39 steps to better water control

Membranes have been fitted for Somerset Rivers Authority near 39 water control structures on the Somerset Levels.

They will – temporarily – stop vegetation growing and deter water voles, so structures can be improved later this summer.

Structures at Moorlinch and Westmoor need refurbishing as part of a series of major SRA works to reduce flood risks.

These works include last year’s dredging of the River Parrett between Stathe and Burrowbridge, and moves coming up to increase the capacity of the River Sowy and King’s Sedgemoor Drain (KSD).

It is against the law to harm water voles, so vital to keep them out of harm’s way.

Experience elsewhere shows that membranes are successful in doing this – and there’s no record of them causing problems for livestock or the stability of banks.

Works on the Sowy and KSD are being delivered for the SRA by the Environment Agency.

If anybody does have concerns about the wellbeing of livestock, because of these membranes, the Environment Agency will be happy to address them.

PHOTOS: All the pictures on this page show as an example a structure on Westmoor.