Cragg Estate, West Woodburn, Hexham, Northumberland

Project Overview:
Awarded funding through Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme, this Tyne Rivers Trust project aimed to protect and enhance populations of critically endangered Freshwater Pearl Mussels, as well as White-clawed Crayfish, Atlantic Salmon, and Brown Trout.

The works were designed to improve water quality and habitat diversity across the site, supporting long-term recovery and resilience of these key species. In addition to the creation of ponds and the infill of artificial drainage ditches, two chutes were excavated to reconnect the River Rede with existing palaeochannels. These features activate during flood events, allowing for natural sediment deposition and the reinstatement of natural flow patterns.

Approximately 3,500m³ of material was moved and reprofiled on site, with surplus earth landscaped into land above the floodplain, avoiding the need for off-site disposal.

Key Activities:

• Excavation of two chutes to reconnect the River Rede with palaeochannels

• Controlled infilling of redundant ditches to restore natural hydrology

• Creation of ponds to enhance biodiversity and water storage capacity

• Movement and landscaping of approximately 3,500m³ of site-won material

• Implementation of sediment and erosion control measures to protect water quality

• On-site material management with no import or export required

• Liaison with Tyne Rivers Trust and Natural England to meet environmental and species protection objectives

• Restoration of floodplain connectivity to promote natural processes and improve ecological function