News from the River Brent Catchment
Current works, partnership decisions and monitoring results across the Brent valley.
Recent catchment news
This page records the most recent developments in the River Brent catchment management plan. Entries cover river restoration, flood storage work, habitat surveys and changes agreed by the partnership.
Updates are added as works are confirmed and monitoring data is checked.
Reconnecting the river with its floodplain
Partners have completed the first phase of channel reconnection on a stretch of the river where the bed had been straightened and deepened over several decades. Engineers reintroduced gravel riffles and shallow bends, which slow flows during high rainfall and give fish and invertebrates more varied habitat.
The second phase will extend the work onto neighbouring land where meadow soils can hold water during storms. Site teams will monitor water levels and sediment movement through the next two winters before final design decisions are made.
Side note
Volunteers are needed for the spring planting days. Tool training is provided on site.
Local residents who want to take part can register through the community pages. Groups are asked to confirm numbers at least one week before each session so that safety briefings and equipment can be arranged.
Recent milestones
March
Baseline survey published
Invertebrate and fish survey results were added to the shared data set for the catchment.
May
Channel works completed
The first reach was reconnected to its floodplain and checked after a period of high flow.
July
Partnership review
Partners agreed priorities for the next two years of work and confirmed funding for monitoring.
Site visits this season
Earlier reports
Gauge readings from the winter period show that flows peaked earlier than in previous years, which informs the timing of storage works.
Sampling sites were reviewed and two additional points were added upstream of the main urban reach.
What partners report
The shared monitoring record has made it much easier for councils and community groups to agree where the next works should go.
Brent Catchment Partnership