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Meandering On After three centuries of change, nature takes course A dramatic addition to the Knepp Estate’s Wildland Project is a major redesign of part of the River Adur. The huge scheme will see the river return to its natural meanders through Knepp after three centuries of being directed into a canal. This will return the old water lags to a natural flood plain system and encourage richer diversity of wildlife and plants. The visit of AAH Magazine to the Knepp Estate coincided with a breakthrough day in the river’s development, with the new meandering course set out for the river meeting the present day route.
In the early 19th century a stretch of the River Adur was straightened and widened to allow barges access to the iron workings below the great dam wall of Knepp Mill Pond. Since then it has been further canalised for agricultural drainage. This means that the current deep straight channel floods in the winter and all but dries up in the summer. Sir Charles Burrell said: “The scheme will re-naturalise the river, restoring its natural meanders and thereby reintegrating the surrounding floodplains. Hopefully this process will encourage the return of wading and nesting birds, as well as a
whole range of insects and amphibians, important marsh plants and riverine trees like black poplar. “Our motivation is both aesthetic and environmental, and the project would not be possible without expert advice from the River Restoration Centre, and funding and support from the Natural England, the Environment Agency, Sussex Wildlife Trust & West Sussex County Council.” The reach of the river to be entered under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme is approximately 2.2km, stretching from Capps Bridge to the A24 including Tenchford Bridge.
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The Crown Inn
Random Hall
Cromptons
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