Billingham Beck Country Park
RIVER RESTORATION
Billingham Beck Country Park is a valuable wetland habitat rich in biodiversity. Over time, however, the watercourse had been significantly altered—realigned, dredged, and confined by artificial embankments—reducing its natural function and connectivity with the surrounding floodplain. This project sought to reverse those impacts and restore more natural river processes.
Project objectives included:
- Reconnecting the beck with its floodplain to improve wet grassland habitats
- Reinstating natural flow and sediment processes
- Enhancing fish passage and ecological connectivity
Key elements of the works:
- Creating a series of breaches in existing embankments to increase the frequency of floodplain wetting
- Removing a weir and associated structures to restore natural river dynamics
- Upgrading an existing ford crossing to minimise disturbance to the riverbed and improve fish passage
- Enhancing floodplain water retention and river morphology through the installation of two woody ebris dams, selective ditch blocking, and the creation of several small scrapes
Delivered in collaboration with the Environment Agency, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, JBA Consulting, and National Highways, the project aimed to restore ecological connectivity after decades of modification. Nature Based Solutions acted as Principal Contractor, managing delivery throughout the pre-construction and construction phases in full compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
Restoring the beck’s natural flow
The removal of the weir and reinstatement of the beck on both sides of the structure presented significant challenges, largely due to prolonged periods of poor weather and repeated riverbank breaches. Once conditions improved, bypass flumes and coffer dams were installed, allowing the weir area to be safely dried out.
Following removal of the structure, 360 tonnes of clean river gravel were introduced into the channel, forming a dynamic sequence of riffles and pool habitats. The surrounding banks were carefully reprofiled to reduce steepness and improve stability, helping to establish a more natural, resilient river environment.
"The work has been well planned and delivered in an efficient and cost-effective way. Nature Based Solutions are a professional and knowledgeable organisation and are well respected in the delivery of environmental conservation work in the Tees Valley."
David Askey
Stockton‑on‑Tees Borough Council
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