Feasibility Study for River Caldew Habitat Restoration and Floodplain Management in Cumbria

About

Natural England awarded a contract to Ove Arup & Partners Limited Primary for a feasibility study on river and floodplain habitat management and restoration on the River Caldew, Cumbria.

The River Caldew is part of the River Eden and Tributaries Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation, designated for its river habitats, geomorphology, lake, alluvial alder woodland, and species including salmon, lamprey, bullhead, white-clawed crayfish, and otter.

The river and floodplain have been modified by land drainage, straightening, embankments, dredging, and flood defence activities, and riparian habitat is grazed by sheep and cattle, resulting in unfavourable condition of the SSSI/SAC.

The study aims to understand the hydrology and geomorphology of the River Caldew on the Church Commissioners landholding, including the floodplain, in reference and current states, to inform habitat restoration and determine practical management measures.

It includes reviewing and assessing the feasibility of different restoration options and providing detailed plans for preferred options.

The project is funded by Natural England, with advice from the Environment Agency on geomorphology, biodiversity, and flood risk.

The contract value is AUD 79,051.