Welton Weir removal for Bristol Avon Rivers Trust
JPR worked with the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) to enhance the Wellow brook near Midsomer Norton, by removing a weir and thereby allowing for returning fish passages along the reach.
This was an important project for enhancing and improving access to high-quality freshwater habitats for several critically endangered BAP and IUCN-listed species such as European Eel, Brown Trout and River Lamprey.
The once common European Eel is now classified as critically endangered, with the number returning to European waters declining by as much as 95% over the last forty years. Populations of Eel as well as Trout, River Lamprey and associated species have suffered alongside the general health of our rivers. With the riverine corridor of the Wellow Brook identified as a Priority Place for nature recovery, the removal of the weir and habitat enhancement will serve to support local nature.
The Delivery:
The project involved the removal of a low-head masonry and concrete weir located on the Wellow Brook. The structure was impeding fish and eel passage and disrupted natural river processes. The removal approach focused on careful, controlled in-channel works to restore connectivity and improve habitat quality.
Key elements of the scope included:
- Site mobilisation, access setup, and establishment of safe working zones designed to minimise disturbance to riparian habitats.
- Installation of temporary flow management measures including sandbag dams to maintain downstream flow during works.
- In-channel demolition of the weirs using tracked excavators fitted with hydraulic breakers or suitable attachments.
- Implementation of sediment control measures to prevent downstream sedimentation and safeguard aquatic habitats.
- Bed regrading and channel reshaping following removal to promote natural flow regimes and channel stability.
- Delivery by a skilled in-house team using low ground pressure plant under detailed RAMS and environmental permit conditions.
- Continuous monitoring and adaptive management throughout the project to maintain compliance with health, safety, and environmental requirements.
The next steps
With the channel connectivity returned, fish passage and water health will be monitored by BART, assessing the fish presence, macrophyte and macroinvertebrate life within the brook. An increase in the diversity of these indices will indicate the project has been successful in improving the river for wildlife.
