Local photographer Tara Kirkland has shared with us these pictures of the meltwaters at Denford. Brilliant examples of the dramatic volume of water heading towards the Churnet when we've have a bout of serious weather. Tara's pictures illustrate one of the issues the Churnet faces in terms of protecting its biodiversity. Floodwaters like this carry away any piles of woody debris and any sandy, silted areas that may have started to establish on the river bed. Woody debris and silty banks, however, provide essential habitats for some unusual plants and creatures. They need to get established, but how to give them a chance in the face of flood water like this?
Headwaters Project
One of the projects that forms part of the CVLLP programme is the Headwaters project managed by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. In short, one element of this project will see natural obstructions being placed in the Churnet's headwaters to slow the surging water and provide safe havens for plants and insects to take up residence. For 'natural obstruction' think of a huge fallen tree placed strategically on the beds of some of the Churnet's headwaters. If you strolled past you might spot the tree trunk and assume it had fallen there of its own accord, but amazingly it will have taken significant forethought and a concerted effort to get it there.
It is best to tackle watercourse issues at the source for the most effective results. The headwaters offer the best opportunities to enhance a wide range of important species and habitats.