Environment Agency improvements to south London “”Oasis””The Environment Agency will start improvements on another section ofthe River Darent today (Monday, 12 March). The latest work on the riverwill affect a 300 metre stretch at Franks Lane, near Horton Kirby. The work will restore a section of the River Darent to a more naturalstate. The Environment Agency will move the gravel in the river aroundto reinstate features like pools, riffles and gravel bars – all of whichwill provide a better habitat for wildlife such as invertebrates, fishand water voles. Work by the Environment Agency and partners, including water companiesand the local community, has brought the river back from the brink ofdisaster. The Darent is a chalk stream and is fed by groundwater – waterthat is stored under ground. Over time, more and more of this water hasbeen taken out – or abstracted – from groundwater for public supply,which almost devastated the river. The Darent Action Plan aims to reduceabstraction close to the river to improve river flows. The Franks Lane rehabilitation project is the third in a series ofrestoration stretches on the Darent. Previous restoration work has beencarried out at Hawley Manor near Dartford and Lullingstone Castle nearEynesford. Tom Cook, who is managing the project for the Environment Agency said: “”The River Darent is an important chalk stream habitat. Due to ourrestoration works in recent years, we have seen improvements for riverinvertebrates, which are an important food source for fish. The workswill create better habitat for water voles and birds too. These are allindications that the river is improving. There is still a lot to do, butthe work at Franks Lane will make an important contribution to theriver, creating a better place for wildlife and the local community.”” |
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