What is River Condition Assessment and why is it important?

River Condition Assessment (RCA) involves a field- and desk-based element called a Modular River Physical (MoRPh) survey. Understanding the condition of a river helps to understand the restoration techniques required and achieve Biodiversity Net Gain.

Written by Jennifer Dhinsa | Ecologist

How does it fit in with Biodiversity Net Gain?

Understanding the condition of our rivers is crucial to ensure future works, such as Flood Alleviation Schemes and River Restoration, provide net gain for biodiversity. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is calculated using the Defra Biodiversity Metric 3.0 tool, which now underpins the Environment Act 2021 provisions for mandatory BNG in England. The RCA is based upon condition indicators that are extracted from the MoRPh field data and the desk-based assessment. The values generated from the combination of the field and desk study can be inputted into the Biodiversity Metric 3.0 to calculate net gain.

How can it help steer project design?

The RCA comprises several condition indicators which are given a positive or negative score based on the field and desk study. Identifying condition indicators with a negative score can aid restoration techniques and help improve the condition of the river and achieve Biodiversity Net Gain.

Black arrow pointing right
Want to know more?

We have nine accredited MoRPh surveyors and we are already using these surveys for various riverine based projects. You can contact Jenny Dhinsa for more information about River Condition Assessment surveys.

Services

  • Arrow left white
  • Arrow right white
Technology, Data and Software Development

Delivering transformative technology that is pioneering in the pursuit of flood, water and environmental resilience.

Link arrow Find out more
Modelling and Assessment

Developing leading resilience strategies and solutions founded on the integrated modelling and assessment of water quantity, quality and environmental processes.

Link arrow Find out more
Engineering

Working within a robust and mature digital delivery environment, our engineering specialists work closely with our modelling, hydrology and environmental teams to ensure designs are developed to create efficient, low-carbon and sustainable solutions.

Link arrow Find out more
Environment and Sustainability

Our specialists in landscape, heritage, ecology, fisheries, EIA, planning and sustainability all work collaboratively with our engineering designers, modellers and our project managers to develop resilient places.

Link arrow Find out more
Resilience and Water Management

Our proven skills and experience make us a natural partner to help support communities and organisations to become more resilient. We support and empower our clients to manage the twin risks of flood and drought, encouraging and delivering effective water management.

Link arrow Find out more
International Development

Working with communities across the world to identify and mitigate flood and environmental risks, support sustainable development and build resilience.

Link arrow Find out more
Cross to close search
Click To:

Analytics

We use analytics cookies to anonymously track your user journey and interactions with our website. This information is used to help us understand the user experience and to work towards improving the website and the content we publish.

Marketing

We sometimes make use of third party tracking code to help us determine the succes of any marketing campaigns we might run. This can also be used to ensure you are given content relevant to your interests.

Get in touch…

We'd love to hear from you. Just fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as possible.

Do you have a question or message for |NAME|? Just complete the form below with your information and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.