Assessing the feasibility of a new fish bypass and wetland habitat to improve fish navigability, biodiversity, and water quality

Sam’s Mill Fish Pass and Wetland

A weir on the Middle Brook, West Yorkshire has historically prevented upstream fish migration. This was a problem—fish require different types of habitats throughout their lifecycle, and the weir was preventing that from happening. The Friends of Bradford’s Becks, a local community group, set out to restore the river environment and address this issue. We were there to help.

Yorkshire Water and The Friends of Bradford’s Becks approached our team to assess the feasibility of a new fish bypass and wetland habitat to improve navigability, biodiversity, and water quality of the area. We considered several options, with the preferred outcome being a quasi-natural pool-type fish bypass channel. This has the advantage of leaving the heritage value of the weir undisturbed and works seamlessly with a riparian wetland. A riparian wetland habitat would provide a degree of flood risk mitigation, biodiversity enhancement, water quality improvement, and social value opportunities through education and recreation.

The resulting design considered the existing landscape and offers areas for enhancement and protection. It will provide lessened impacts on in-situ vegetation and habitats, improved walkways and seating areas, and new information boards to educate visitors on the history of the area—it will also maintain views of Sam’s Mill (a Grade II listed building).

Ultimately, this design will create a harmonious blend of nature, history, and community engagement.