Work underway to help keep Vicar Water flowing

One element of the project, which is also looking at Rainworth Water and Bevercotes Beck, has seen District Council officers working together with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust to improve the flow of Vicar Water through the park, addressing low flow issues and preventing water loss as well as increasing the ecological resilience of the waterways through a range of environmental measures.

Initial works began last year to remove lots of scrub around the stream, opening up the waterway and letting the light in as well as installing coir matting around Vicar Pond to stabilise the bank. The District Council’s contractor is now on site conducting scrub and tree clearance before working to reshape the river channel, creating new wetland areas, ponds and meanders. These changes will help return the waterway to a more natural form and will increase the capacity and flow of the waterway, helping to prevent flooding downstream.

Councillor Emma Oldham, Portfolio Holder for Biodiversity and Environmental Services at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Vicar Water Country Park is a hugely important and beautiful green space in our district. It’s fantastic to see that the health of the river is at the forefront of these works which will help to ensure that we can enjoy and benefit from the park for years to come. This work aligns beautifully with our Motion for the Ocean pledge, working to improve the health and quality of waterways. This is an exciting and tangible project that residents can come and see firsthand.

“Autumn is a really special time in our parks so why not treat yourself to a visit this weekend and take in the season in all its orange, red and gold glory? I encourage you to come and have a look at these important ecological changes taking place but please do remember to take care around the signposted clearance areas.”

Speaking on behalf of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Head of Communications Erin McDaid said: “The work at Vicar Water forms part of the Nottinghamshire Three Rivers Restoration project being delivered in partnership with Severn Trent to improve the water environment in three rivers within the Idle Catchment, for which the Trust are Catchment Hosts – Vicar Water, Rainworth Water and Bevercotes Beck.

“There are many pressures on wildlife and habitats in this part of the catchment, including past channel modification, poor water quality, low flows and loss of habitat. These rivers have been identified as a high priority for Severn Trent to address these issues and we are delighted to be working with them to improve water flow and enhance the ecological resilience of these important watercourses.”

To find out more about what’s happening at Vicar Water Country Park, including monthly chances to learn more on guided ranger walks, follow the page on social media or visit www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/vicarwater. For further details about The 3 Rivers Project, visit nottinghamshirewildlife.org/3-rivers-project-sherwood-forest.