Anglers, local angling clubs and other visitors are invited to go along to Castle Acre Village Hall, Pye’s Lane, Castle Acre, PE32 2XB between 2.30pm and 6.30pm on Thursday 27 September to find out more about the project and its progress with restoring sections of the Great Ouse Tributary, the River Nar.
Visitors will be able to see displays by the Environment Agency, Natural England, The River Restoration Centre, Norfolk Rivers Drainage Board and the Norfolk Rivers Trust. There will also be river walks where visitors can learn more about the ongoing conservation and habitat restoration work on the river.
The River Nar has a rare combination of the characteristics of a southern chalk river and those of a Fenland river, marking it out as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Over many generations there has been significant habitat deterioration to some areas of the river. Now a focused effort from the Environment Agency and its partners to reverse this decline is being made to bring life back to the whole of the River Nar.
The Restoration Strategy for the River Nar was drawn up jointly by Natural England, the Water Management Alliance (Norfolk Rivers Drainage Board) and the Environment Agency in 2010. This identified actions that will help to improve the river habitat.
Under the Strategy, river habitat restoration work has been carried out on several stretches of the river by a partnership between Norfolk Rivers Drainage Board, the Environment Agency, Natural England, Norfolk Rivers Trust, local landowners and angling clubs.
Fish such as eels, brown trout and sea trout as well as water voles, dragonflies and otters will benefit from the schemes along the river.
Susan Chambers, the Environment Agency project representative said:
“We invite people to come along and talk to us about the river habitat restoration work that has been completed so far and find out what else is being planned. We hope that anyone with an interest in the river will share their thoughts and ideas and let us know what they would like to see happen for the river in the future.”
Helen Mandley, the Norfolk Rivers Trust project representative said:
“It is important to involve members of the community and local organisations in this restoration project. This is because they know the area better than we do and will be able to bring new ideas and enthusiasm to the project, highlighting things that we may have missed.”
Giles Bloomfield, the Norfolk Rivers Internal Drainage Board project representative said:
“This is an exciting time for sculpting an improved functioning river system; engineering solutions that can reduce the risk of flooding to people and property, improve water quality and enhance the river corridor for wildlife.”
The River Nar Partnership recognises the importance of the existing land use for food production and is working with landowners to install solutions that are adaptable in light of future climate change predictions, ensuring businesses continue to thrive along with the enhancement of biodiversity and recreational enjoyment of the area into the future.”
