Success in slowing up the Lymington River in Hampshire has shown conservationists the way to their most ambitious project yet.
During the next few months a total of five kilometres of ancient meandering streambed running through the Forestry Commission estate will be restored at Warwickslade, Knightwood and Howen Bottom.
It will mean sealing off fast-flowing sections of river that were straightened out by Victorian engineers around 150 years ago.
Then the streams will be redirected along old meanders that once zig-zagged their way through the New Forest’s ‘riverine’ woodlands.
To see what the sites will eventually look like people need only stroll along the Lymington River, immediately upstream of the A35.
Forestry Commission ecologist, Sarah Oakley, said there had been a dramatic change after a 400-metre section of canalised river was blocked and the flow re-routed along its old meanders, in 2005.
She explained that slowing the water halted the erosion that was destroying the riverbanks as well as the mire where it spilled onto the Markway flood plain, the other side of the A35. The flood plain was now doing its job in absorbing the seasonal floodwaters that were once a threat when the ‘Ober Water’ was in spate.
Upstream of the road-bridge, the river now twists and turns along its ancient 750-metre course. Rich wetland wildlife has returned. The site has again become one of the New Forest’s finest beauty spots.
Ms. Oakley, said: “We learned a lot from Markway. It also allayed people’s fears over animals becoming trapped or injured because areas of forest were being ‘re-wetted’.
“We saw how important it was to select the right meanders for digging out so we could redirect the water along them.
“For our new project we referred to a 1789 map of the forest to plot the old watercourses. We’ve even checked World War II military reconnaissance photos.
“We have also perfected our techniques for blocking and isolating canalised lengths of river with clay plugs of hoggin and heather bales.”
She added said that during the new restoration archaeologists would be checking each site for artefacts, such as Bronze Age ‘boiling’ mounds. Important finds would be protected.
The project has been supported by the New Forest’s Verderers, commoners and Natural England.
More information can be obtained by ringing 028 8028 3141.
NOTES TO EDITORS
For further information please contact Libby Burke, Forestry Commission Communications Manager, on 0203 8028 3141.