A century-old straightening of the River Kemp in south Shropshire has been reversed in an 18-month project that has successfully restored the waterway's natural meander, or 'wiggle.' The initiative, led by the Severn Rivers Trust (SRT) in collaboration with local landowners and environmental agencies, aims to enhance biodiversity and alleviate flood risks downstream.
Restoring the Natural Flow
The river section, located in Little Brampton between Clun and Craven Arms, was straightened by landowners in the 1800s. This alteration disconnected the river from its natural floodplain, leading to a reduction in local wildlife.
The restoration project involved reintroducing a winding course for the water, creating a wider and shallower channel. This design encourages the river to interact more frequently with its floodplain. "We're expecting an explosion in wildlife," said Sophie Bloor of SRT, expressing optimism about the return of wading birds, insects, and native plants. The project also ensures that farmers can continue to graze their land alongside the restored meander.
Environmental and Community Benefits
Bloor described the moment the barrier was removed as "absolutely buzzing," highlighting the culmination of extensive work. The project was developed with input from Catchment Sensitive Farming, the Environment Agency, and the Shropshire Hills National Landscape Team.
The newly restored meander is designed to hold significant amounts of water, which will then be released more gradually, thereby reducing the risk of flooding for communities downstream. The creation of an "ephemeral, wet-dry landscape" is anticipated to be highly beneficial for various species, including wading birds.
