28/02/2005 - A range
of biodiversity work along the River Cam
has taken place to encourage watervoles
and otters back to the area.
Our Operations Delivery Workforce has fenced
off a 300m by 30m stretch of the riverbank
to create an area of long grass for watervoles.
This has created a corridor along one side
of the river providing an ideal habitat
for birds and other species.
To help strengthen the watervole population
a small length of a tributary stream was
dug out to create an on-line pond. We have
also re-profiled a 20m stretch of the bank
to create a low-level berm(1), this will
encourage more waterside vegetation for
the benefit of the watervoles.
We have also created an otter holt on the
bank top from wood that would have otherwise
been burnt. This will provide cover for
otters, which are making their way back
up the River Cam.
Alongside these works we have removed fallen
trees which were causing blockages and posed
a flood risk. We have pruned Willow trees
and ensured the channel is clear to allow
efficient water flow. Our 22tonne, 360-degree
excavator winch-tractor, carried out this
work.
Some of the timber was left on the bankside
to provide habitat for small mammals and
invertebrates. 69 new native trees and shrubs
have been planted along the bank top and
45 orchard trees have been planted along
the new fence line. The orchard trees are
local varieties and include Gloucester Royal
and Berkeley Pippin.
Cathy Beeching, Biodiversity Officer commented,
"This is an example of excellent biodiversity
work carried out by our Operations delivery
team. We are keen to encourage ideal habitat
needed to welcome back otters and watervoles."
Notes:
Berm: Land extended out into the river.
In a flood, when water levels are high it
is not possible to be seen, when levels
are low it is exposed.
Historical work on Cam
In the late 1980s Severn Trent Water ltd.
undertook major engineering works on the
Cam between the railway and the rivers confluence
with the Canal. A new weir was installed
upstream of Coaley Mill and downstream of
the M5 motorway and the channel was straightened
and widened. The culvert running under the
A38 was enlarged and downstream of the road
the river was widened and low level flood
banks built. A large pumping station was
built in order to drain a newly created
flood storage area between the River Cam
and one of its major tributaries, the Wicksters
Brook.
