RRC Blog

New Science Digests Page

We have recently launched a new Science Digests page offering literature reviews on different river restoration topics. Have a look at the new page here.

On Tuesday two RRC staff members attended a Walkover Survey training event hosted by the Bedford Rural Communities Charity. A speaker from the Essex Wildlife Trust gave a presentation about River Wardens and encouraging volunteers to monitor and record changes in river environments. Currently, Essex Wildlife Trust has 150 volunteer River Wardens across 14 catchments covering 30% of Essex rivers. The commitment of these local residents and other interested volunteers has led to increased awareness in environmental health across the county.

Visit to Milton Keynes Floodplain Forest

Earlier this week, 3 representatives from the RRC carried out a site visit at the Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve near Old Wolverton in Milton Keynes to observe the changes since restoration works took place.

Thanks to the Parks Trust and all of the partners, approximately 50 hectares of the River Great Ouse floodplain has been altered to accommodate natural river flows, flooding and biodiversity. Multiple channels, lagoons and shallow pools cover the area allowing flora and fauna to thrive in natural habitats, with footpaths winding through the landscape.

RRC Members' Site Visit: Cumbria

Tuesday marked the day of the RRC Members’ Site Visit to the winners of the UK River Prize 2016 – the Rivers Derwent, Eden and Kent. The Cumbria River Restoration Strategy (CRRS) was awarded this prize due to the efficient partnership of multiple authorities in these catchments. The day consisted of visits to two locations which demonstrate the work carried out in the CRRS.

2017 RRC Annual Conference Site Visit

Last week Josh Robins and I travelled down south to take a look at the site visit locations for the 2017 Annual Conference. It was my first trip out of the office since starting with the RRC so I was excited to see some river restoration in action!

Introducing Alex

With an undergraduate degree in Geography, and having recently completed my Masters degree in River Environments and their Management, I have a strong interest in water science, environmental conservation and sustainability. I am excited to start working in the environmental industry, focusing especially on river systems, as these are essential habitats for biodiversity, ecology and recreation.

Introducing Rosie

Hello everyone! :)

River restoration training - Across the Irish Sea

Living in the UK is so great! Last week I got on a plane at Luton and barely an hour later was on a smaller, greener island with super friendly (not to mention lovely-sounding) people and delicious soda bread for me to try. That’s a bit of a novelty for an Antipodean like me!

RRC training course programme 2016 - 2017

The RRC team is busy developing the programme of technical training courses that we will deliver in the next 12 months, with some exciting options shaping up. Thanks to all those who have already completed our survey. There’s still a little bit of time to complete the survey if you’d like to influence our decisions on which courses to run. Click here if you’d like to participate – or just read about the options.

Allt Lorgy Members Site Visit

Earlier this month I had to pleasure of taking the Caledonian Sleeper up to Scotland for our third Members Site Visit of the year. We were visiting the Allt Lorgy which is a tributary of the River Dulnain in the Spey Catchment.