In summary
- We were commissioned to complete works along a River Avon tributary to improve water conveyance and reduce flooding
- Blockages along a brook had been caused by trees, silt and debris
- The resulting flooding had saturated surrounding land and affected nearby houses
Project in numbers
1 in 6 homes in England are at risk of flooding
£1.1bn the annual cost of flood damage in England alone
The need
A tributary of the River Avon, in Worcestershire, was experiencing blockages caused by debris. Not only was this causing flooding, affecting nearby land and homes, but it was negating the effects of a flood storage area upstream. An initial inspection revealed fallen trees, rotten logs, overhanging branches and overgrown vegetation. We were asked to complete works to maximise water conveyance and restore the impact of the flood storage area.
The solution
Beginning downstream and working our way up through each village in turn, we used hedge-cutters to clear obstructions and reopen the water channel. Several treetops required pruning and some large rocks below a footbridge had to be cleared. Wherever possible, materials were disposed of as green waste. We also removed a collapsed steel fence which had fallen into the stream..
Power tools were needed to cut back heavily overgrown reeds and overhanging vegetation. We opted for battery-powered equipment, significantly reducing carbon emissions and reducing noise for local residents.
During the works, we identified the presence of the American signal crayfish – an invasive alien species that has significantly depleted the number of native crayfish, now a protected species. Invasive species can have detrimental effects on waterway health and the surrounding environment. Biosecurity measures were vital between sites to mitigate the risk of spreading.
Working closely with local homeowners our expert team determined the amount of cut-back required where sections of the stream ran behind private properties. This balanced the need for reducing flood risk with aesthetic and habitat considerations, ensuring local wildlife can continue to thrive.
The benefits
- Vegetation maintenance is a small measure which has a big impact. By maintaining overgrowth regularly, blockages can be minimised so that flooding is successfully mitigated
- Our client received positive feedback from landowners and locals
- “We now have an enhanced understanding of the importance of channel management in reducing the risk of flooding.” Key Client
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