Placed along river banks coniferous trees reduce erosion and create the perfect habitat for fish. The tree trunks stabilise the river bank whilst the conifers act as a filter and catch silt from the water thus removing sediment which would otherwise smother fish eggs, preventing them from hatching.
Mike Farrell, Fisheries Officer at the Environment Agency, said:
“This is the ultimate green gift for people and wildlife living along our rivers. Homes are being protected from flooding whilst new habitats are being created for mammals, fish and invertebrates.
We hope this innovative use of Christmas trees will have great potential for reducing flood risk. One in six properties in England and Wales is at risk of flooding so we are urging everyone to find out if they are at risk by visiting the Environment Agency website.”
The tree trunks have been used as a ‘softer’ and greener alternative to using heavier engineering materials such as steel piling. Not only is this method more sustainable but it could also save tens of thousands of pounds.
The trees have already been used on the banks of the River Bollin in Cheshire which are particularly sandy and easily eroded and the technique has also been successfully trialled in the Rivers Derwent, Glenderamackin and Marron in Cumbria.
The Christmas trees used are installed in the banks of the river by trained Environment Agency staff with large spruce logs secured at the base of the eroding river banks with the Christmas trees attached to them.
