The River Nar at Castle Acre was revisited on a hot sunny day in August, the purpose of this was to hear about the actions and projected activities to be undertaken by the Norfolk Rivers Trust that are to redevelop the river. The chalk stream is a SSSI that is a major water body of the area that has suffered from agricultural pollution, over abstraction of drinking water, siltation and other diffuse and point source issues.
The schemes were remarkable in their scope and diversity, reduction of pollution, redeveloping the flora of the river bank to resemble the tradition of the chalk streams of the southern downs of England. The redirection of the stream itself where it can add to the value of the water. Increase the fishery value with making the river more accessible for sea trout to spawn in its upper reaches.
Their actions are quite dramatic; the pictures above are taken where no action has taken place, the following demonstrate the dynamic actions that they are undertaking.
The bankside shrubs cut back to allow more light to enter the water to remove the weed growth, the e brash anchored to river bed remove the bank and in time, if not washed away will allow plants to of the chalk to establish.
The brash will tone down in a year and will allow the silts to accumulate in the twiggy filter bed and give a good foundation for marginal flora to develop.
Looking from the South Acre Ford Bridge looking up to the Priory ruins of Castle Acre.
Historically the road surfaces that came close to the river was tarred and shingle; this mix melted in summer and held much field runoff to its surface. This no longer happens and the soil run off and blown soil is no longer held back by the new road surfaces locally and end in the river.
The view looking over flood plain of the River Nar.
Castle Acre Priory from the site of the canal that liked the stew ponds and double decker latrines to the River Nar.
The Bailey Gate at the entrance to the castle and the village of Castle Acre which has its own sewage work that drains to the river.
