River Ouse Restoration Project at Sheffield Park

At this time of year, it's hard to imagine what the bridge will look like once it's in position across the River Ouse. This artist's impression certainly helps and we're looking forward to connecting up to the Ouse Valley Way. We hope to be able to move the bridge late April although it does depend on the ground conditions.

The bridge has arrived but due to the onset of winter, it's sitting just on the edge of the parkland and will remain here until the weather and ground conditions improve, before it can be moved down to the river bank.

Thanks to grants from the Environment Agency, Viridor, Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust, South-East Water and Sussex Lund, Sheffield Park and Garden is now undergoing the first phase of our River Ouse restoration project. Straightening and deepening of the river in the past has reduced the variety of habitats both in and around the river. In this first stage of restoration, Ebsford Environmental Ltd will be creating berms (shallow edges) using soil excavated from the floodplain areas, held in place with wooden stakes and faggots. In addition, seven areas of the channel will be narrowed by 50% restricting the flow of water creating hydraulic control during flooding. These will be formed using several overlapping trees, again reused from clearance works. Gravels will also be introduced to the river bed at these points to encourage fish breeding.