Biodiversity Northern Ireland

Lower Bann Erosion Alleviation Works

The partnership approach to delivering for biodiversity is achieving results along the Lower Bann River.  Following a survey of the banks of the river, the Lower Bann Advisory Committee devised a project and secured funding and commitment from partners to implement a series of anti-erosion treatments.  Rivers Agency, DARD, Coleraine Borough Council, local farmers and the Advisory Committee have now been responsible for reinforcing the banks at strategic locations with natural materials, including willow spilling, coir rolls and mattresses and tree and reed planting. 

The treatments will be monitored and mended as appropriate over the next year with a view to expanding the most successful treatment options to other eroding areas.  Care will be taken to ensure that the river as a whole has an appropriate balance of habitat types including eroding banks used by sand martins.  The treated areas are already providing more shelter and food for native species.