Pond created as part of historic river restoration
Warwickshire Wildlife TrustA new phase of restoration work on a historic river will improve diversity in a city park, a trust said.
A stretch of the River Sherbourne running through Charterhouse Heritage Park in Coventry has been restructured to improve its flow.
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust said previous modifications had left the river, which flows through the heart of the city, too straight and too deep.
The work, by the Sherbourne Valley Project (SVP), included the addition of natural features, such as curves and bends, and the building of a new pond.
Specialist contractors Aquamaintain Ltd helped the SVP team with the restoration, which is part of a £3m programme of works.
The pond, which is connected to the river via a small channel, has been created south of the park's play area.
The wildlife trust said it would provide more space for wetland wildlife, such as fish, birds and insects, and serve as a refuge for young fish.
It also provided natural flood management by acting as temporary water storage, reducing the risk of flooding downstream, the trust added.
'A hidden gem'
Other restoration work at Charterhouse included the addition of gravel areas to help improve fish breeding habitats and water oxygenation.
Plans for a second phase of restoration include a new pathway being built around the pond, to create a space for reflection and education, the trust said.
Alex Jones, natural heritage officer for the SVP said: "Charterhouse Heritage Park is a real Coventry hidden gem for wildlife.
"The site already supports a huge amount of biodiversity and I'm really looking forward to seeing how the site develops now that the works are complete."
Lucy Brant from the National Trust said the park provided "valuable access" to nature in an urban area.
"These works mark a significant step towards restoring the ecological integrity of the River Sherbourne, ensuring that it remains a thriving habitat for wildlife and a valued green space," she added.
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