The River Kennet, like most chalk rivers in England is a highly physically modified system
Recent modifications (particularly dredging and channel widening for land drainage or agricultural purposes) have had detrimental impacts on river ecology and navigation.
In urban and sub-urban areas the river is often channelised with no marginal vegetation. Historic structures, for example mill hatches, can impact the river, by impounding upstream sections and obstructing fish passage. The Environment Agency (EA) Water Level Management Plans for the SSSIs on the Kennet and Lambourn identify all these structures and their adverse impacts, and prioritise actions required to address these impacts.
River restoration work
A programme of river restoration work is already well underway in the Kennet, by Action for the River Kennet, EA, Natural England, landowners and fishery interests. Over the last 20 years projects to remove or modify structures, replace dredged gravels and improve river habitat have been completed. Future projects are guided by the Environment Agency’s Habitat Restoration Strategy for the SSSI and the whole river restoration strategy. More about work completed and planned in each part of the catchment.