To reinstate a 7 hectare river island known as Cherry Holme by excavating a new channel that follows the ancient route of the river.
To reinstate a 7 hectare river island known as Cherry Holme by excavating a new channel that follows the ancient route of the river.
To reinstate a 7 hectare river island known as Cherry Holme, this project re-naturalised a section of the River Trent by excavating a new channel that follows the ancient route of the river. The result was a significant increase in biodiversity. This was delivered by reconnecting the historic paleochannel to recreate a split channel and suitable conditions for a wet woodland habitat. The excavated soil was transported to an adjacent lake deposit to create a new reedbed habitat. A structurally diverse channel was designed and added to the channel profile to utilise a variety of habitat features including a riffle, point bar and island. This was achieved using live willows and gravels to help divert flows into the newly excavated channel and help flush fine sediments from the inlet. Additionally, a ford was constructed using compacted clay, cobbles and gravels to allow access to Cherry Holme island for habitat management.
Any small scrub or trees removed during the channel excavation were retained for woodpiles and insertion of woody debris within the excavated channel.
The excavation of the final plug to the former channel to allow water flow and to complete the reconnection of the river happened once all the other works were completed. This ensured minimal flushing of sediment and reduced the likelihood of enhanced levels of siltation.
The project was important for river flow as it is just a few miles upstream from Burton On Trent which has suffered major flooding incidents in recent years. Extensive hydrological and geomorphological surveys have been undertaken to create models on how the new channel will affect the river flow.
The end result is a very significant increase in habitat diversity for a multitude of wildlife including fish, invertebrates and birds. UK Priority species which may benefit included Lapwing, Snipe, Spined Loach, Atlantic Salmon, Grass Snake, Otter, Water Vole and bat species.
- 13 TONNE EXCAVATOR
- 20 TONNE EXCAVATOR
- 36 TONNE EXCAVATOR
- 30 TONNE ADT
- 20 TONNE BULLDOZER
*Photos by: FreshFX
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