Council helps prevent erosion on the banks of the River Dee | |
29 July 2019The Council is working to protect the banks of the River Dee in Chester from ongoing erosion.The erosion of the sandy soils on the Meadows has been a long standing problem but in recent months it has almost reached the footpath in certain areas. The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area of Conservation and the Council has a duty to protect it, under the guidance of Natural England. Fencing is now being put up around the Meadows in order to protect the land by the river. Councillor Karen Shore, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “The fencing will allow the vegetation to re-establish, which we hope will stabilise the banks. Shrubs will be allowed to establish and their root systems will ‘bind’ the soil to prevent the river washing away the banks further.” There will be gaps in the fencing to allow people to continue enjoying the water’s edge and two gates will be installed in the fencing for use during events. The style of fencing will be in keeping with the area’s agricultural feel. The Council also plans to reintroduce cattle grazing to the site, a traditional method of managing the land which will benefit the wildlife over time. The fencing will help to prevent the cattle from reaching the eroding banks. Cllr Shore added: “It is very important to us that our residents are still able to use the Meadows and enjoy that area of the city. We have been having discussions with all interested parties on the issue and have consulted with the Friends of the Meadows, the sailing club and dog walkers about the fencing, with all in favour of our proposals. “This vital project will ensure visitors will still be able to enjoy the Meadows while protecting the landscape for future generations.”  | |
