2023-24 Tales from an East Anglian Riverbank - Portfolio - Page 22
RIVER ANT RESTORATION - BRIDGE FARM
HOLISTIC CATCHMENT
MANAGEMENT
Working with:
Norfolk Rivers Trust
EA Lead:
Amy Prendergast
This project restored a paleochannel of
the River Ant/North Walsham and Dilham
Canal (disused), which had been
straightened and deepened,
disconnec}ng it from the noodplain.
Restora}on e昀昀orts re-meandered the
stream, raised the channel bed, and
established online and onine wetlands,
including a stage-zero restora}on area
where water can now freely across the
noodplain, crea}ng diverse habitats.
Former straight channel
Re-meandered stream
Online wetland scrape
End of an area of stage zero where the
stream can 昀椀nd its own way
This work enhances geomorphology,
reconnects the noodplain, and supports
new habitats for aqua}c plants,
invertebrates, and 昀椀sh, helping improve
the area's Moderate WFD status.
£145,200
Total Project Value
£25,800
EA Funding
£119,400
Partnership Funding
Outputs:
Restored a 450 m paleochannel
Raised the channel bed
Created online and onine wetlands
10 volunteer days
Outcomes:
Increased biodiversity
River Ant be琀琀er connected to
noodplain
Restored river and noodplain habitats
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