New plans lodged for restoration work on the River Breamish in Northumberland
Plans have been submitted for a package of river and floodplain restoration works on the River Breamish.
The proposed project on a 5.2km section of the river within the Hedgeley Estate forms part of a wider initiative to improve the physical and ecological condition of the River Till catchment.
The application has been submitted by Tweed Forum which is leading a long-term partnership also involving Natural England and the Environment Agency.
Project officer Craig Marshall, in the application, explains: “The project aims to restore the river and its associated floodplain to a more natural, self-sustaining condition through re-establishing floodplain connectivity, improving hydromorphological function, and enhancing wetland and riparian habitats.
“The works include the excavation of a series of shallow chute channels to re-establish flow connectivity between the main river and its adjacent floodplain, selective embankment lowering and removal to permit more frequent inundation, and creation of new connection channels linking the river to existing floodplain lakes.”
Planning documents also explain the importance of the restoration of a river and floodplain ‘substantially constrained by historic modification’.
The report on the applicant’s behalf states: “The overarching aim of the project is to restore the natural form and function of the River Breamish and its floodplain in a way that enhances biodiversity, improves climate resilience, supports natural flood management and strengthens the long-term ecological condition of the designated river system.”
Earlier this year, restoration work was completed to reconnect the River Breamish to its flood plain at Harehope Estate, near Wooler.
The ambitious project combined studying ancient maps and using modern technology to trace the original channel and bring it back to its historic roots.