Bristol river restoration to reduce flooding risk and benefit wildlife

Part of Bristol’s River Malago is set to be brought above ground and restored to its natural form to reduce flooding risk in the area and improve local biodiversity.  

Bristol City Council has submitted a planning application to do so as part of its Bedminster Green regeneration scheme which is developing housing and community spaces in the area.  

Proposals include a new seating area on the existing green overlooking the river and an accessible path and boardwalk to improve access to the river’s edge.  

Cllr Nicola Beech, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Resilience and Floods, said: ‘This project is a fantastic opportunity to work collaboratively with partners on a whole systems approach to increase biodiversity and tackle flood risk management. 

‘By working together, we can restore the river and heritage features, reduce flood risk for the area, and create high quality green space for existing and future residents of the proposed homes in the surrounding Bedminster Green and Whitehouse Street developments to enjoy for years to come.’ 

It’s hoped uncovering part of the River Malago will help to support wildlife, while other measures will restore more natural conditions of the area.  

These include altering the flow speed of the river to allow a greater diversity in vegetation, widening the river corridor to provide access to wildlife, and removing or treating non-native species to allow native species to thrive.  

60% of wild invertebrates and 76% of insects have been lost globally since 1970 – Bristol committed to restoring biodiversity in 2020 to try to reverse this loss.  

The restoration will also help to mitigate flooding risk and create an extra 2,226m3 of flood storage by lowering ground levels to create a submergible area to fill in heavy rainfall. 

Metal grid bars, otherwise known as trash screens, will also be installed across the entrance to where the river flows back underground to trap debris and prevent blockages.  

To celebrate Bristol’s industrial heritage, the old penstock structure will be restored, while improvements to the rivers historic channel walls will also be made.  

If approved construction work will begin in phases from 2023 and will be coordinated with other works taking place at Bedminster Green.  

Photo provided by Bristol City Council