RSK trio complete feasibility stage of project to restore rivers in Anglian Water's region

RSK group companies, Binnies, Salix and cbec, have completed a feasibility phase of an Anglian Water river restoration framework, on water bodies in the East of England. The project aims to “reinstate the natural processes in the rivers that have been lost through historical river management and modification, said Anglian Water.

RSK said restoration measures during the next stage – the design phase – will include measures to improve continuity of low flows, habitat enhancement through the introduction of large wood, increased floodplain connectivity and the creation of floodplain features.

According to RSK the design team has “a wealth of experience” in restoring degraded chalk streams, “which can be applied to the restoration of the target watercourses”. It said the rivers are “suffering from historical realignment, canalisation, routine dredging and reduced river levels as a result of abstraction.”

The restoration strategy according to the RSK will include “improved management of the catchments, including land management techniques, reduced abstraction rates and amended maintenance procedures.”

Under the design phase, RSK said the team will be look ahead to the construction phase to identify and address any constraints to the build at an early stage. It pledged to collaborate with landowners and the Environment Agency throughout the project.