Back Burn, Fife: Hydromorphological and Restoration Assessment
Date: June 2019
For: Fife Council and SEPA
Type: Hydromorphology and options assessment
Back Burn, a tributary of the River Leven, is a small Heavily Modified Waterbody (HMWB) which has Moderate Ecological Potential under the Water Framework Directive due to reprofiling, realignment, impoundment and pollution. Fife Council and SEPA commissioned the RRC to undertake hydromorphological assessments and options appraisals to create a prioritised restoration plan for a 6km section of Back Burn.
The RRC used desk-based assessments and a three-day walkover involving a River Habitat Survey and a Geomorphological Assessment to assess seven reaches of Back Burn for restoration opportunities. Six main problems were identified including disconnected habitats and floodplains, unnatural morphology, poor quality in-channel and riparian habitats, and fine sediment accumulation. Each reach was ranked against these pressures.
The RRC recommended a range of options such as reconnecting the old river course to restore connectivity, removing conifers to open up the canopy and allow riparian species to establish, and increasing buffer sizes to reduce pollution. The removal of weirs was also suggested as a priority to improve connectivity. The suggestions for improvement provide opportunity for further investigation to meet Good Ecological Potential targets.