Moreton-in-Marsh Brook Re-wiggling
Project at a glance
There is a lot of interest in Moreton-in-Marsh to carry out river restoration works to reduce flood risk, improve biodiversity and increase public health. The ECP got involved to support the town’s new Flood Action Group. We attended a community information day with project partners to promote natural flood management (NFM), river restoration and biodiversity initiatives the town could get involved in. Over 50 people showed up including key project stakeholders which helped to garner support for sustainable development in the town.
The Town Council gave permission for us to “re-wiggle” and create a two-stage channel in a short section of the brook running down through Blenheim Meadows, a green space they own.
Objectives
The ECP wanted to support the Moreton-in-Marsh community to improve local environmental benefits. This project improved a section of existing brook by:
- Constructing a two-stage channel.
- Introducing some wiggles in the brook.
- Introducing leaky dams.
Outcomes
- The two-stage channel has created more capacity for high flows of water.
- Re-wiggling the brook has helped slow the flow of water.
- Leaky dams help slow the flow further during heavy rainfall events.
- Improving the habitat has boosted wildlife.
Overall, site connectivity was improved for a 120m length of brook in an open space used by the community.
Project highlights
The Moreton-in-Marsh Flood Action Group’s Biodiversity subgroup has large number of engaged community volunteers who are keen to proactively undertake practical conservation tasks to benefit nature locally.
Lessons learnt
Starting work with a new group to develop new projects takes a long time and many meetings. Long lead times need to be factored in.
Future plans
We intend to keep working with the Flood Action Group and hope to construct more NFM interventions.
Funding
Funded by Thames Water, total cost: £12,480