VALE OF PICKERING CHANNEL MANAGEMENT PILOT PROJECT

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The report, The Vale of Pickering Channel Management Assessment and Planning – Phase 1 (Bowles, 2009), was completed in January 2009. This report provided an independent assessment of the existing condition of the main rivers in the Vale of Pickering, with recommendations on how these watercourses could be managed with multi-objective management goals. These goals included flood risk management, agricultural land drainage and ecological biodiversity. Part of the recommendations of this report included pilot vegetation and sediment management projects on certain reaches of the main rivers within the Vale of Pickering. The objectives of these pilot projects are to:

1. Assess the effects of vegetation and sedimentation on water levels in the main rivers within the Vale of Pickering.

2. Assess the effects of maintenance of vegetation and sedimentation of the main rivers within the Vale of Pickering on ecological biodiversity.

Two potential main river reaches have been identified for investigation through the pilot project described here, prioritized as follows:

1. River Hertford/Derwent – From Folkton to the confluence with Thornton Beck

2. River Derwent – Rye mouth to Old Malton

Based on recent coordination meetings with the Environment Agency (EA) (York office) and Ryedale District Council, the following outlines broadly the scope of work. The project involves close coordination and collaboration with the IDB, EA and Ryedale District Council.

Scope of Work

• Historic Channel Analysis

In assessing the geomorphic evolution of the reaches to be investigated it is important to understand the historic conditions within the channel. This evolution will help inform potential pilot channel management actions. Data collection of historic records will be undertaken as described in the following tasks.

• Existing Conditions Assessment

- Cross section surveys

- Water level monitoring

- Sediment sampling and analysis

- Hydraulic modeling analysis

• Formulate Pilot Projects

• Groynes/structures placed in the channel to divert flows to the centre of the channel, thus increasing sediment transport capacity of the channel and reducing sediment accretion in the channel.

• Sedimentation traps in the form of excavation of the channel bed through certain short sections of channel. The purpose of these would be to capture sediment transported through the reach. The sediment traps would need periodic excavation to maintain their efficacy. This project would determine the frequency at which the traps should be excavated.

• Vegetation and weed removal from the banks and bed of the channel. This project would determine the frequency and extent of vegetation management.

• Implement Pilot Projects

• Monitor Performance of Pilot Projects

- Cross Section Monitoring and Analysis

- Water level monitoring

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