The river Ouse has been modifed over time for flood risk management, navigation, water abstraction and agriculture.  Consequently the river contains numerous flow-regulating structures, many of which present a considerable barrier to fish migration at key periods of their life cycle.  This contributes to the low diversity and abundance of fish stocks within this sub-catchment, which is causing many stretches of the river to fail the Water Framework Directive.

This project aims to identify and remove, or modify, obstructions in conjunction with watercourse restoration.  This work will improve habitat diversity and fish passage, as well as helping to reduce the risk of flooding (typically by creating areas for flood water storage).  The project is focusing on the middle stretches of the main river Ouse and associated tributaries.

An initial comprehensive list of in-channel obstructions has been rationalised to a priority shortlist of 15 sites for detailed options appraisal and improvement. Click on projects 5 to 15 on the project map for information and progress on each site.