The River Mease SSSI/SAC is designated as an exceptional example of a semi natural lowland river important for its wildlife and habitats.  Due to point source and diffuse water pollution (phosphates and from historic urban development) the water quality had deteriorated significantly, reducing its ecological health, and stopping the SSSI reaching its potential.

The scope on this project involved a series of river restoration and sustainable drainage interventions at 3 locations within the River Mease catchment aimed to improve the condition of river channel, water quality and enhance the riparian habitat.

Challenges included access issues created by surrounding woodland as well as the ecological sensitivity of the area due to its SSSI/SAC status.

The 3 interventions included: riparian fencing; bank re-profiling; woody debris and gravel introduction; creation of wetland scrapes as well as new meandering channels to connect to the surrounding wet woodland, using leaky woody barriers to slow the flow of water pushing it into the woodland.

Close liaison with the Trent Rivers ecology team was required daily to ensure scheme was carried out with the necessary sensitivity to the environment with impact minimised in the selection of specialist excavators running on bio-oil.