River Wensum Strategy – completed projects

New Mills eel pass

The global population of the European eel has declined by around 95% since 1980, leaving the species critically endangered. There are thought to be many factors contributing to the decline, including over-fishing, climate change, pollution, disease and in-stream physical barriers which prevent eels from being able to migrate upstream to fulfil the freshwater part of their life cycle. 
 
The modern metal sluice gates at New Mills Yard are known to be almost completely impassable to eels which means that eels become trapped downstream of the gates where they congregate during the migration season and make them easier prey for other fish and birds.
 
To address this issue, an eel pass was installed at New Mills in 2018 which provides safe passage for the species over the structure and enables them to access the valuable habitat upstream in the Wensum and Tud. The Environment Agency has also installed other eel passes at the historical mill sites at Hellesdon and Costessey providing further access to high quality habitat for several miles. 
 
The pass is monitored during the migration season (April to September). The number of eels using the pass varies dramatically but can reach several hundred a day during the peak of the run in June and July.
 
When was it completed: 2018
Who was the lead partner on the project: The Environment Agency
How was it funded: The Environment Agency 
 

Marriotts Way Barn Road gateway

The entrance to Marriott’s Way from the Barn Road roundabout was previously obscured by overgrown planting leading to under-use of this strategic riverside route. The project involved removing the overgrown vegetation, upgrading fencing, and enhancing the space surrounding the entrance to improve visibility of the route from the road and nearby footpaths.

These improvements help to deliver access to green infrastructure for the existing and proposed homes in the city. In addition, this project promotes the use of Marriott’s Way as a key cycle corridor on the Pedalways network.

Linked to this is the Marriot’s Way Heritage Trail Project which aims to research, conserve, interpret and educate people about the railway heritage of the route, and the plants and wildlife that thrived there following the removal of the railway line.  

When was it completed: March 2019
Who was the lead partner on the project: Norwich City Council
How was it funded: Community Infrastructure Levy and Heritage Lottery funding 

New Mills canoe portage

Canoeists, paddle boarders and other river users were previously unable to have full access from the Broads to upstream of the River Wensum as the route was made more difficult by man-made structures, such as the New Mills sluice. 

This project involved the installation of two low freeboard pontoons along with associated piling and bank works. The access points are located either side of the New Mills sluice gate which allows river users to exit and enter the water safely and provides access to further reaches of the river and Broads. 

Rangers will monitor the usage of the platforms, but early indications are positive.

When was it completed: 2020
Who was the lead partner on the project: The Broads Authority
How was it funded: The Broads Authority