Stourton bypass channel: reducing barriers to fish passage
The River Stour acts as a vital blue-green corridor, bringing wildlife into the heart of Stourbridge and the surrounding towns and villages. Our role on this project saw us provide hydraulic and engineering design expertise to support the creation of an as-nature bypass channel.
- Client Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust
- Location Stourton
- Services
Detailed designs to support the movement of fish species
Several barriers to fish movement were identified as part of the Salmon in the Stour project, which aims to improve the River Stour and its tributaries for wildlife and people. One such barrier was the large weir at Stourton Castle, where the two-metre weir forms a complete barrier to fish and other aquatic organisms. A solution was required to address this.
By conducting an initial feasibility study, we were able to consider several different options, resulting in our being commissioned to deliver detailed designs for the preferred option. This consisted of an as-nature bypass channel, including a control structure, a bridge crossing, over 220m of channel and an innovative outlet of the channel involving vegetated sandbags.
Utilising multidisciplinary expertise to deliver numerous project benefits
Collaboration formed a key part of this project. By calling upon know-how from across JBA, we utilised hydraulic and engineering design expertise, gained support with permits and planning and provided engineering and Principal Designer support during the construction phase.
Now complete, the bypass provides multiple benefits. The new channel was created with a gravel bed to create additional habitat and provide hydraulic conditions suitable for fish passage. The new control structure allows the flow to be split between the river and the bypass. The use of vegetated sandbags and seeding allows the pass to blend into the surrounding landscape.
For more information about this project, please contact David Mould.
