Whitley Berm Project

Whitley Berm Project

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Summary

On the week commencing on the 14th September, The Sherbourne Valley Project will carry out further restoration works along the River Sherbourne in Whitley. The works will introduce ten brash berms and one tree kicker at various locations along the river, helping to create a more varied and natural river channel and improve habitat for wildlife.

The works may take up to 3 weeks to complete, although timings may change depending on site conditions and weather. Any changes to the programme will be communicated appropriately. The work is being delivered as part of The Sherbourne Valley Project. The project aims to re-naturalise the River Sherbourne which flows through Coventry, improving it for nature and for local communities.

Reason for Works

Over time, sections of the River Sherbourne through Whitley have become relatively straight and uniform, reducing the variety of habitats available for wildlife. The new restoration works will help the river develop a more varied shape and flow by introducing natural features into the channel.

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Brash berms will narrow sections of the river, encouraging the water to follow a more varied, meandering route. As the berms begin to collect silt, they will stabilise and naturally vegetate, creating new areas of marginal habitat for plants, insects, fish and other wildlife.

A tree kicker will provide another natural feature within the river, creating additional cover and habitat while helping to introduce variation to the river's flow.

These features will help the River Sherbourne become a more diverse and resilient habitat, supporting the wider aims of the Sherbourne Valley Project to restore the river for both people and nature.

The berms have been designed to be overtopped during higher river flows, allowing water to continue moving through the channel without affecting flood risk. The works have been approved by the Environment Agency.

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Outline of Works

The works will include:

Brash Berms:

Ten brash berms installed at locations along the River Sherbourne. These will be made from bundles of woody material secured with timber stakes. These berm features will gently narrow sections of the channel, encouraging more varied flows and creating sheltered areas for fish and aquatic invertebrates. Overtime, the berms will collect silt, vegetation and natural debris, allowing them to stabilise and develop into new areas of marginal habitat alongside the river. The berms will not present any increased chance of flood risk. The berms have been designed to sit below the riverbank and be overtopped during higher flows, allowing water to continue moving safely through the channel.

Tree kicker:

One tree kicker will be created using a securely anchored fallen tree within the river channel. This will provide additional cover and refuge for fish and other wildlife, while helping to introduce further variation to the river's flow.

Together, the features will help create a more natural, varied and wildlife-rich river corridor, supporting the wider restoration of the River Sherbourne through Whitley.

Some limited vegetation clearance will be required to provide safe access for the works. This will involve the removal of a small number of young trees, mostly sycamore under 10cm in diameter, and some overhanging branches. Tree root balls will remain in place, and increased light reaching the river can provide additional benefits for aquatic habitats.

Access during the works:

Most public access will remain available while the works take place. A temporary diversion will be required around one section of path at Site 1, with a signed alternative route provided. Work areas will be clearly fenced and signed, and machinery movements will be carefully managed to maintain public safety.