produced by the community, for the community

River Frome paleo-channel restoration

The Severn Rivers Trust working in partnership with the Environment Agency are undertaking a series of enhancements to the River Frome to improve its ecological condition.  The vision is to provide fish passage from the tidal River Severn to Stroud and on as far as possible.  To date we have modified 4 structures and are investigating  another 7  including the weirs at Fromebridge Mill and Whitminster.

The current phase of the project is working towards the restoration of a paleo-channel in the floodplain of Bond’s Mill:-  (‘paleo’ just means ancient)


This will allow fish to bypass the weir structures at Bond’s Mill and be beneficial to key species such as Salmon, Sea Trout and eels. In addition to this, careful design will guide the development of a natural channel which will provide excellent habitat for wildlife, including local and UK species such as water vole, otter, and pipistrelle.  These are considered important in the Biodiversity Action Plan.

Under the EU Water Framework Directive, we are committed to protecting and improving all waterbodies. Improving habitat connectivity is one way to help rivers achieve ‘Good Ecological Status’.  



This phase started in June 2015 and is scheduled to be complete before September 2017.  Sadly, a pollution incident elsewhere has redirected priorities for the moment.

The project is very involved including many stages not least of which is public consultation. The event held in May this year supported restoring flow to the whole length of the old channel, the provision of footbridge(s) and footpaths along the length, and helped to define the planting plans.


Get Involved


We aim to involve the public as much as possible with this project – before, during and after construction. If you would like to get involved  - e.g. by monitoring invertebrates or wildlife -

then please contact your local officer Melissa Hoskings


Melissa@severnriverstrust.com


N.B. - this will make a pleasant recreational area for humans too!   Ed.


No. 159  Oct - Nov  2016

Eastington Community News Magazine.  Community news for and by the people of Eastington, Gloucestershire