1. General information
2. Objectives of the intervention
Goals of the intervention
The aim of the project is to "enhance the habitat of Fobney Island for wildlife and increase its value for recreational use". This includes objectives such as:
(1) delivering restoration of river channel (straightening the River Kennet and creating a new channel with a double meander);
(2) increasing flood storage capacity in an area prone to flooding;
(3) creating a combination of ephemeral scrapes and a more permanent wetland; improving habitats for fish and the sustainability of fish stocks; (4) helping people of diverse backgrounds enjoy nature, the countryside and water-related recreation;
(5) providing access to open space;
(6) providing social benefits focusing on the enjoyment of angling and wildlife close to a large urban centre;
(7) addressing current anti-social behaviour on the land. (Ref. 1)
(1) delivering restoration of river channel (straightening the River Kennet and creating a new channel with a double meander);
(2) increasing flood storage capacity in an area prone to flooding;
(3) creating a combination of ephemeral scrapes and a more permanent wetland; improving habitats for fish and the sustainability of fish stocks; (4) helping people of diverse backgrounds enjoy nature, the countryside and water-related recreation;
(5) providing access to open space;
(6) providing social benefits focusing on the enjoyment of angling and wildlife close to a large urban centre;
(7) addressing current anti-social behaviour on the land. (Ref. 1)
Quantitative targets
Delivering approximately 310m of restored river channel by straightening the River Kennet and creating a new channel with a double meander; Creating a new backwater from the existing river channel of approximately 250m; increasing flood storage capacity in an area prone to flooding; installing two bird viewing areas offering views across the wetland scrapes, realigned river channel and beyond. (Ref. 1)
Monitoring indicators defined
Meters of restored river channel
Sustainability challenge(s) addressed
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
What types of restoration goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
What activities are implemented to realize the restoration goals and targets?
Implementation activities
The area has been transformed into "a wetland haven for wildlife" (to attract e.g. birds; bats; water voles and otters). "It now boasts wetland, a wildflower meadow, hay meadow and reed bed habitats, new ponds and river features". "The new wetland nature reserve will provide an excellent resource for learning about local nature, as well as providing a tranquil leisure facility for the people of Reading" (Ref. 2). During the first phase of the project, contractors lowered the land to create wetland features that, at certain times of the year, will be in connection with the river. This will improve the site for birds, bats, fish, reptiles and amphibians. The river itself has been restored to a more natural state through the introduction of two new rifle features. Five whole trees have also been dropped into the river channel to create ‘woody debris’ features. These features will create more diverse flows within the river and provide refuge habitat for juvenile fish. A new footpath has also been installed on the site, and two bird hides have been erected to provide views across the new wetland features. (Ref. 4)
3. NBS domains, ES and scale
4. Governance and financing
5. Innovation
Type of innovation
Please specify technological innovation
Creation and restoration of river channels, wetlands and increasing capacity for water storage. (Ref. 1)
Novelty level of the innovation
Please specify novelty level of the innovation
Transforming the area into a new wetland nature reserve. (Ref. 1-4)
Replicability/Transferability
Please specify Replicability/Transferability
Unknown
