Grafham shorelines to get erosion protection

FIVE kilometres of shoreline at Grafham Water is to be reinforced and protected as part of a �10million project announced by Anglian Water.

FIVE kilometres of shoreline at Grafham Water is to be reinforced and protected as part of a �10million project announced by Anglian Water.

The scheme will see a total of 18km of shoreline repaired at three reservoirs over the next two years, using porous geo-textile matting and rocks to combat the effects of erosion.

The work will begin once Anglian Water gets the green light from the Government’s wildlife watchdog Natural England, which will ensure that important habitats will be protected.

Some of the banks have been undercut by waves caused by the wind, resulting in small collapses on some of the banks.

Kevin Appleton, Anglian Water visitor operations manager, said: “This is an important project across a number of our reservoirs to ensure they remain in good condition for us all to enjoy.

“Our reservoirs serve an industrial purpose, but they are also tremendous habitats for all kinds of wildlife. We are working closely with Natural England to ensure that this work doesn’t affect habitats and is carried out at the most suitable time of year.

“We plan to use a geo-textile matting to secure the shoreline. This may not be overly attractive when first laid, but come next spring when the vegetation grows through it, the shoreline will look as it usually does. In fact we hope that once the vegetation has bedded in the area will be even better.”

Mr Appleton added that no footpaths would be closed as a result of the work, and that disruption would be kept to a minimum.