We will be removing a small section of the concrete bank that currently impounds the brook. This will allow for the natural interaction between the water and the bank to be restored. This area will be fenced off in order for the newly exposed bank to vegetate with riparian plants and to reduce erosion.

We will also be redefining and creating a more natural channel with the installation of a brash berm.

The densely packed brash slows the flow of water through the berm, causing any suspended sediment to be deposited within the berm, aiding in the scour of the riverbed, exposing previously covered gravels. With time, the berms will fill with silt and create a fantastic substrate for riparian plants to grow.

Large Woody Debris (LWD) will also be installed to create varying flow speeds, scour and to expose areas of gravels currently covered by silt, which will provide important spawning areas and habitats for fish & invertebrates.

All of this work is carried out under an Environmental Permit from the Environment Agency.

If you have any questions about the work, or the management of Barnes Common, please do get in touch with Will at [email protected].