Removal of concrete structures improves biodiversity of park brook Hatchford Brook Restoration

In a joint scheme with the Environment Agency and with funding from the European Regional Development Fund, Solihull Council appointed Ebsford to improve and reprofile a stretch of Hatchford Brook. The section of the brook which runs through the centre of a popular recreation ground contained small weir structures and areas of concrete bed, alongside bank reinforcing paving slabs.

Solihull Council’s aim was to improve the overall biodiversity of the environment whilst improving water flow and was part of a wider scheme across the region. In order to create a more natural channel, all concrete structures were identified for removal and replacement in addition to over 100 metres of bank reprofiling and soft engineered bank protection.

The improvements were to be made whilst the park remained open to the public and with minimal disruption to the existing landscape and visitors.

Ebsford were appointed for their sensitive approach to the works with low impact machinery and ground protection mats used to reshape areas of the brook. Importantly there was no disruption to the roots of the well-established area of trees and a 4m exclusion zone was maintained.

Silt protection mats were put in place during demolition of the weir structures to capture any silt from being washed further into the watercourse.

Following gradual grading of the banks and the construction of new gentle meanders, the banks were re-planted with a range of aquatic vegetation, introduced for their suitability in reducing erosion and offering new habitat for local wildlife. A more natural riverbed was achieved through adding washed river gravels in place of the preexisting concrete beds.