Stunning drone images have shed new light on restoration work at one of Norfolk's chalk streams.
Since 2020, the Environment Agency has been working in partnership with Norfolk Rivers Trust to improve the water quality and quantity of a chalk stream on the River Wensum.
Works taking place in Foulsham and Pudding Norton, near Fakenham, on two tributaries have restored the flow of the river, making it more natural and improving the local habitat.
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The works involved re-instating natural processes through the creation of a new shallow meandering channel and reconnecting the river with the surrounding floodplain.
The interventions are nature-based solutions and help reduce run-off.
They also contribute to holding water on the sites for longer to reduce the risk of floods, and support aquifers to recharge, which is where we get our drinking water.
As well as reducing agriculture run-off, the project has also benefited fish populations by providing refuges and spawning habitats.
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Amy Prendergast, a catchment co-ordinator for Norfolk at the Environment Agency, said: "It is great to be able to complete a project which has so many benefits.
“Our work with Norfolk Rivers Trust has improved water quality, reduced flood risk and will help nature during times of prolonged dry weather.
"This has been achieved using various methods including creating pools out of existing ditches and creating scrapes to naturally trap sediment from arable land.
"A massive thanks to the landowner for working with us and making this possible."
Rebecca Banks, senior project officer at Norfolk Rivers Trust, said: "We're thrilled with the initial result of these two restoration and enhancement projects and can't wait to see the sites develop and evolve over time.
“Careful planning and surveys have ensured maximum benefit for nature and the environment with a return to a more naturally functioning floodplain."
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