River Leven at Stokesley

Simple structures intended to slow the flow of the river by making it more wiggly.

Centuries of canalisation of the river and an over-enthusiastic flood prevention scheme built in the 1970s have resulted in a poor aquatic environment. The barriers have been built in conjunction with major improvements to flood alleviation upstream which should allow an increased flow diversity through the town. This will lead to a greater movement of sediment and a better habitat for wildlife such as our native white clawed Crayfish¹Stokesley Flood Alleviation Scheme February 2021 Newsletter. (n.d.). [online] Available at: https://www.stokesleytowncouncil.gov.uk/perch/resources/stokesley-fas-newsletter-feb-2021.pdf.²Defra Press Office (2020). Chancellor and Richmond MP, Rishi Sunak visits £3.7m Stokesley Flood Alleviation Scheme – Defra in the media. [online] Blog.gov.uk. Available at: https://deframedia.blog.gov.uk/2020/08/03/chancellor-and-richmond-mp-rishi-sunak-visits-3-7m-stokesley-flood-alleviation-scheme/ [Accessed 31 Jan. 2022]..

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  Stokesley Flood Alleviation Scheme February 2021 Newsletter. (n.d.). [online] Available at: https://www.stokesleytowncouncil.gov.uk/perch/resources/stokesley-fas-newsletter-feb-2021.pdf.
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  Defra Press Office (2020). Chancellor and Richmond MP, Rishi Sunak visits £3.7m Stokesley Flood Alleviation Scheme – Defra in the media. [online] Blog.gov.uk. Available at: https://deframedia.blog.gov.uk/2020/08/03/chancellor-and-richmond-mp-rishi-sunak-visits-3-7m-stokesley-flood-alleviation-scheme/ [Accessed 31 Jan. 2022].