality are such that they support chalk stream ecology
Project description
To increase habitat diversity, improve fish passage and reduce sediment ingress in the river near Sherrardswood School.
The channel is over-shaded with no marginal or in-channel vegetation. Tree thinning along this 400m reach will encourage marginal and in-channel growth creating a more varied habitat. The fencing of the right bank and the installation of cattle drinking areas will protect the banks and reduce sediment ingress. The removal of a telegraph pole with plastic mesh attached at the upstream end will improve flow and reduce siltation.