FAQs

What is River Restoration?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature ‘River Restoration and Biodiversity’ offers an excellent definition:

“River Restoration is the re-establishment of natural physical processes (e.g. variation of flow and sediment movement), features (e.g. sediment sizes and river shape) and physical habitats of a river system (including submerged, bank and floodplain areas).”

In practical terms, river restoration varies from project to project, but may involve any of the following: re-meandering of the river, reintroduction of native species, removal of weirs, sluices, culverts and hatches, the introduction of woody debris or rocks to narrow the channel and improve flow conditions, re-planting on river banks, Creation of riffle/pool sequences using gravel, re-connecting the river to natural floodplains with landowner support.

Will you be stripping everything back/removing existing vegetation?

A common misconception about River Restoration is that it involves ripping everything out. In fact, river restoration should be thought of more as ‘putting back’, rather than taking away.

Why is River Restoration necessary?

97% of rivers in the UK have been modified in some way, many of them, extensively. These modifications have taken place over hundreds of years and include straightening, the introduction of weirs and sluices and over-dredging.

These modifications, whilst facilitating the growth of industry over the years have, unfortunately, destroyed many natural habitats and left us vulnerable to flooding. Many of these modifications were put in place at times when alternative options were unavailable or enormously costly and before we had any understanding of the damage these changes would have on the landscape and on biodiversity.

River Restoration is therefore critical in helping to mitigate flooding, increasing biodiversity and returning our rivers to their natural state.

As a water company, Anglian Water has a statutory commitment to complete a specified portfolio of river restoration projects each year, as determined by the Environment Agency. Whilst this direction from the EA determines the specific geography required for these projects, as a business, we also work with a number of partners across the region to help deliver a number of non-statutory river restoration schemes, enabling us to have a greater impact on the community and the environment.

What benefits are there for me?

Benefits vary depending on the type and extent of the project, but may include:

Reduction in risk of flooding
Increase in biodiversity
Reduction/eradication of INNS (Invasive non-native species)
Demonstrates commitment to environmental matters, which in turn can improve
More aesthetically pleasing watercourse
BNG credits may be an option on larger projects
Financial benefits through Countryside Stewardship schemes, Sustainable Farming
Incentive payments and/or carbon credits
Bank stabilisation/erosion and loss of land prevention
Opportunities for replacement/installation of cattle proof fencing and formalising cattle drinking locations
Reducing sediment transfer and deposition downstream
Diversification through sporting or eco-tourism

Will it cost me anything?

Anglian Water will fund the entire restoration project.

Responsibility for future maintenance will lie with you as the Riparian habitat owner, however maintenance requirements should be minimal, e.g.; occasional management of vegetation, etc. Any concerns regarding future maintenance costs can be addressed before committing to the project.

Will the work leave me vulnerable to flooding?

The primary driver of river restoration under our WINEP schemes is to improve the condition of the river during low flow conditions. Most of the features we install are designed to work in those conditions and the river overtops them during high flow events. Whilst not a primary aim of river restoration projects, sometimes flood protection is an additional natural knock-on benefit of these projects. Where appropriate, we would also carry out flood risk assessments and hydraulic modelling to assess and mitigate the risk of flooding. We also are required to obtain consents (OWC - Ordinary Water Course consents or FRAP - Flood Risk Activity Permits) depending on the type of river from authorities such as the EA or LLFA (Lead Local Flood Authority) or IDB (Internal Drainage Board) which would also consider flood risk. Where landowners have shown an interest in higher tier SFI payment, reconnecting the flood plain could be designed in.

What sort of disruption will there be?

Our aim is to cause no disruption to you or, worse case, the very minimum level of disruption. In order to ensure this, we will work with you from the outset; through the project scoping and design phases, to understand impact and any potential challenges we’ll need to overcome.

How long will it take?

This will depend entirely on the scale of the project, but will form part of those early discussions, giving you the opportunity to understand this detail upfront.

Restoration projects can be, like many things, weather dependent. So, whilst we aim to be as accurate as possible with our timescales, unforeseen circumstances can cause delays and this is where ensuring we have those upfront discussions with you about exactly how the work will be carried out in order to cause minimum disruption, become particularly important.

Who do I contact if I have any questions about the work?

Before any work begins, we will meet with you to discuss the project in detail and answer any questions you have. From that point, you will be given the contact details for all the key members of the Anglian Water team involved in the potential project and can reach out at any point throughout the entirety of the project with questions.

Want to get involved?

We would love to hear from any landowners who are interested in finding out more about river restoration.

Whether you are interested in potential BNGs, or you just have a keen interest in the environment and improving biodiversity, please do get in touch: restoration@anglianwater.co.uk

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