Wildlife expected to "flourish" on part of River Stour
Work to improve a stretch of the River Stour near Bures is complete
Last updated 28th Feb 2021
It's hoped the completion of work on the River Stour will lead to local wildlife flourishing.
The partnership project near involved the Environment Agency, Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Stour Valley Project, and a landowner on a river and floodplain enhancement.
It focused on enriching the habitats along the river and improving connectivity to the nearby floodplain.
According to the Environment Agency, it will help water voles, fish and invertebrates flourish.
The river edge has been re-profiled to create shallow areas to encourage plant-growth and five backwaters have been created, which is a habitat connecting to the main river.
Backwaters provide areas for adult fish to rest while flows are high, and promote the growth of young fish in normal shallower flows as the water warms up quicker.
Rob Dryden, a biodiversity specialist from the Environment Agency, said: "We've welcomed this opportunity to work with local partners to put in place these habitat enhancements to the River Stour and adjacent floodplain grazing marshes.
"We look forward to seeing the increase in local biodiversity as the new habitats become established."
Councillor Nigel Chapman, chairman of the Dedham Vale AONB, said: "I am delighted to see this project completed; it will enhance the natural wetland features and the associated wildlife of the nationally designated landscape.
"With the landowners, Environment Agency and the AONB team working together in this way we can start pursuing our shared aims for wildlife recovery-that has so many benefits."
The project has restored over 400 metres of floodplain ditches and a small number of trees and shrubs are expected to be planted along the river bank.