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WHIT BECK RIVER RESTORATION STRATEGY (RRS). Ian Creighton West Cumbria Rivers Trust (WCRT). INTRODUCTION. European Union driven initiative (Water Framework Directive)
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WHIT BECK RIVER RESTORATION STRATEGY (RRS) Ian Creighton West 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 SSSIrivers in Cumbria, the River Derwent and Tributaries being one
INTRODUCTION (cont.) The Protected Species in the DerwentSSSI 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!
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 Creighton Tel: 017687 44347 www.westcumbriariverstrust.org