Seafield Weir Removal

Overview

The Seafield Weir Removal project has worked with the local landowner to dramatically change the landscape to remove the migratory fish barrier, known as Seafield Weir, and where possible re-naturalise or improve the river within the context of the works. 

The project used low-tech and measured solutions to remove the redundant weir to enable the renaturalisation of the river, and where possible maximise the restoration of the hydrology, stream power and space for native species to thrive. 

The landowner is supportive of the work but wished to ensure it was simple to deliver, and known and trusted operatives were used to manage any COVID-19 restrictions.

The work will restore longitudinal connectivity for the River Almond at this point.  The removal will allow for natural sediment and species transfer across this point of the river, something which was lost over a century ago.  It will allow fish access to 15 km of main stem river plus tributaries and the works upstream to manage the removal of the impoundment will restore 200 m of natural river conditions. 

The work is being undertaken by the Forth Rivers Trust, Forth Rivers Consulting and the landowner – each providing expertise into the main three elements, with support from consultants with regards to hydrological modelling and structural assessment required for the flood management and CAR licence.

Funder

This project was funded by the Nature Scot Nature Restoration Fund