South East Water has completed a river restoration project on the River Hart near Basingstoke, designed to improve habitats, biodiversity and water quality.
Delivered in partnership with the South East Rivers Trust and guided by AtkinsRéalis, the project focused on creating a more dynamic, free-flowing channel better connected to its floodplain and downstream habitats.
Key actions included a fish rescue operation to relocate trout, the removal of invasive signal crayfish, desilting the riverbed, and taking out an obstructive weir. Together, these steps will restore natural processes, improve fish passage, and reduce sediment build-up.
Brad Evans, Restoring Sustainable Abstraction Lead at South East Water, said: “We’re pleased to complete this project, which will improve habitat and biodiversity in the River Hart and require less intensive treatment at the water treatment works. This project illustrates our commitment to protecting and restoring our rivers for future generations.”
South East Water will continue working with the South East Rivers Trust to monitor recovery and identify opportunities for further river restoration initiatives.
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