To meet Water Framework Directive targets we helped the Environment Agency and Natural England restore the Wansbeck Catchment to enhance habitats and water quality. We analysed the catchment to fully understand the river and its restoration opportunities, providing detailed surveys of the six best sites. Stakeholder engagement formed crucial component of this project to ensure effective consultation was held with landowners, Northumberland Rivers Trust, local wildlife groups and the clients for the duration of the project.
Gaining data
We used a wide range of data from historical maps, reports, and journals through to contemporary aerial imagery, maps and remote sensing methods. We developed a detailed picture of the catchment, with the pressures it faces in terms of impacts to its drainage network, constraints to restoration opportunity, and areas suitable for remediating historical degradation.
Almost 90 sites presented restoration opportunities which were categorised and prioritised to reveal a shortlist of the six top scoring locations. These delivered on a range of criteria including, but not limited to, benefits to hydromorphology, water quality, flood risk and amenity value. A detailed conceptual restoration plan was produced for each site.