|
The Living River project aims to increase awareness and appreciation of the River Avon and its tributaries. It focuses on how the special wildlife of the river has developed alongside the history of the area. Working with local communities from the rivers' headwaters in the Wiltshire Downs to the sea at Christchurch, the project will involve people who live and work in the River Avon catchment in the conservation of its natural heritage.
The 4 year project will deliver the following programmes:
- Biodiversity restoration - at sites the public can access and enjoy
- Access and Interpretation - enhancing access to and information about the river with the local communities that live there
- Education and training - providing education events and resources and offering training opportunities to help people understand their relationship with the river system and take responsibility for it
The Living River project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Natural England, Salisbury District Council, Salisbury International Arts Festival, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Hampshire County Council, Wessex Water and Environment Agency.
Cain Bio-Engineering Ltd was contracted to design and install marginal habitat to a section River Avon in Salisbury city centre.
The river through this section was characterised by a canalised channel with vertical reinforced concrete walls on either bank. The degraded channel was in need of aesthetic improvement as it is home to a population of swans and ducks that are a focal point for locals and tourists alike.
The new marginal mattresses were planted with marginal flora species of local provenance and protected from waterfowl with strong plastic netting.
|