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Reproduced from the Spring 2005 newsletter of
Action for the River Kennet
“Anyone looking at the ARK map of the River
Kennet will notice that the river immediately upstream of the
Bell Inn as far as Manor Farm ( West Overton ) is relatively
straight.
This is uncharacteristic of the Upper Kennet which elsewhere
meanders across the valley. The natural curves of the river
swirl the current and provide a variety of water depth and
habitats for fish, plants and invertebrates.
During the 1970s the river was artificially straightened at the
same time as a livestock bridge was constucted. A deep pool was
also lost. This pool was important because it provided a
temporary refuge for fish when the river ran dry. ARK has been
supporting the case to realign this stretch of river to its
natural course.
The owner of the land at West Overton and the Environment Agency
have agreed to jointly fund the project to bring back the
diversity of flow and habitat typical of a natural chalk stream.
The deep pool will also be replaced. Although fish can sense
when the flow is dwindling, and generally swim downstream to
deeper water, some are slower to react and inevitably die when
water levels drop. The "holding pool" will allow these fish to
survive until flow recovers.
The project is expected to start this summer.
For membership of ARK write: Charlotte Hitchmough, Preshute
Cottage, 60 High St, Manton, SN8 4HW. or email info@riverkennet.org
Write your comments and ideas to Liz Neild,
41 Lockeridge, Wilts SN8 4EQ or email
lizneild@amserve.com
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