Norfolk study shows new ditches could help improve rivers

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The amount of harmful sludge entering rivers from farmers' fields can be more than halved with special ditches, a new study found. The study by the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the Wensum Alliance used traps near the Blackwater - a tributary which flows into the River Wensum at Lenwade, which in turn flows through Norwich.

Period27 Jan 2019

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  • TitleNorfolk study shows new ditches could help improve rivers
    Degree of recognitionNational
    Media name/outletBBC
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date27/01/19
    DescriptionThe amount of harmful sludge entering rivers from farmers' fields can be more than halved with special ditches, a new study found. The Rivers Trust said its research showed only 14% of UK rivers are in a healthy state.

    That health can be damaged by sediment containing fertiliser chemicals which can harm water quality and fish.

    Scientists in Norwich dug and tested sediment traps beside the River Blackwater in Norfolk for the project.

    The study by the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the Wensum Alliance used traps near the Blackwater - a tributary which flows into the River Wensum at Lenwade, which in turn flows through Norwich.

    They then tested the water downriver and found a 58% reduction in sediment year on year.
    Producer/AuthorMaggie Dolan
    PersonsRichard Cooper
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