Manthorpe has been able to remove a former mill flood bank
It is hoped that rare floodplain habitats in Grantham will be given new life.
Manthorpe has had a former mill floodbank removed to create a new environment that supports wildlife such as otters or wetland bird and water voles.
In addition to removing the bank from the floodplain, ponds were also created and the floodplain was lowered. According to the Environment Agency, an area for native wildflowers is being sown in spring.
According to the Environment Agency:
“Lowland floodplain habitats are becoming rarer in the UK in recent decades. The land was used mainly for agriculture, particularly during the Second World War when they were required for food production. These habitats are rare and can be beneficial for both wildlife and humans. These areas include wetland areas where plants can capture carbon to fight climate change.
Matt Parr, who is a specialist in river restoration for Environment Agency in Lincolnshire said:
It’s wonderful that we were able to work alongside the river and restore it to its natural state. The habitat will be populated by animals and plants very quickly.
I hope the changes will encourage water voles and crayfish to return to the area in large numbers. Our recent inspections revealed that there were no endangered crayfish in the area. However, we found voles within close proximity. We want to increase both the number and diversity of species.
The Environment Agency’s goal of reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2030 will be met by the creation of the ponds. The floodplain will be expanded to store water at high river levels. This will complement existing flood defenses protecting downstream areas.
Rivers also store nutrients, fine sediments, and can spill onto the floodplain when it rises. This cleans it. The work creates a diverse habitat and lush grass for grazing livestock.
Rob Mungovan is a conservation officer at Wild Trout Trust.
We are pleased to partner with The Environment Agency in river restoration. The river now has more habitats, including spawning areas for wild brown trout.
The project was started at the beginning of October and completed in November.
