Invitation to Tender: River Habitat restoration & barrier removal works to 1km of the Hughenden stream at Hughenden Manor

The Hughenden stream has been heavily modified, including through the construction of six weirs and associated pools. The channel is overwide, shows signs of dredging and has steep banks, and consequently lacks much of the character associated with a chalk stream. With a joint focus on habitat improvement and access, the objectives of the project are:

1. Improve the character of nearly 1km of winterbourne chalk stream, including the complexity of the channel morphology and wider habitat mosaic, through the full hydrograph.
2.  Remove the impoundments caused by the six weirs, thereby reinstating natural sediment processes and restoring longitudinal connectivity including for fish and macroinvertebrates.
3.  Create an environment that supports natural processes and allows nature to thrive as well as providing opportunities for the many visitors to Hughenden Manor to observe, interact and connect with the stream, the landscape and the ecosystems it supports.
4. Reduce the maintenance burden on the National Trust, the landowner, in maintaining the river channel and corridor in a condition that supports both the natural environment and human interaction with it.

It is important that the appropriate consents are secured before the commencement of any practical works.