Over a 100m of friable rapidly eroding banking was identified up-stream High Stocks Bridge. It was estimated that the two meter high banking was eroding back into the field at up to six meters per year. This amount of sediment and associated nutrient has a serious impact on the River Derwent itself and Bassenthwaite Lake. The sediment can choke up the river gravels suffocating fish eggs and insects alike whereas the nutrients contribute to the algael booms in Bassenthwaite lake which lead to a layer of deoxygenated water in the deeper part of the lake through the summer months. Very few animals can live in this zone.

The banking was stabilised using a combination of large logs and interlocking stone secured at the toe of the banking. The banking was then battering back to a more gentle slope (<45 degrees) to enable flood water to gently rise up rather than continue to cutting into the banking. The newly formed batter was top soiled and seeded and the whole area fenced off and planted with young trees and shrubs.

This was a great partnership with landowner and his neighbours who provided access. The project was funded through the Rivers Corridor Group and Woodlands Trust and managed / designed by West Cumbria Rivers Trust.

Photo Gallery