Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Soar Catchment Management Plan Version 2 March 2018

Soar Catchment Management Plan

Written on behalf of the River Soar Catchment Partnership

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Contents 1.0 Purpose of this document ...... 4 2.0 The Catchment Based Approach ...... 4 3.0 River Soar Catchment ...... 4 4.0 The Soar Catchment Partnership ...... 6 4.1 Soar Catchment Vision ...... 7 4.2 Soar Catchment Partnership Objectives ...... 8 4.3 Compelling Outcomes ...... 9 5.0 Data and evidence ...... 11 5.1 Methods for data analysis ...... 11 5.2 Soar Catchment Partnership Priorities ...... 13 6.0 Establishing future areas of work ...... 20 7.0 Summary of Projects ...... 20 8.0 Details of Projects ...... 24 9.0 Monitoring and Evaluation ...... 47 10.0 Acknowledgements ...... 48 Appendix – Extract of data table used as part of data and evidence analysis ...... 49

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership 1.0 Purpose of this document This document provides the baseline to take forward the work of the Soar Catchment Partnership. It describes the Soar catchment and the issues that need to be tackled describes the data and evidence approach that has been used to support the areas and project identified for future development.

The summary tables (page 22-23) show the multiple benefits for each project against the Soar Catchment Partnership goals. Section 8.0 contains the specifications for each project including the current status of the project; the lead organisation and next steps required to make it happen.

2.0 The Catchment Based Approach In 2012 Defra launched the Catchment Based Approach (CABA). The Catchment Based Approach encourages organisations to manage land and water in a balanced way, by identifying the pressures on the water environment, by working together to agree common objective and by implementing solutions. A key principle is encouraging organisation to work in partnership and to deliver a range of benefits through a single initiative.

3.0 River Soar Catchment The catchment of the River Soar covers an area of approximately 1,380 km2, covering much of the county of Leicestershire. It rises between Hinckley and Lutterworth flowing north towards Leicester, the principle urban area within its catchment. It is joined by the Grand Union Canal before Leicester. Other significant towns include Wigston, Melton Mowbray and Loughborough. Downstream of Leicester it is joined by the River Wreake from Melton Mowbray .The River continues through Barrow upon Soar, past Loughborough and Kegworth before joining the River Trent near Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire.

The catchment contains a variety of landscapes, including the Leicestershire Vales, the Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire Wolds and Charnwood’s upland heathlands. The lower Soar valley forms part of the Trent wash lands. The predominant geology is Keuper Marl interspersed with beds of Triassic Sandstone.

The dominant land use across the catchment is rural, mostly arable production with a small portion in pasture. Diffuse nutrient pollution (phosphate) from agricultural runoff is considered to be a major contributing factor to the overall WFD status of the catchment.

A significant amount of urban drainage reaches the Soar and a number of its smaller tributaries where it flows through Leicester. Key issues causing water quality problems come from overflows from sewage works, surface water runoff from quarry workings and the road network. The invasive species Floating Pennywort is present in the low catchment but has been subject to a rigorous control programme so is now in decline. There are also significant numbers of communities in some areas at risk of flooding within the catchment.

Before CABA there were already many projects ongoing across the Soar that delivered benefits for the water environment. However, few of them looked at the catchment as a whole. The Soar Catchment Partnership has brought many well established organisations together to discuss their work and future aspirations at the catchment scale. The work reinforces the strength of some of the existing projects, and allows the partners to look more widely at opportunities to work with partners to bring about benefits that may not be achievable by working alone.

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Figure 1 Map of River Soar Catchment Area

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership 4.0 The Soar Catchment Partnership The Soar Catchment Partnership (SCP) has been developed in response to the Defra Catchment Based Approach policy using funding by Defra and the environment Agency (EA). A range of organisations have been meeting to look at the options across the Soar since the start of 2014.

The Soar catchment partnership has a wide and active membership. The Catchment Based Approach has brought a catchment scale focus to the members recognising the wider benefits that can be achieved by a coordinated partnership. The organisations that attend the meetings are listed below.

 Blaby District Council  Inland Waterways Society  British Canoeing  Loughborough Soar Angling Society  Canal and River Trust  Melton & Oakham Waterways Society  Charnwood Borough Council  National Farmers Union  Country Landowners Association  Natural England  Environment Agency  Oadby & Wigston Borough Council  Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust  Rushcliffe Borough Council  Harborough District Council  Severn Trent Water  Leicester City Council  Trent Rivers Trust (catchment host)  Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust  Waterside Care  Leicestershire County Council

Key pressures in the Soar Catchment

 Diffuse pollution from roads and urban areas  Heavily modified river channels and loss of instream habitats  Rural point source and diffuse pollution  Separation of the river from its floodplain  Barriers to fish migration  Loss of riparian wetland habitats  Litter in the River Soar and its tributaries  Raised levels of phosphates  Risk of properties and roads flooding  Land use leading to flashy watercourses  Building and development too close to the watercourse  Lack of access to the river and conflicts of recreation users in sensitive areas  Lack of community awareness and engagement with water and rivers

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4.1 Soar Catchment Vision The Soar catchment partnership has an agreed vision for the long term on the River Soar.

Vision for the Soar Catchment Partnership

"A Soar catchment that has a sustainable and diverse water environment that benefits people, the natural environment and the economy of the local area.

A catchment in good ecological condition with improved resilience to climate change, flooding and pollution events”.

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

4.2 Soar Catchment Partnership Objectives These objectives have been developed by the partnership over a number of workshops when the partnership started out. Partners were asked to identify their key issues and they have been grouped by subject area.

Long term objective Long term aspiration Enhance Biodiversity and Natural There is a rich and varied collection of habitats and species Processes across the catchment within the river and the floodplain. Areas of high conservation value are in good condition and are connected by wildlife corridors. Fish can move freely throughout the catchment, with adequate areas for refuge and ample habitat for all life stages. Support Sustainable Flood Risk Rain water is stored and managed to reduce the risk of Management flooding. Rain water is held where it falls through the use of urban and rural sustainable drainage solutions wherever possible. Properties and livelihoods are not impacted by flood risk and are resilient to future climate change. Floodplains are managed to store flood water as well as providing other local benefits. Work with Disadvantaged Partnership work, projects and access routes are linked to Communities areas of economic deprivation. Partnership work and projects are benefiting deprived communities. Promote Rural Livelihoods Rural and agricultural communities are aware of and are engaged in delivering benefits for the water environment. Land is managed to enhance its value for water and biodiversity in ways that do not harm the farm business. Strengthen Community There is a high level of public understanding of the Involvement and Recreation importance of rivers and floodplains to provide places for people and wildlife. Communities are involved with a local river project. There is a range of recreation and accessible sites along the river and throughout the catchment. Improve Water quality Water quality from point and diffuse sources is improved. There is a raised awareness of pollution risk from residential, commercial, rural and urban sources. Table 1 Objectives of the Soar Catchment Partnership

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

4.3 Compelling Outcomes The outcomes list below was generated at a partner event on 6th May 2015. Partners were encouraged to prepare a set of outcomes from their own organisation before the meeting. These outcomes were then presented and discussed at the meeting to establish where there is ‘common ground’ between two or more partners. The outcomes were combined and re-worded to better reflect a range of partners’ original outcomes.

The final list of outcomes was generated via discussion throughout the day and should represent the priority outcomes from the organisations that were there on the day.

Work Area Outcome Additional notes 1) An enhanced 1.1 WFD improvements have been Emphasis given to environment. made improve fish passage, Priority given to; channel morphology, and floodplain connectivity where possible. 1.2 At least ten schemes have Include small scale as well been delivered that achieve as larger scale multiple benefits by 2020. interventions. 1.3 Statutory and non-statutory protect sites are improved and enhanced. 2) Improved 2.1 Public understanding of the Difficult to measure engagement and importance of rivers and understanding from floodplains for multiple benefits local communities, across the Soar has improved by individuals, 2020 compared to in 2015. businesses. 2.2 A land management Working with farming as engagement programme well as urban applicable to rural & urban areas communities. delivered by 2017. 2.3 The wider benefits of SuDS are Materials exist for well known through dissemination developers to explain the of interpretation SUDS that owners are materials/publicity to both taking on, the benefits are developers & the public by 2018. monitored an explained. 2.4 A number of well interpreted These include SUDS features exist across the -An urban retrofit catchment. -A new development -Simple domestic SUDS features 2.5 A communication plan To include a directory of incorporating key messages, expertise for the CP and opportunities & resources for all Use of media to share interests is ready for implement- knowledge within the CP. action by 2016; Incorporate community

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engagement, knowledge sharing and effective representation from community groups. 3) More people 3.1 The Soar CP is supporting visiting, partners to provide access, understanding & interpretation and events across using the the Soar to attract and engage the environment. public. 4) Work and projects 4.1 The most beneficial places for Map and text clearly planned and land management interventions show the benefits are delivered. that deliver multiple benefits have achievable at each site, been identified and mapped by including public access, 2016. community involvement, FRM, WQ, Biodiversity. Also includes current status/level of progress of each site. Sites identified as having potential only.

4.2 A Catchment Management Plan in place by March 2017 4.3 Partners and service providers are providing long term sustainable support for projects and the partnership by 2020. 4.4 The Soar Catchment Partnership is maintained and has a secure financial base by 2017. Table 2 Compelling Outcomes for the Soar Catchment Partnership

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

5.0 Data and evidence A central theme for the Soar Catchment Partnership is for its work and priorities to be backed up by evidence. A substantial amount of resource has been dedicated to exploring the data and evidence base across the Soar to inform work and our future priorities.

The River Soar Catchment Partnership has reviewed a whole range of data and evidence for the catchment to produce a set of strategic maps, to guide the partner organisations towards working collaboratively on projects, which can benefit to people and the natural environment. For instance, if a green infrastructure scheme is planned in Leicester to reduce the risk of surface water flooding, with careful planning, the same scheme could also help clean up water pollution, provide much- needed wildlife habitat, and afford recreation and health benefits to local people. This work has resulted in a series of interactive maps, which set out the joint priorities of the partner organisations across the whole catchment, and then provide more detail to help plan specific locations for collaborative action. An extract from the data used is presented in Appendix XY.

The interactive maps is available online by clicking this link.

5.1 Methods for data analysis Given the large size of the catchment, priority maps were produced by summarising a whole range of data against smaller units or sub-catchments. These ‘sub-catchment’ units are formed from combining a number of waterbodies that share similar land use pressures and are shown in table 3 and in Figure 2 below.

Sub catchment No. of Area (km2) Key land use in sub-catchment water bodies Eye Catchment 10 203 Rural, upstream of Melton Leicester Central 2 72 Heavily urbanised Leicester City Centre Leicester East tribs 5 101 Eastern edge of Leicester including some rural areas Leicester West Rural 2 140 Western edge of catchment outside of Leicester. Lower Soar 5 189 Lowlands of the Soar before it reaches the Trent, downstream of Leicester River Sence 5 206 Rural catchment to the south east of Leicester River Wreake 5 213 Rural land downstream of Melton Soar tribs West 6 129 North western corner of the River Soar Upper Soar 6 206 Upper end of Soar upstream of Leicester and River Sence confluence Table 3 Sub-catchments in the Soar Catchment

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Figure 2 Sub-catchments with the Soar Catchment Area

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5.2 Soar Catchment Partnership Priorities

As part of using the data and evidence base, it has been necessary to identity which sub-catchments are a priority for four of the different objectives where suitable data were available (biodiversity, flood risk, water quality and disadvantaged communities). A series of scores for each sub-catchment have been derived, based on available data and evidence, to highlight the areas which present the greatest priority for action and where multiple benefits can be realised by collaborative action.

The 'wagon wheel' symbols shown on the map in Figure 3 represent the scores for each of the four objectives

These show which issues have been identified as being the most important to tackle in each sub-catchment. For example, if flooding and water quality and community disadvantage all score highly, then this would be a good location to zoom in on the detailed maps to try and identify areas suitable for projects that can provide a benefit for all these objectives.

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Figure 3 Map of Soar CP priorities for each water body, wagon wheels showing the relative priority for each theme. One wagon wheel per water body.

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The maps on the following pages are taken directly from the online mapping platform. They illustrate how the data has been summarised then presented in mapped format categorised into the following themes; Biodiversity, Flood Risk, Water Quality and Disadvantaged Communities (Index of multiple deprivation)

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Figure 4 Soar Catchment map (taken from online mapping), highlighting biodiversity and fishery issues

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Figure 5 Soar Catchment map (taken from online mapping), highlighting flood risk

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Figure 6 Soar Catchment highlighting (taken from online mapping), water quality issues and pollution incidents

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Figure 7 Soar Catchment highlighting disadvantaged Communities (showing Index of Multiple Deprivation taken from online mapping)

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

6.0 Establishing future areas of work

A series of ‘Delivery Projects' have been developed by the Soar Catchment Partnership since it started meeting in 2014. This working document identifies many of these projects and provides a draft specification for work. As the partnership as discussed the projects, those with the most backing have been developed further, while others with less backing have been dropped.

General principles used to identify and prioritise ‘Delivery projects’ for the Soar Catchment

The general methodology used to identify these projects are listed below:

 At an event at Beedles Lake Golf Course in February 2014 a long list of projects were identified by the partners. These were mapped and their status recorded (Potential, Planned, Ongoing, Completed).  This list has been discussed, revised and refined during a number of meetings and partner discussion. Other projects have been added to the list as new stakeholders have become involved in the partnership and new project ideas have been developed. The list was reviewed at another meeting In Woodhouse in December 2017.  This approach ensures that the limited resources of the CaBA partnership are used to develop projects which attract the most support from the group and reflect the partnership priorities.  The rivers in the catchment are highly modified with significant industrial and urban pollution. Catchment scale water quality and overall habitat are likely to be very difficult to bring back in a way that will give high quality ecology due to multiple upstream sources of pollution and pressure.  The projects is on rivers, groundwater and reservoirs where there will be multiple benefits.  The data behind the online mapping platform has been used with summary and water body documents to focus in on the main opportunities which will bring multiple benefits.  Actions are assessed for how closely they meet the range of Soar CP objectives of 1) Biodiversity and Natural Processes, 2) Flood Risk Management, 3) Rural livelihoods and Farming, 4) Disadvantaged Communities, 5) Community Involvement and Recreation, and 6) Water Quality.  The summary table below could be used to change or refine the suggested projects, in consultation with the Catchment Partnership, to better deliver the catchment strategy.  Each project has a 'lead partner’ to drive it forward.

7.0 Summary of Projects The table below lists the projects identified within the Soar Catchment Partnership. Section 8 contains the specifications for each project ‘Project Sheets’) including the current status of the project; the lead organisation and next steps required to make it happen.

Projects are allocated a ‘Status’, indicating the level of priority for delivery and or development assigned by the partnership. These priorities are correct as of March 2018.

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

This level of status for the High and medium priority status projects was ratified at the Catchment Partnership event in December 2017.

Project Status High priority – identified as being a key project, delivering multiple benefits and receiving widespread support Medium priority – identified as being key projects and delivering multiple benefits. Planned – identified as important projects with support delivering at least one major benefit. Currently inactive – projects that deliver SCP objectives but are not currently in a position to deliver. Funded or Ongoing – projects delivering Soar CP objectives, funded from other sources

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Ref No. Project name Lead Partner Status Original Project No. Project sheet CMP? SCPN / 001 Chronicles of Charnia NF High priority SCPN / 044 Yes SCPN / 002 Sileby Brook TRT High priority SCPN / 043 Yes SCPN / 003 Soar & Wreake Valley Living Landscapes L&RWT High priority SCPN / 025 Yes SCPN / 004 Soar NFM EA High priority SCPN / 004 Yes SCPN / 005 River Biam & Aylestone Meadows LCityC High priority Yes SCPN / 006 Kingston Brook RDC High priority SCPN / 017 Yes SCPN / 007 River Eye SSSI Restoration NE High priority SCPN / 016 Yes SCPN / 008 Thurnby Lodge LCityC High priority SCPN / 012 Yes SCPN / 009 Braunstone Lakes LCityC Medium priority SCPN / 020 Yes

SCPN / 010 Kittys Brook, Glen Parva BDC Medium priority Yes SCPN / 011 Rushcliffe BOM Soar Valley Focus Area Rushcliffe BC Medium priority SCPN / 015 Yes SCPN / 012 Ratcliffe Weir Fish Pass EA Medium priority SCPN / 022 Yes SCPN / 013 Sycamore Way, Littlethorpe BDC Planned Yes SCPN / 014 Willow Brook Catchment Citizen Science TRT Planned SCPN / 024 Yes SCPN / 015 Watermead Regeneation Corridor Charnwood BC Planned Yes SCPN / 016 Watermead Reed Bed LROS Planned SCPN / 008 Yes SCPN / 017 Waterside Care WC Planned Yes SCPN / 018 Rothley Lodge Fry Refuge L&RWT Planned Yes SCPN / 019 Shared Waters LCityC Planned SCPN / 002 Yes SCPN / 020 Phillip Drive, Glen Parva Blaby DC Planned Yes SCPN / 021 Oak Crescent Blaby DC Planned Yes

SCPN / 022 Leicester Brooks Urban Diffuse Pollution and Control LCityC Planned Yes SCPN/ 023 Green Lifeboat LCityC Planned SCPN/018 No SCPN/ 024 Ellis Meadows Community Engagement Project LCityC Planned SCPN/019 No SCPN / 025 Diffuse pollution in the Willow Brook / Reaching Communities LCityC Planned No SCPN / 026 Diffuse pollution on the Wissendine Brook Sustainable LT Planned No SCPN/ 027 Syston Hub MOWS Planned SCPN/003 No

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SCPN/ 028 Planting on County Farms / Upstream tree planting LCC Currently inactive SCPN/006 No SCPN/ 029 River Soar and Grand Union Partnership projects LCityC / LCC Currently inactive SCPN/013 No SCPN/ 030 Braunstone Lakes LCityC Currently inactive SCPN/020 Yes SCPN/ 031 Wash Brook Catchment Project Oadby &Wigston BC Currently inactive SCPN/023 No SCPN/ 032 Charnwood SSSI project NE Currently inactive SCPN/027 No SCPN/ 033 Fish passage at Zouch Weir EA Currently inactive SCPN/030 No SCPN/ 034- Fish Passage at Multiple weirs on the River Soar EA Currently inactive SCPN/031-038 No 42 SCPN/43 Groby Pool SSSI remediation NE Currently inactive No SCPN/44 Lockington Marshes SSSI remediation NE Currently inactive No SCPN/ 045 Wildlife Friendly Farming Project GCT Funded or Ongoing SCPN/029 No SCPN/ 046 Phosphate removal at 13l waste water treatment works ST Funded or Ongoing SCPN/039 No SCPN/ 047 Severn Trent Water Sewer Management Plan ST Funded or Ongoing SCPN/040 No SCPN / 048 River Eye SSSI Catchment Project NE Funded or Ongoing SCPN /026 Yes SCPN/ 049 Flood Risk Green Infrastructure project Leicester EA/LCC Funded or Ongoing SCPN/010 No SCPN/ 050 Cropston / Swithland Catchment Farm Engagement ST Funded or Ongoing SCPN/028 No

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8.0 Details of Projects (Project Sheets).

Project Name: Charnwood Forest Landscape Partnership (The Chronicles of Charnwood)

Project Overview Project Number SCPN / 001 Project Status: High Priority Funding status Received Round 1 approval from HLF Lead Organisation: National Forest Company Project Manager: Sam Lattaway Waterbody Number: Waterbody Name: Location (NGR) Last Reviewed:

Objectives and Costs

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community Involvement & Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K( Ease of Delivery ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓✓ ✓✓ £3.6m

Project description: A Landscape Partnership application in the north western corner of the Soar catchment encompassing Charnwood Forest and unusual geology formations. Project working with a range of partners to conserve and promote this distinctive landscape and its heritage.

Maps / Photos: Any additional information

Next steps: An 18-month development phase leading up to Round 2 submission in Autumn 2019.

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Project Name: Sileby Brook Project

Project Overview Project Number SCPN / 002 Project Status: High Priority Funding status Needs funding Lead Organisation: TRT Project Manager: Ian Underwood Waterbody Number: Waterbody Name: Location (NGR) Last Reviewed:

Objectives and Costs

ural

Biodiversity & Nat Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community Involvement & Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K( Ease of Delivery ✓✓ ✓✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓✓ ✓✓

Project description: Work with Sileby Parish Council and others to enhance the corridor of the brook course within the village. Develop opportunities to improve flood management using storage areas along the brook, and with upstream landowners where appropriate. Enhance the habitat value of the brook by removing concrete lining where this is feasible.

Maps / Photos: Any additional information

Next steps: Work up details of scheme with PC, EA and Leicestershire County Council

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Project Name: Soar and Wreake Valley Living Landscape

Project Overview Project Number SCPN / 003 Contact Email: [email protected] Project status: High Priority Additional funding Yes required? Lead Organisation: Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust Project Manager: Claire Install Waterbody Number: Waterbody Name: Soar and Wreake catchment Location (NGR) Last Reviewed: January 2017 Info. Publically Yes available? **

Objectives and Costs

(***please add ticks,

based on scoring criteria in pink box)

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community Involvement & Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K ( if known ✓✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓

Project Summary : A landscape-scale project based in the Soar and Wreake Valleys, part of the Wildlife Trust’s ‘Living Landscape’ strategy.

Project description: The Ssoar and Wreake Valley identified as a landscapes with a large number of ecologically important sites, and would benefit from habitat improvement to make its wildlife resilient to future changes and pressures. Priority is to restore wildlife and wild places to the floodplains of the Soar and Wreak, to enable the floodplain to function more naturally to benefit nature and people. Continue to survey, acquire more land managed as Nature Reserves, carry out habitat enhancement works, and provide advice to landowners, centred around Cossington Meadows.

Maps / Photos: Available on request

Next steps: Ongoing land owner advice and surveys to assess the habitat quality / direct future management. Habitat connectivity mapping is an aspiration to direct future work.

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Project Name: Soar NFM

Project Overview Project Number SCPN/004 Project Status: High Priority Funding status Trent FRCC application submitted Defra funding allocated Lead Organisation: EA Project Manager: Alex McDonald Waterbody Number: Various Waterbody Name: Various Location (NGR) Upper Soar Last Reviewed: Dec 2017

Objectives and Costs

vement &

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community Invol Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K( Ease of Delivery ✓ ✓✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ 200 2

Project description: Work with farmers and landowners to develop capital projects to deliver natural flood management features. Integrate with advice on good farming practise, enhanced biodiversity. Project targeted to upstream catchments where there is a flood risk downstream.

Feasibility study underway (February 2017) focussing on three areas, the Willow Brook, Wash Brook and River Sence, the Upper Soar and the Upper Eye

Maps / Photos:

Next steps: TRT and partners working with the EA to develop a business case to secure funding to deliver a range of NFM schemes.

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Project Name: River Biam & Aylestone Meadows

Project Overview Project Number SCPN/005 Project Status: High Priority Funding status Lead Organisation: Leicester City Council Project Manager: Waterbody Number: Waterbody Name: Location (NGR) Last Reviewed:

Objectives and Costs

nt &nt

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community Involveme Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K(

Criteria for scoring objectives (0 – not an objective, 1-Minor objective, 2-Main objective)

Project description: What is the project doing to actually do? (150 words max if possible).

1. Siltation trap - to capture siltation/runoff from rural areas and off Lutterworth Brook - consider siltation trap further back into catchment too

2. Naturalise brook to re-instate natural meander and reduce pressure of flooding onto Braunstone Ln East/Middle St (possibly link in with IFRMS)

3. Create good habitat for otter and water vole previously recorded

Maps / Photos: Any additional information

Next steps: Key points for what needs doing next

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Project Name: Kingston Brook

Project Overview Project Number SCPN / 006 Contact Email: [email protected] Project status: High Priority Additional funding required? Yes Lead Organisation: To be confirmed Project Manager: To be confirmed (Paul Phillips for now) Waterbody Number: Waterbody Name: Kingston Brook Location (NGR) Kingston Brook Last Reviewed: Info. Publically available? Yes **

Objectives and Costs

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community Involvement & Recreatio Water Quality Cost (£K ( if known ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓✓

Project Summary : Project to improve water quality in the catchment area of the Kingston Brook

Project description: Project to improve water quality in the catchment area of the Kingston Brook, with the aim of achieving good ecological status. Other aims are to enhance biodiversity, landscape, access as well as reduce and store surface water run-off. Potential actions include channel modification, off line ponds, farm advice, silt traps and livestock control. Additional work required with Seven Trent Water to address sewage / water treatment capacity issues.

Maps / Photos: See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingston_Brook

Next steps: Trent Valley Internal Drainage Board are currently mapping the brook, following this work detailed actions and costings will be developed.

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Project Name: River Eye SSSI Restoration

Project Overview Project Number SCPN / 007 Project Status: High Priority Funding status Additional funding required Lead Organisation: TRT Project Manager: Alan Graham Waterbody Number: GB104028047550 Waterbody Name: Eye / Wreake from Langham Brook to Soar Location (NGR) Last Reviewed:

Objectives and Costs

diversity &

Bio Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community Involvement & Recreation Water Quality ✓✓✓ ✓ ✓✓

Project description: Modify the bank profile, install large woody material, create in channel features, promote sensitive riparian land management to enhance the natural features of the river promote its value for biodiversity.

Maps / Photos:

Next steps: Secure funding for remaining areas of restoration scheme. Support landowners to identify acres where there is mutual benefit.

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Project Name: Thurnby Lodge, (Daykin Road), Willow Brook, Leicester

Project Overview Project Number SCPN /008 Project Status: High Priority Funding status Lead Organisation: Leicester City Council Project Manager: Waterbody Number: Waterbody Name: Location (NGR) Last Reviewed:

Objectives and Costs

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community Involvement & Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K(

Criteria for scoring objectives (0 – not an objective, 1-Minor objective, 2-Main objective)

Project description: What is the project doing to actually do? (150 words max if possible).

1. Siltation traps - two smaller-scale traps to capture siltation upstream of weir - will link in with NRM further upstream and reduce need for major sediment clear-outs every few years within the park 2. Naturalise brook to re-instate meanders downstream of weir and into wet marshland area to temporarily inundate the area 3. Re- instate and restore wet- marshland habitat through re-profiling and digging out to create open-water and marshy areas 4. Gully guards and siltatation trap - near to Thurncourt Rd 4. Create good habitat for otter, water vole and kingfisher

Maps / Photos: Any additional information

Next steps: Key points for what needs doing next

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Project Name: Braunstone Lakes Enhancement Project 2

Project Overview Project Number SCPN / 009 Project Status: Medium Priority Funding status Lead Organisation: Leicester City Council Project Manager: Waterbody Number: Waterbody Name: Location (NGR) Last Reviewed:

Objectives and Costs

ged

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvanta Communities Community Involvement & Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K(

Criteria for scoring objectives (0 – not an objective, 1-Minor objective, 2-Main objective)

Project description: What is the project doing to actually do? (150 words max if possible).

Raise awareness - campaign and active "zero tolerance" of point- source pollution from Ind estate upstream

Raise awareness - campaign for mis-connections and reduce phosphates into Braunstone Brook which flows into Lakes

Gully guards and siltation trap - near to Cort Cresent and Hinckley Rd

Dredge out Lake 2 (less polluted) followed by Lake 1 to remove toxins and aid fish and invertebrate recovery

Maps / Photos: Any additional information

Next steps: Key points for what needs doing next

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Project Name: Kitty’s Brook, Glen Parva

Project Overview Project Number SCPN / 010 Project Status: Medium Priority Funding status Lead Organisation: Blaby DC Project Manager: David Gould Waterbody Number: Waterbody Name: Tributary of River Soar Location (NGR) Last Reviewed:

Criteria for scoring objectives (0 – not an objective, 1-Minor objective, 2-Main objective)

Objectives and Costs

ies

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communit Community Involvement & Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K( 2 2 0 0 1 0

Project description: What is the project doing to actually do? (150 words max if possible).

This project involves a 200m length of this tributary of the River Soar. The main issues are collapsing banks, and poor management of trees and vegetation, with some flytipped garden waste. The watercourse receives surface water from several public sewers, originating in the Saffron catchment. There is some involvement from Riparian owners. Historically Blaby District Council has checked and cleared debris from the grid located on the watercourse before it is culverted beneath parish council land and housing.

Maps / Photos: Any additional information

Attached

Next steps: Key points for what needs doing next

 Works to stabilise the banks of the watercourse  Management of the trees and vegetation bordering the watercourse  Application of NFM techniques to control and maintain flow.

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Project Name: Rushcliffe BOM - Soar Valley Focal Area

Project Overview Project Number SCPN / 011 Contact Email: [email protected] Project status: Medium Priority Additional funding required? Yes Lead Organisation: Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy Implementation Group Project Manager: Paul Phillips Waterbody Number: Waterbody Name: River Soar Location (NGR) River Soar Last Reviewed: Info. Publically available? Yes **  Objectives and Costs

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantag Communities Community Involvement & Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K ( if known ✓✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓

  Project Summary : Focal area identified within The Rushcliffe Biodiversity Opportunity Mapping Project  Project description: Area identified within The Rushcliffe Biodiversity Opportunity Mapping Project with lots of potential for wetland/grassland developments along the whole of the river corridor, but with particular focus on the lowlands around Sutton Bonnington. Detailed actions are not yet identified.   Maps / Photos: see http://www.nottsbag.org.uk/pdfs/RushcliffeBOMReport2015_V3.pdf  Next steps: Development of an action plan and costings. Sourcing funding

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Project Name: Ratcliffe weir fish passage project

Project Overview Project Number SCPN/012 Project Status: Medium Priority Funding status Funding required Lead Organisation: EA Project Manager: Karen Twine Waterbody Number: GB104028047212 Waterbody Name: River Soar from Long Whatton Brook to Trent Location (NGR) SK4924928806 Last Reviewed:

Objectives and Costs

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community Involvement & Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K( Ease of Delivery ✓✓✓ ✓✓

Project description: What is the project going to actually do? (150 words max if possible).

Enabling fish passage between the Rivers Trent and Soar would help to address WFD objectives and Eel Regulations, allowing fish to move freely and access different habitat types, potentially improving spawning and recruitment success. This will also have socio-economic benefits as an improved fishery will interest more anglers.

Options for fish passage include technical fish pass or easement

Maps / Photos: Any additional information

Next steps: Key points for what needs doing next

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Project Name: Sycamore Way, Littlethorpe

Project Overview Project Number SCPN / 013 Project Status: Planned Funding status Lead Organisation: Blaby DC Project Manager: David Gould Waterbody Number: Waterbody Name: Tributary of Cosby Brook Location (NGR) Last Reviewed:

Criteria for scoring objectives (0 – not an objective, 1-Minor objective, 2-Main objective)

Objectives and Costs

ural

Biodiversity & Nat Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community Involvement & Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K( 1 2 0 0 0 1

Project description: What is the project doing to actually do? (150 words max if possible).

This project involves a unnamed tributary of Cosby Brook, which flows between several gardens in Littlethorpe. The watercourse has a poor flow due to change of direction and backfall, together with overgrown vegetation. It receives surface water from a number of sewers, including highway drainage. There has been historical flooding and issuing of sandbags to protect several houses from highway derived flooding.

Maps / Photos: Any additional information

Map attached

Next steps: Key points for what needs doing next

 Clearance of overgrown vegetation from the watercourse towards confluence with Cosby Brook  Application of NFM techniques to maintain and control flow  Limited resident involvement so far

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

 Project Name: Willow Brook Catchment Citizen Science Project

Project Overview Project Number SCP / 024 Project Status: Planned Funding status Funding required Lead Organisation: TRT Project Manager: Ruth Needham Waterbody Number: Waterbody Name: Location (NGR) Last Reviewed:  

Objectives and Costs

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community Involvement & Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K( Ease of Delivery ✓✓✓ ✓✓

   Project description: Working with communities to monitor water quality at set sampling points across the Willow Brook catchment. Data collected to track base line conditions and evaluate effectiveness of schemes upstream. Currently using the FreshWaterWater equipment and app to tool to engage with communities on water quality discussion.  Maps / Photos: Any additional information  Next steps: Key points for what needs doing next 

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Project Name: Watermead Regeneration Corridor

Project Overview Project Number SCPN / 015 Project Status: Planned Funding status Lead Organisation: Charnwood Borough Council Project Manager: Richard Brown Waterbody Number: Waterbody Name: Location (NGR) Watermead Wanlip, Birstall, Thurmaston, west Syston Last Reviewed: Criteria for scoring objectives (0 – not an objective, 1-Minor objective, 2-Main objective)

Objectives and Costs

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community Involvement & Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K( 1 1 1 2 2 1

Project description: What is the project doing to actually do? (150 words max if possible).

Watermead Regeneration Framework is a series of short (2018), medium (2021) and long term actions (2031)

Whilst Charnwood Borough Council is the Project Lead, many of the actions relate to Watermead Country Park and will be delivered in partnership with Leicestershire County Council.

Project to be delivered by 2018 include:

 Raising awareness of events in the Watermead area through marketing  Improved signage and entrances  Car parking strategy  New visitor centre (within the Country Park)  Encouraging educational use  Habitat interventions  Redeveloping Old School in Thurmaston Village Centre  New north south bridge to link County and City parts of Watermead Country Park

Maps / Photos: Any additional information

Next steps: Key points for what needs doing next

Establishing working groups for individual projects, engaging with key partners especially County and City Councils.

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Project Name: Watermead Reedbed

Project Overview Project Number SCPN/016 Project Status: Planned Funding status Needs funding Project Owner: Leicester and Rutland Ornithology Group Project Manager: Peter Williams Waterbody Number: GB104028047030 Waterbody Name: Soar from Sence to Rothley Brook Location (NGR): Watermead Country Park, Leicester Last Reviewed: January 2017 Contact Email: [email protected]

Objectives and Costs

nvolvement &

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community I Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K( ✓✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 25

Project Summary: Creation of reedbed at Watermead Country Park

Project description: Excavation and construction of an off-line reed bed reserve with the aim of improving the wetland habitat of the area. The works will also have additional benefits in creating additional flood storage capacity, water cleansing, fisheries improvement, landscape benefits and support Water Framework Directive objectives. The scheme has been designed to provide a priority wetland habitat as identified in the Biodiversity Action Plan for Leicestershire & Rutland. Such habitats are scarce in Leicestershire and this scheme will benefit birds, (particularly Water Rail, Bittern, Little Egret, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler), Mammals (Otter and Water Shrew), Fish - Roach, Bream, Chub, Dace, Perch and Pike, by providing a spawning area and backwater linked to the main river.

Maps / Photos

Location of proposed reedbed

Plan of proposed reedbed Next steps

Drainage flood consent has been obtained from the Environment Agency. Planning permission is not required. Secure funding.

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Project Name: WatersideCare

Project Overview Project Number SCPN / 017 Project Status: Planned / Ongoing Funding status Requires funding from 1 April 2018 Lead Organisation: Keep Britain Tidy Project Manager: Les Warren Waterbody Number: All within catchment Waterbody Name: Location (NGR) Last Reviewed:

Objectives and Costs

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community Involvement & Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K( 1 1 1 1 2 1 £100,000 pa

Criteria for scoring objectives (0 – not an objective, 1-Minor objective, 2-Main objective)

Project description: What is the project doing to actually do? (150 words max if possible).

WatersideCare is a project that supports volunteer groups to help clean up waterways across the Midlands. Volunteers are provided with insurance, equipment, risk assessments, first aid training and access to specialist knowledge on how to improve the health of waterways. Groups are encouraged to pick up litter and heavy items from the waterways, check on water quality, assess outfalls, report and check up on pollution and misconnections, remove invasive non native species and work with catchment partnerships to promote community engagement. Volunteers also work on waterways to improve habitat management and to increase the value that local residents see in the waterway

WatersideCare is a project managed by Keep Britain Tidy and funded by the Environment Agency, Severn Trent and the Canal & River Trust. It employs two Project Officers to work with the 59 volunteer groups currently across the Midlands, including six WatersideCare groups in the Soar Catchment

Maps / Photos: Any additional information

WatersideCare works with volunteer groups on the Willow Brook, Evington Brook, River Soar and Burleigh Brook, involving around 100 volunteers in a regular clean up or water quality check, reporting the information to the Project Officers who in turn provide a Project Report each month

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

The Project, which has been going for seven years, is assessed annually through an evaluation with all volunteers, and through the reports to the Steering Group. A very extensive set of Key Performance Indicators are used to assess the performance of the project against agreed targets

An annual celebration event is held each year to thank the many volunteers and to showcase the inspiration and success of volunteering. Social media is used extensively to promote the project, events and the success of the volunteers

Keep Britain Tidy brings a very successful brand and track record to the Project, helping volunteers to be part of a national #LitterHeroes campaign to get rid of litter and clean up local areas. The Charity also uses the very successful Great British Spring Clean to encourage more volunteers to clean up grot spots

Next steps: Key points for what needs doing next

The WatersideCare Project is in need of funding to continue the work in the Midlands, including the Soar Catchment

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Rothley Lodge and Cossington Fry Refuge

Project Overview Project Number SCPN / 018 Project Status: Planned Funding status Lead Organisation: Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust Project Manager: Waterbody Number: Waterbody Name: Location (NGR) Last Reviewed:

Objectives and Costs

volvement &

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community In Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K(

Criteria for scoring objectives (0 – not an objective, 1-Minor objective, 2-Main objective)

Project description: What is the project doing to actually do? (150 words max if possible).

Maps / Photos: Any additional information

Next steps: Key points for what needs doing next

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Project Name: Shared Waters

Project Overview Project Number SCPN / 019 Project Status: Planned Funding status Project Owner: Leicester City Council Project Manager: Victoria Hudson Waterbody Number: GB104028046980, GB104028046960 Waterbody Name: Willow Brook and Evington Brook Location (NGR) SK 62102 85870 Last Reviewed: January 2017

Objectives and Costs

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community Involvement & Recreation Water Quality Ease of Delivery ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓✓ ✓✓✓ ✓✓ 1

Project description: Range of work and projects to involve the local community in the Willow Brook. Includes litter picking, Invasive species removal, raising awareness.

Maps / Photos

Next steps

Extend work along other watercourses in Leicester

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Project Name: Phillip Drive, Glen Parva

Project Overview Project Number SCPN /020 Project Status: Planned Funding status Lead Organisation: Blaby DC Project Manager: Waterbody Number: Waterbody Name: Ditch flowing into Grand Union Canal Location (NGR) Last Reviewed:

Criteria for scoring objectives (0 – not an objective, 1-Minor objective, 2-Main objective)

Objectives and Costs

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community Involvement & Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K( 2 2 0 0 2 1

Project description: What is the project doing to actually do? (150 words max if possible).

This project focuses on a ditch that flows between residential gardens and the playing fields of South Wigston Academy. It receives surface water from a public sewer that also drains several roads. The discharge point for the sewer is close to the bed level . There are a number of overgrown trees on the eastern bank of the watercourse, and this causes some root intrusion into the bed. The banks to the gardens are eroded in places. The Academy has an educational wildlife area alongside the watercourse, but the 2 do not appear to be connected at present. The flow is extremely slow at the confluence with the Canal. There is some resident involvement, but the fence to the housing development inhibits access.

Maps / Photos: Any additional information

Attached

Next steps: Key points for what needs doing next

 Management of trees and other vegetation alongside the ditch  Additional support for banks  Improved discharge point for sewer  Application of NFM techniques to maintain and control flow  Investigate potential for the watercourse and the educational wildlife area to be associated  Nuture community involvement, and improve access esp. through fenceline

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Project Name: Oak Crescent, Braunstone Town

Project Overview Project Number SCPN / 021 Project Status: Planned Soar CP Action: Funding status Lead Organisation: Blaby DC Project Manager: Waterbody Number: Waterbody Name: Lubbesthorpe Brook Location (NGR) Last Reviewed:

Criteria for scoring objectives (0 – not an objective, 1-Minor objective, 2-Main objective)

Objectives and Costs

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community Involvement & Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K( 2 1 0 2 2 1

Project description: What is the project doing to actually do? (150 words max if possible).

This project involves a 50m stretch of Lubbesthorpe Brook, as it flows between Braunstone Town and Thorpe Astley. There is an overgrown footpath on the southern side and residents ford the watercourse with some antisocial behaviour and flytipping. The watercourse is bounded by significant potential habitat. Several local residents prepared to be involved.

Maps / Photos: Any additional information

Google map attached with approximate 50m boundary indicated

Next steps: Key points for what needs doing next

 Clearance of overgrown footpath  Fencing off of watercourse  Removal of flytipped material and cleansing of watercourse  Management of trees and other vegetation to enhance biodiversity

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Project Name: Leicester brooks Urban Diffuse Pollution and Control

Project Overview Project Number SCPN / 022 Project Status: Planned Soar CP Action: Funding status Amount required still to be confirmed Lead Organisation: Leicester City Council Project Manager: Louise Davis Waterbody Number: Waterbody Name: River soar & Connection water courses Location (NGR) Last Reviewed: Ongoing Criteria for scoring objectives (0 – not an objective, 1-Minor objective, 2-Main objective)

Objectives and Costs

Biodiversity & Natural Processes Flood Risk Management Rural Livelihoods Disadvantaged Communities Community Involvement & Recreation Water Quality Cost (£K( Yes Yes Yes

Project description: What is the project doing to actually do? (150 words max if possible).

The project is aiming to identify the key locations along the river soar and connecting water courses within the city boundary where silt and litter build up are a major issue. The issues may be related to poor water flow, raised water level (during wet weather periods), sitting within identified flood risk areas, poor water quality, impacting negatively on nature conservation.

The long term plan will be to identify new and innovative schemes of work to reduce the silt, litter build up, and improve water flow, quality and navigation by leisure and working boats. The project will be considering best methods and approach in terms of initial installation, clearance, improvement, ongoing maintenance and lifespan of designs.

Maps / Photos: Any additional information

Next steps: Key points for what needs doing next

LCC Riverside project Manager and Conservation & Planning Team Leader to submit a draft outline proposal of options for members’ approval before progressing with further project development.

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

9.0 Monitoring and Evaluation

As part of promoting delivery, it is important to monitor the effects and impacts of the work and projects. The Soar Catchment Management Group meets quarterly to review the development of the partnership and of the management plan.

It is the role of each project leader to monitor and evaluate the benefits of their work and projects. Project evaluation enables improvement in methods and techniques used for future work.

A monitoring and evaluation tool with associated support for the Catchment Partners to use it is currently in development.

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

10.0 Acknowledgements

The development of this Catchment Plan has been supported by WaterLIFE (LIFE13 ENV/UK/000497)

The Soar Catchment Partnership would like to acknowledge the support of the following organisations in supporting the development of this plan.

 The Trent Rivers Trust  Environment Agency  Defra  PJHydro  The Rivers Trust  Members of the Soar Catchment Partnership

Soar Catchment Management Plan River Soar Catchment Partnership

Appendix – Extract of data table used as part of data and evidence analysis