Charnwood Borough Council - Leading in Leicestershire

Rivers & Canals

In many places, rivers are not in a natural state. They have been canalised and impounded to provide power to mills, for navigation and more recently by flood alleviation schemes. However, they still hold considerable value for biodiversity.

Two major rivers flow through Charnwood: the River Soar and its tributary, the River Wreake. The Grand Union Canal follows the line of the Soar, and in places, the river forms part of the navigation. The Soar is diverse and species-rich with nationally scarce invertebrates associated with exposed river banks. The Wreake supports a large, thriving population of white-clawed crayfish.

Objectives & targets:

· identify important sites and management by 2005.
· establish more natural patterns of river flow, where this does not adversely affect navigation, by 2005.
· encourage the control of alien species.
· establish conservation zones along 10% of river/canal banks by 2005.