Objectives

Although the Barnwell Inner Backchannel is in generally good condition there were a number of opportunities for enhancement. The objectives of the enhancement scheme were to:

• Improve the gravel bed topography and the quality of spawning habitat through clean gravel introduction.
• Reduce sedimentation by repairing eroded sections of bank.
• Increase in-stream woody habitat and create flow variation to improve the natural cleansing of the gravels by hinging and pinning or pleaching riverside trees and shrubs.
• Increase shade and reduce the growth rate of emergent weed beds by new tree planting.

 Our Solution

• Clean gravel introduction to improve the gravel bed topography and quality of fish spawning habitat.
• Bank revetment to repair visitor erosion and reduce fine sediment inputs.
• Hinging and pinning overhanging trees and pleaching small riverside trees to increase in-stream woody habitat and create flow variation to improve the natural cleansing of the gravels.
• Tree planting to increase shade over the river and suppress the growth of emergent vegetation. 

In addition to these enhancement and restoration activities, two wooden sculptures, crafted from the wood of local trees that would have otherwise been discarded or used for firewood, were installed at Barnwell Country Park, depicting two native fish species – Chub and Pike. These stunning editions to the riverbank inform the community in an innovative way that, although they may not see the fish in the river, they are there, and they are thriving.

 Download our PDF for more details and information about the Barnwell Inner Backchannel Project