River Skerne EU-LIFE project
River Skerne EU-LIFE project
Key features of the case study
The Skerne demonstration site is located in the town of Darlington, County Durham and demonstrates what can be achieved in an urban environment. The Skerne has been straightened and enlarged to reduce flooding and to drain the surrounding urban area. Much of the floodplain has been raised by old industrial waste tipping, with gas and sewer pipes running alongside the river. As a result of these constraints, restoration opportunities were severely limited - typical of urban rivers elsewhere.
A 2km length of the river has been restored. Four new meanders have been formed in a remaining section of floodplain used as open parkland. The excess soil was used to landscape nearby steep slopes. Riverbanks have been strengthened with willow and reeds to prevent erosion. Thirteen ugly surface water outfalls have been replaced with underground inspection /collection chambers that firstly intercept pollution and then discharge the water into the river below water level.
Elsewhere, where the river could not be re-meandered, it has been enhanced by reshaping and narrowing the bed to vary the flow and to allow riverside plants to flourish. New footpaths and planting schemes complete the theme of "bringing the countryside into town", which locally has been greatly appreciated.
Site description
Measures selection
Success criteria
Ecological response
Hydromorphological response
Monitoring before and after implementation of the project
Socio-economic aspects
Contact person within the organization
Extra background information
Before and after aerial photos of the Skerne project
References
Related Measures
- Lower river banks or floodplains to enlarge inundation and flooding
- Remeander water courses
- Set back embankments, levees or dikes
- Reconnect backwaters and wetlands
- Revegetate riparian zones
- Improve backwaters
- Construct semi-natural/articificial wetlands or aquatic habitats
