Horses and Heavy Wood Give Norwich’s River Yare a Stunning Makeover
The Environment Agency teamed up with Norfolk River Trust, Norwich City Council—and even horses—to breathe new life into the River Yare around Norwich. This rare chalk stream has just scored a major eco upgrade to boost wildlife and clean up water quality.
Brash Berms and Woody Debris: The Secret Weapons
Local teams stacked woody debris along the riverbanks to create ‘brash berms.’ These natural barriers help narrow the river, returning it to its original, wild state after decades of milling changes. The berms also trap sediment, giving a much-needed boost to water quality.
Wood was cleverly used to craft zones with varying flow speeds, creating a mix of wet and dry habitats. This is a major win for aquatic bugs and riverside wildflowers, helping the whole ecosystem thrive.
Fish fans will be pleased too. The wooden structures provide cozy hideouts from predators and shelter during high flows—perfect fish refuges.
Horses Help Cut Carbon Footprint
In a twist, the woody debris was hauled to the site by heavy horses rather than noisy machinery. This green approach slashes the project’s carbon footprint while protecting delicate woodland and fen grassland nearby.
Amy Prendergast, Environment Agency project manager, said:
“It’s fantastic to work with our partners to transform this precious chalk stream. The improvements to the water environment and wildlife are clear—and the best part? The public gets to enjoy the benefits on their doorstep.”
Sarah Gelpke, Norfolk Rivers Trust project officer, added:
“This stretch of the Yare was heavily modified in the past, leaving steep banks and sluggish flow clogged with silt. Working with Aquamaintain, we’ve built brash berms and wooden structures from local resources to bring it back to life.”
“We’re already seeing better water flow and will keep monitoring to track habitat improvements and wider wildlife impacts.”
“Using a Norfolk-based horse logger means less disturbance for the surrounding woodland and grassland, which is brilliant.”
Why Chalk Streams Matter
Chalk streams like the Yare are Britain’s hidden gems—often called the rainforests of England. Around 85% of the world’s chalk streams flow in England, with nearly a third in East Anglia. They’re fed by deep underground chalk aquifers that also supply much of the region’s drinking water.
This bold project proves that with a bit of elbow grease—and some help from horses—nature can rebound spectacularly, safeguarding precious habitats for generations to come.
