Rare Norfolk chalk stream improved for people and wildlife

Rare Norfolk chalk stream improved for people and wildlife - Environment Agency

2 heavy horses in harnesses standing in front of logged trees — Heavy horses were used to reduce the need for machinery (Norfolk Rivers Trust)

The Environment Agency worked with the Norfolk River Trust, Norwich City Council and even horses to improve the River Yare around Norwich.

The River Yare, a rare chalk stream, has had a range of improvements to benefit wildlife and improve water quality.

Woody debris from trees was stacked along the riverbank to create ‘brash berms’. This technique will help to narrow the river and get it to a more natural state, after it was historically altered to help with milling. The brash berms will also trap sediment, improving water quality.

Wood was also used to create areas with different velocity of flow. This will provide wet and dry areas to help aquatic invertebrates and riverside wildflowers thrive.

Additionally, the material was used to create areas of refuge for the fish. This will supply them with cover from predators and give them shelter in higher flows.

The woody debris was brought onto site using heavy horses to reduce the need for heavy machinery, which in turn reduces the project’s carbon footprint.

Amy Prendergast, project manager at the Environment Agency, said: “It is great to work with our partners to make such a difference to this precious chalk stream, the overall water environment and to wildlife. It is extra rewarding knowing that our work is visible to the public so they can also enjoy the benefits this project will bring.”

Find out more about horse logging in an article from the British Horse Loggers member Steffi Schaffler at Teamwork Horse Logging here