Breathing Life into the River Brett Environment Agency and Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project The River Brett is a largely rural watercourse that runs from its source near Brettenham through southwest Suffolk before joining the River Stour at Higham. Evidence from historic maps suggests that the location of the river has been significantly altered in the past. More recently, intensive management practices have left the river uniform with steep sides and an over-deep channel. These morphological problems are exacerbated by significant water quality pressures from agricultural runoff and sewage treatment discharges. Because of these issues the River Brett is failing its objectives for the Water Framework Directive (WFD) – a piece of European legislation looking to improve the ecology of our waterways. Currently the River Brett is at poor ecological potential, with poorer than expected fish populations and an unnatural channel shape and size. These are issues that need to be addressed to fulfil our obligations regarding the WFD and ensure the long-term ecological health of this river. A collaborative project involving the Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project, the Environment Agency and Suffolk Wildlife Trust has helped enhance 1.3km of the River Brett for ecology and wildlife. The works, which were delivered by the Environment Agency’s River Stour Field Team, involved the installation of large woody-debris flow deflectors, the creation of berms and the lowering of artificial embankments. In just under two weeks the team were able to install over twenty individual features that had a visible, instantaneous, positive effect upon the river. These features have dramatically increased the diversity and complexity of river habitats present on the Brett and will benefit a wide range of fish, plant and invertebrate species, helping the River Brett achieve good ecological potential as required under the WFD. Although the progress of this project was dependent upon the efforts of many people, special thanks must go to the landowners, Andrew Scott, John English, Mark Mitchell and Pat Hawes. Without the contribution of any one of these individuals the project would not have been possible as we can only undertake river habitat enhancement projects with landowner agreement. All those involved should be proud of the improvement they’ve brought to this river and the positive change they’ve made to the environment. We’re optimistic that this scheme will be one of many river enhancements to be implemented by the Environment Agency and partner organisations working with landowners across the rivers of Suffolk. If you would like further information on the project, please contact Will Akast, Catchment Delivery ManagerSuffolk: will.akast@environment-agency.gov.uk
Layham: Berm Construction 1. 7 October 2014
1. Existing wide channel
2. Bed material used to define outer boundary of berm 9
