Big Perch

The Environment Agency is currently looking at some improvement work on the River Avon in Chippenham and are keen to get the thoughts of the Angling Club. The main driver for these works is due to the condition of the radial sluice gate and weir, just downstream of the town centre, which will need replacing in the short to near term. There are several options being considered, with the intention of a preferred option being identified by summer 2023. One of the options is to simply replace the existing sluice gate with a new structure which provides the same function, but this would not provide any additional environmental benefits. The gate and weir are only currently there to provide an amenity water level upstream, they do not provide a flood risk function.  However, if the gate was to fail to open during high flows then there would be a substantial increase in flood risk to Chippenham. The alternative option is to remove the gate and weir and do some degree of naturalisation of the upstream channel through Monkton Park. This would involve narrowing the low flow channel, with areas alongside that are available for use during normal times, but designed to flood when required. It could also include the provision of a number of low rock weirs through this length of channel.

All of this can be done without increasing flood risk to the surrounding area, and would have a number of environmental benefits, especially in terms of allowing a greater range of fish species to migrate through this reach of river. It would also benefit the in-channel and riverside habitats, providing more varied habitats for different fish species and life stages and could provide more varied spawning habitat. It would also provide additional amenity space. It would however change the regular water levels throughout the Monkton Park area. Under normal conditions the depth of water would be significantly reduced from current, but there would also be a greater amount of aerated, faster flowing water. The water level would also vary more following heavy rainfall. The impact on normal water levels is likely to be quite limited upstream of the golf course area, with minimal impact around the Riverside Drive area.

The Environment Agency are keen to understand what the impact of a change, as described above, would have on angling activities in this reach of river both in terms of positive and negative changes. It would also be good to identify any improvements that could be made along the river to enhance this amenity use.

This project is still in its early stages and no decision on a preferred option has been made yet. We are just looking to collate people’s opinions at this stage, but would be happy to provide any further information.

​If you have any questions or feedback please feel free to contact the Environment Agency direct at Chippenham@environment-agency.gov.uk

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