Slowing the Flow

Heavily shaded areas of a small chalk stream have been opened up to allow light to reach the stream bed.
The aim is to promote the growth of instream vegetation for the benefit of invertebrates and fish.

All of the material removed from around the watercourse to allow light to the stream bed remains on site.
Where possible we try and create habitat piles and leave larger logs simply to break down naturally.
It is important to concentrate on the wider environment to increase overall biodiversity along the stream
and help connect it to adjacent habitats.

We have also, with the help of both degree and level three students from Bishop Burton college
created a series of leaky dams to help slow the flow and created variations in flow dynamics.