Environment Agency
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Back from the brink – Environment Agency reveals the most improved rivers

Recently the Environment Agency released its list of the10 most improved rivers.

A river that once ran black with coal is now an international match fishing destination. Another so polluted that it was described as ‘an affront to a civilised society’ is now a home for salmon, otters and water voles. And a London river that was officially declared a sewer in the 1960s has become one of the best urban fisheries in the country.

Today the Environment Agency released its list of the 10 most improved rivers – the waterways that have shrugged off their industrial past to become havens for wildlife, walkers and anglers once again. And it urged people to take a walk along the river near to them to see the rivers’ regeneration for themselves.

The transformation of these rivers has been achieved thanks to thousands of habitat improvement projects, tighter regulation of polluting industries and work with farmers, businesses and water companies to reduce pollution and improve water quality.

Improving river habitats

River habitats have also benefited from reductions in the volume of water taken by water companies, farmers and industry. The Environment Agency has reviewed thousands of  abstraction licences and is amending those that were causing environmental damage. On the River Darent, for example, around 35 million fewer litres a day are now being taken than 20 years ago, increasing river flows and helping to support larger populations of wildlife including brown trout and pike.

Ian Barker, Head of Land and Water at the Environment Agency, said: “Work that we have done with farmers, businesses and water companies to reduce the amount of water taken from rivers, minimise pollution and improve water quality is really paying off – as these rivers show. Britain’s rivers are the healthiest for over 20 years and otters, salmon and other wildlife are returning for the first time since the industrial revolution.

“But there is still more to be done, and we have plans to transform a further 9,500 miles of rivers in England and Wales by 2015 – the equivalent of the distance between the UK and Australia.“

By 2015 the UK must meet tough new EU targets on the water quality and ecology of its rivers and lakes. This year the Environment Agency, with partners such as Natural England,  is targeting £18m of Defra funding to help more rivers meet the new EU targets.

Environment Minister Lord Henley said: “England’s rivers were once home to many iconic species of wildlife, and with Defra’s £110 million funding to help clean up England’s rivers and the extensive work being done by the Environment Agency, water companies and landowners, we’re already seeing fish and mammals, including salmon and otters, thriving once more.”

The 10 most improved rivers

The River Wandle, London

The River Wandle is a well known chalk stream and tributary of the River Thames that flows through parts of Mitcham, Morden, Wimbledon and Wandsworth in South West London, cutting a green swathe through these heavily urbanised areas.

Historically the river has suffered extreme pollution and was officially declared a sewer in the 1960s. But over the last 20 years it has become a vibrant rich habitat due to better environmental regulation, a fish stocking programme and huge local enthusiasm for the river which has resulted in a vast improvement of water quality.

The Wandle is now well known as one of the best urban coarse fisheries in the country and supports a huge variety of wildlife supporting a wide variety of species including chub, barbel and eel. It has also become a very popular location for walkers.  

Walk suggestion

Try the 2km walk on the Wandle Trail between Morden Hall Park to Merton Abbey Mills. The route takes you through the National Trust managed park,  past the 18th century Morden Hall, stopping off at Deen City Farm before arriving at Merton Abbey Mills with its 18th century wheel house.

River Thames

The dramatic recovery of the River Thames was internationally recognised last year when it was awarded the International Theiss Riverprize which celebrates outstanding achievement in river management and restoration.

London’s iconic river has undergone a dramatic recovery - from a biologically dead river in the 1950’s to today’s thriving waterway; teeming with fish, and with returning salmon, otter and sea trout populations.

Since April 2005 over 500 habitat enhancement projects have been completed and nearly 90 km of river has been restored or enhanced.
Tighter regulation of polluting industries and the Environment Agency’s work with farmers, businesses and water companies to reduce pollution and improve water quality, have all helped to make the Thames a living river once again.  

The greatest river in England runs for 184 miles (294 km) from its source in the Cotswolds almost to the sea.

Walk suggestion

Walking on the Thames Path National Trail through Windsor and Eton towards London there are stunning views of Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen.

River Wear, County Durham

Another river which has shrugged off its industrial past is the River Wear in Northumberland. The Wear and its more famous sibling the Tyne are now the top two rivers in the country to catch salmon – and recent fish surveys have shown that more fish are present on the Wear than ever before.

Work with farmers and industry along the river to reduce polluting discharges to the water,  as well as huge investment in improving the sewerage infrastructure, has lead to a dramatic improvement  in river water quality.

Apart from the large numbers of game fish – such as salmon and trout – that are now being caught in the river, other wildlife has benefited, and now water voles, otters, and a vast array of invertebrates, plants and flowers have returned to the river.  

Walk suggestion

Wander along the river through the university city of  Durham – taking in the city centre the castle – the oldest college of Durham university founded in 1832 – and Durham cathedral, described as the greatest Norman building in England.

River Stour, Worcestershire

Just a generation ago the Stour was in a sad state. Heavy pollution had taken its toll and turned it into a virtually lifeless river. 

For years the Stour was famous not for its wildlife but for the rainbow-coloured dyes that flowed into it from the local carpet manufacturing units. The pesticides used for moth-proofing carpets also wiped out many of the water-borne bugs that fish depend on for food. Urbanisation and an out of date sewage system didn’t help the pollution problem. 

The Environment Agency worked alongside Wyre Forest District Council, Severn Trent Water, the Wildlife Trust and retailers to transform the Stour into a river that is healthy  for wildlife as well as the local economy.

Water quality has improved so much in the river that wildlife, such as salmon and otters, have returned.  Otters have even been spotted in the centre of Kidderminster.

Walk suggestion

Beginning at the Norman village of Kinver, take a two mile walk along the river Stour and the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal. This route takes in Kinver Edge -  a spectacular high sandstone ridge, which was home to Britain’s last cave dwellers – with lots of woodland and heathland to explore.

The River Darent, Kent

The River Darent flows from Westerham in Kent, through Dartford before joining the Thames near Crayford Ness. It was used for trade during the 1800s and was straightened, widened and in some places given concrete banks to increase its usefulness.

By the late 80s the Darent was recognised as the lowest flow river in the country, after years of over abstraction by water companies and industry. As recently as 1996, parts of the Darent dried up completely in the summer months – having a devastating effect on wildlife.

However, over the last 20 years the Environment Agency has reduced the amount of water allowed to be taken from the Darent by 35 million litres per day. It has also undertaken work to reprofile the banks of the river in the fastest flowing sections.

As a result of improved flows, the Darent has seen a healthy population of flow sensitive fish species and invertebrates such as brown trout and river limpet flourish in previously vulnerable sections of the river, and the river is now classed as having Good Ecological Status. 

Walk suggestion

Walk from the river at the picturesque village of Eynsford – home to one of the earliest Norman stonework defences in the country as well as a ruined castle – along the circular walk which takes in Shoreham, Lullingstone Castle and Lullingstone Roman Villa, run by English Heritage.

The River Dee, Wales and North West England 

The River Dee (Afon Dyfrdwy) rises in Snowdonia and flows for 70 miles through Wales and England, forming part of the border between the two countries.

This beautiful river is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, taking advantage of its many opportunities for walking, picnicking and sport. It’s an important natural fishery, and its stocks including salmon and trout prove a magnet for many angling clubs. The estuary has provided a habitat for significant bird populations for centuries. During the winter, more than 100,000 waders and 20,000 water fowl make it their home.

However, the Dee has faced many threats. Parts of the river flow through industrialised areas, and over the centuries unregulated commercial discharges polluted the once-clean waters of its lower reaches with toxic chemicals and sewage.

Strict conditions on these discharges as well as a review of how much water can be taken from the river has improved the water quality and ensured that there is always enough water for wildlife to thrive.   

Walk suggestion

The Dee Valley Way follows the course of the river between the picturesque towns of Corwen and Llangollen. Made up of five sections, this clearly waymarked trail crosses a varied landscape rich in history and wildlife – including castles, churches and lots of village pubs.

River Nar, Norfolk

The River Nar in Norfolk is protected as is one of the few remaining fenland chalkstreams. But over hundreds of years it has been over widened, deepened and straightened for agricultural drainage – ruining wildlife habitats in the process. 

But work by the Environment Agency and other partners has helped to  restore the river to its natural state, bringing huge benefits to local wildlife.

The Nar is one of the few remaining rivers in East Anglia which supports a run of rare sea trout while its banks provide a sanctuary for water voles and a hunting ground for otters. Its upper reaches resemble a Hampshire chalk stream, with dace, chub and brown trout on its gravel runs. The river’s complexities of riffles, pools, gravel beds and meanders, lush bank side vegetation and summer cattle-grazed traditional meadows creates a very rare and nationally important wildlife hotspot. Home to more than 78 river plants, including the beautiful southern marsh orchid, the river also supports 12 different species of dragonfly, as well as kingfisher, grey wagtail, reed warblers and willow and marsh tits.  

Walk suggestion

At Castle Acre take a wildlife walk through the waterside meadows, taking in views of the  ruined medieval Castle Acre priory and Norman castle along the way.

River Taff in South Wales

The rivers of South Wales once ran black with coal, and were so polluted that no life could survive – even as recently as the 1980s.

But 30 years on, the coal mines have closed and work by Environment Agency Wales, local authorities and angling clubs has seen fantastic results, with the Taff now supporting many species of wildlife, including salmon, otters, sea trout and eels.

The water quality in the rivers has dramatically improved thanks in part to the work by the Environment Agency to introduce tighter controls on industrial discharges to the rivers, and improvements in sewage treatment processes.

In less than 30 years the Taff has recovered from a lifeless river to become a popular angling destination, and two years ago hosted the international fly fishing championships. 

Walk suggestion

Walk along the river between Tongwynlais and Taff's Well – and be rewarded with a great view of the 19th-century Gothic Revival Castell Coch (Red Castle)

River Stour, Dorset

The River Stour in Dorset has been the subject of drastic improvement due to the joint efforts of the Environment Agency and the National Trust.

Located along the river is Dorset’s oldest mill, which has been the site of much of the conservation work, involving silt removal and restoration of the weir, leat, and tailrace pool. This has created an area in which fish can seek refuge from the strong currents of the main river.

The restoration of the mill has produced a dramatic boost in local wildlife, with 4,000 young minnow, pike and roach being detected recently, as well as improving the waterside habitat which has led to an increase in species including the kingfisher, dragonfly and the endangered water vole. The Stour Valley Way is a 64-mile long-distance walk that follows the River Stour from the sea at Christchurch to its source at Stourhead. It is known for its excellent river wildlife and roman ruins including Dudsbury Hill Fort.

The Mersey Basin, North West The River Mersey is the river that powered the industrial revolution – but as industry flourished the rivers of the Mersey Basin suffered. Chronic pollution from industrial discharges and raw sewage brought about a drastic decline in water quality and the wildlife of the rivers. The once thriving fisheries became ecological ‘dead zones’ and by the 1940’s all commercial fishing had ceased. By 1982 the Mersey had become the most polluted river in Europe.

But the river has been reborn. Over the past 25 years more than one billion pounds has been invested in cleaning-up the Mersey. Improved sewage treatment and industrial processes, and tight controls on discharges to rivers have ensured that the river is now cleaner than it has been in over a century – and salmon, otters, trout, chub and eels are regular sights in the Mersey once again.

The Mersey Life Project - which aims to create thriving environments for wildlife and people along the Mersey and its tributaries - was recently crowned the winner in the Natural Environment category of the Waterways Renaissance Awards 2011. 

Walk suggestion

Walk from the Pier Head in ultra urban Liverpool to the green and leafy Otterspool park. The walk is about 4½ miles in length and takes in the magnificent Pier Head buildings and the Albert Dock and other southern dock areas. After this it follows the secluded Mersey Way along the side of the river and finishes in Otterspool Park.

Further information

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