Improvement plans for Clackers Brook

Work to improve the overall water quality and biodiversity of Clackers Brook is due to take place as Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) unveils plans to enhance the area for the benefit of wildlife and people around Queensway bridge in Melksham.  

The organisation has said the project will address the ecological challenges facing the brook. 

“Rivers, brooks and streams like Clackers Brook are vital lifelines for a wide array of wildlife, providing essential habitat for many species, including iconic birds like kingfishers and mammals like the endangered water vole,” explained Rebecca Clay, marketing and communications manager for WWT. 

“However, Clackers Brook has been assessed as ecologically ‘poor’ under the Water Framework Directive (WFD), legislation aimed at improving and protecting the quality of water bodies. This classification indicates that the brook’s ecological health is significantly impaired and requires restoration efforts to improve its biodiversity and overall functionality.” 

To tackle this, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has developed designs to create habitats on the brook’s banks, creating a high-quality green space for both wildlife and the public.  

“The project will involve re-profiling four small sections of the riverbank to create marginal areas suitable for planting native wildflowers,” said Rebecca. “Marginal areas are zones along the riverbank where the land transitions from water to dry ground. These areas are typically shallow, with varying levels of moisture and vegetation, creating diverse habitats for various plant and animal species. By re-profiling the riverbank, the project will create wider and more gradual marginal areas, which are essential for supporting a rich and diverse ecosystem.” 

Head of Freshwater at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Alice Eley, said, “We are excited to embark on this project to restore Clackers Brook. This initiative is a big step towards revitalising the brook’s ecological health and creating a thriving environment for both wildlife and people. By enhancing the habitat with native wildflowers and diverse vegetation, we hope to attract a greater variety of birds, insects, and other animals, while also providing a picturesque and accessible green space for the local community to connect with nature.” 

Melksham Town Council clerk Tracy Predeth said, “Melksham Town Council voted to support this project when it was first put forward. We are delighted that this work is being undertaken to the benefit of wildlife and Melksham residents.” 

The designs have been produced in collaboration with Wiltshire Council, Selwood Housing, and Melksham Town Council and have received the necessary planning permissions and environmental permits. Work is expected to commence in early July, starting with excavations, with an anticipated completion time of one week. Following the works, a volunteering event will be held for the planting of native species. 

 To find out more, please go to: https://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/restoring-clackers-brook