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14 Sep 2011
Following on the recent success of the restoration, work is set to continue on the Medina river enhancement this month with more in-channel work planned for either side of St George’s Approach, close to the St George’s Way roundabout in Newport.
This particular part of the project has two key elements; the first being to protect a recently discovered, important submerged archaeological feature and the second, to improve the river and bankside near the biggest weir on the River close to Matalan. This work will commence on 26th September and will last for about one week. No footpath closure is required with minimal disruption expected.
Ian Boyd, Head of Environment at Natural Enterprise said “The delivery of the summer work, carried out by Wessex Land and Water, identified these two new areas and we were lucky enough to be able adjust the planned work to include them within the current funding.”
The restoration work completed to date includes the addition of riverside plants which will provide habitat diversity, refuge and food for a variety of species and will protect against the erosion of the river’s banks. They’ll also supply a spot of colour too. Already new species have been spotted along this newly enhanced part of the River including bullhead fish, stoneloach, wagtails and a damselfly.
Mark Stollery of Wessex Land and Water added “it’s important to remember this is not a landscaping exercise, but we would expect the area to develop over time – some plants will not do so well whilst others will flourish. It is an exciting process which will provide interest to passers by who can follow the changes.”
The project is being delivered by Natural Enterprise through funding secured from SITA Trust. Thanks must also go to Newport Parish Council, Barratt Homes and the Environment Agency for their support throughout this project.
For more information on this project and the work being carried out by Natural Enterprise call Claire Hector on 01983 535888 or email Claire.hector@naturalenterprise.co.uk