Essex Rivers Hub

The floodplain in this section of the Chelmer suffers from significant problems caused by erosion and overland runoff, leading to sedimentation of the river and poor water quality. This project aims to enhance the existing wet woodland & floodplain grassland to address these problems.

To address these areas of significant erosion and sediment runoff this project requires ditch enhancement works and the creation of wetland scrapes. This will enhance the floodplain grassland and retain water during periods of heavy rain to help prevent  further erosion and sedimentation of the channel. The installation of a raised path / boardwalk will reduce trampling of the area and therefore help to address the erosion and prevent sediment reaching the watercourse. Installation of impregnated coir rolls along the bankside will further reduce erosion and sedimentation through the establishment of natural vegetation along the bankside.

Coppicing of sections of the existing woodland, along with widening and extending the existing wetland areas and ditches will prevent choking up and drying out of these areas. This in turn will enable these habitats to function effectively and retain water during times of heavy rain.

Project outcomes:

• 0.2 hectares of wet woodland enhanced
• The installation of 6m of board walk to reduce erosion
• The installation of 15m of impregnated coir roll
• 500m of ditch improvement works
• The creation of 2 wetland scrapes covering 1000m²
• 2 hectares of floodplain grassland enhanced

 

• < River Chelmer project map
• < River Chelmer project list

RBD/catchment/river/tributary

River Chelmer

WFD water body status

Moderate

Project type

Riparian habitat enhancement

Total area covered by project

3 Hectares

Project lead

Essex Wildlife Trust

Contact for more information

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Project partners

Environment Agency

Funding source

Catchment Restoration Fund

Project start

2013

Project end

2015