Rivers & Streams

What are the constraints?

If you want to carry out works to restore or enhance a river, you need prior consent from the Environment Agency under:

• Section 109 of the Water Resources Act (1991) – for watercourses designated as a main river
• Section 23 of the Land Drainage Act (1991) – for unclassified watercourses.

In some areas, you may also need consent under the Land Drainage Byelaws.

The Land Drainage Act 1976 says that you must have the prior consent of the Environment Agency, if you want to plant any tree, shrub, or other similar growth within 8 metres of any part of the river bank.

BlueSky Environmental Solutions can provide guidance, advice and specialist management services in all aspects watercourse management.

Our services include:

River and stream management, monitoring and maintenance

Watercourse and wildlife surveys - including checks for protected species such as, water vole and otter

• Water quality analysis
• Permissions and constraints - providing advice on planning matters and Environment Agency consents
• Preparation of pre-installation restoration and enhancement proposals
• Preparation and implementation of a watercourse management plan
• Bankside creation and stabilisation schemes
• Habitat management and creation
• Bankside vegetation control
• Removal and control of non-native invasive species such as, Japanese knotweed, Giant Hogweed, Himalayan or Indian balsam and mink
• Planting and re-establishment of marshland and aquatic plants
• Additional planting – provision of bankside trees and shrubs
• Access improvements and path creation
• Bridge and footbridge installation
• Provision of signs and interpretive material regarding, wildlife identification, environmental education and watercourse management

For more complex schemes, BlueSky Environmental Solutions have developed a partnership with specialist geomorphology and hydrogeomorphology experts to prepare your pre-installation restoration and enhancement proposals. Please contact us to arrange a site visit or discuss your requirements.