The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is actively involved in an environmentally sensitive project to restore the Craigie Burn in Perth. The work, a partnership with Perth & Kinross council, local contractors and the River Restoration Centre (RRC) in Bedfordshire, will not only improve flood control in the city but improve the habitat and amenity value of the burn.

The Craigie Burn is a small tributary of the River Tay and drains a predominantly urban catchment. The downstream section of the burn is artificially wide and has lost many of its habitats. However, proposals for flood alleviation for the burn created an opportunity for habitat enhancement. Locally-based SEPA Environmental Protection Officer Jenni Browne contacted the RRC for advice on the opportunities. They recommended creating a much narrower and more natural channel which will allow for water to flow faster during normal flows and prevent siltation. The wider channel will provide greater capacity for higher flows. As part of the Perth Flood Prevention Scheme the Craigie Burn will be allowed to overflow onto the South Inch in a controlled manner.

Engineering work is due to be finished by mid May, and SEPA is hoping that members of the local community will then help with the planting of wildflowers and wetland plants on the new bank and its marginal areas. The Scottish Wildlife Trust are providing advice on the planting regime.

Jenni Browne said:

"SEPA is delighted that through this partnership approach softer engineering solutions to flood alleviation will also create enhanced wildlife habitat and improved landscape amenity in Perth."

Dr Nigel Holmes of the RRC, said:

"This work should provide significant habitat improvement for wildlife and landscape, and turn an unattractive over-wide ditch into a real visual amenity."

Kiri Walker, of SEPA's Habitat Enhancement Initiative said:
"Local contractors, Morrison Construction and Babtie's have been carrying out the work and have been extremely positive about the project. The support of Perth & Kinross Council, RRC and Jenni Browne has also been key to implementing this environmentally sensitive approach to flood alleviation."


ENDS


1. Enquiries about the project should be directed to Public Relations, SEPA Corporate Office, 01786 457700

2. For further information about the River Restoration Centre please contact the Centre Manager, The River Restoration Centre, Silsoe Campus, Silsoe, Beds MK45 4DT.

SEPA's Habitat Enhancement Initiative (HEI) was developed to focus on SEPA's aims and duties regarding conservation, biodiversity and sustainable development. It promotes the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty and amenity of inland and coastal waters, and of the land associated with such waters. These environments provide important habitats, supporting a wide range of species. However, these habitats are often subject to a range of threats, particularly pollution, development and poor management practices.