Text Box: River Darent Rehabilitation Project Chalk rivers are an invaluable resource for wildlife and are an intrinsic part of our cultural heritage. All chalk rivers in Kent are considered a priority for conservation and one of the principle examples is the River Darent. Over the past 10 years the Environment Agency has worked with water companies to reduce abstraction. This prevents the river drying up during periods of drought and maintains flows essential for the river’s wildlife. In 2005 the Environment Agency adopted a Restoration Strategy for the River Darent. This plan was summarised at the annual DRiPS (Darent River Preservation Society) meeting. It aims to use a range of enhancement techniques used on other UK chalk rivers to improve the River Darent. The EA will restore parts of the river that suffer from poor ecology due to the past over abstraction and management. These improvements should enhance the river environment for invertebrates, fish, birds and water voles. The Environment Agency has already completed some enhancements on the river at Hawley Manor and Lullingstone Castle. Just one year on, wildlife improvements have already been demonstrated at Hawley. The latest project will cover 300 metres of river downstream of Franks Lane, Horton Kirby. The river is currently fairly straight with little variety so in channel gravels will be re-distributed to create a range of features that would naturally be present in chalk rivers such as pools, riffles and a meandering course, with cleaner gravels. Tom Cook, Biodiversity Technical Officer for the Environment Agency, said: “The Darent Restoration Strategy complements the work we have already done to reduce the impacts of abstraction on the river. The project demonstrates what we can achieve by enhancing stretches of the River Darent. By doing this important work we can help create an environment that is beneficial for native wildlife and naturally very beautiful for the local community to enjoy.” The work at Franks Lane,taking one or two days is due to take place within the next few months. If you would like more information please contact: Tom Cook, Environment Agency, Orchard House, Endeavour Park, London Road, Addington, West Malling, Kent, ME19 5SH. Email: Tom.cook@environment-agency.gov.uk 01732 223103