Turning point for river as bold project launched

IN one of the biggest river restoration projects of its kind in England, a special Northumberland waterway will be returned to its natural state.

- TONY HENDERSON

The Breamish Valley project is a key element of the River Till Restoration Strategy and is located on the Harehope Estate, south of Wooler.

The River Till and its tributaries, including the River Breamish, flow through one of the most picturesque and important landscapes in England within Northumberland National Park.

The Till catchment is of high conservation and ecological importance, designated both as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation in recognition of its habitats and protected species including otter, Atlantic salmon, river, brook and sea lamprey and floating vegetation such as water crowfoot.

However, over many centuries, like so many river channels in the UK, it has been gradually straightened and modified to make way for intensive farming.

This has created a river disconnected from its floodplain leading to a decline in freshwater species, reduced biodiversity and an increased risk of flooding. The Breamish channel is now officially classed as being in "unfavourable condition".